Emerald Archer
Equity Driven. Future Focused.
“… thoughtful and transformative speaker on gender equity and parity, diversity and inclusion.”
- Lindy Huang Werges, Riot Games
About me
I’m currently the Director of Academic Programs and Program Innovation at the University of California, Irvine’s Division of Continuing Education, where I lead the development of cutting-edge, workforce-aligned programs designed to meet the evolving needs of adult learners and industry partners. This role brings together my passion for inclusive education, program strategy, and equity-driven leadership—and marks an exciting new chapter in my mission to make learning more accessible, agile, and impactful.
Previously, I served as the Chief Program Officer at Girls Inc. of Orange County, where I channeled over 15 years of research and advocacy into advancing gender equity. My work there focused on dismantling systemic barriers and building bold, research-based programming that empowered girls to navigate and lead in historically inequitable spaces.
Before that, I was an Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for the Advancement of Women at Mount Saint Mary’s University, where I led national research and policy initiatives to advance gender equity in education, work, and leadership. I also served as Executive Director of the Women’s College Coalition, advocating for women’s universities across North America and creating collaborative strategies for institutional sustainability and innovation.
My earlier career includes serving as Associate Dean and professor at Woodbury University, with scholarly work focused on gender, militarization, and institutional bias. I’m the author of Women, Warfare and Representation: American Servicewomen in the Twentieth Century, and a frequent keynote speaker and media contributor (NPR, Vox, Good Day LA, Inc.com).
In addition to my academic and nonprofit leadership, I consult with companies like Hulu and Luxury Brand Partners to help build more inclusive and equitable workplaces. I hold a Ph.D. in Political Science from UC Santa Barbara—and I remain deeply committed to transforming institutions so that equity is not an initiative, but a norm.
Work With Me
I leverage my experience as a researcher to help others reimagine their workplace to be diverse and gender equitable. If you are interested in exploring strategies to empower your colleagues and create a more dynamic and diverse corporate culture, I can help you achieve your goals. Through collaboration, we can craft a strategy to create a more equitable workforce, improve your ROI, and make a positive impact in your community.
Subject Matter Expertise
Be informed. Shift culture.
As an author and advocate, I am routinely called upon as an expert contributor for popular press articles, podcasts, and documentaries. I also give keynote presentations, serve as an expert panelist, and moderate conversations between experts across industries at national conferences. My presentations cover a variety of topics, from phenomena like implicit bias and cumulative disadvantage in the workplace, diversity fatigue in an era of Diversity & Inclusion initiatives, initiatives specific to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) populations, and creating inclusive workplace cultures.
You Monitor What You Measure
Services that will enhance your organization
As a consultant, I offer a variety of services that will enhance your organization. Through research, workshops, and executive trainings, l provide you with the expertise and tools to (1) understand the health of your own corporate climate with respect to gender equity and diversity, (2) identify and combat implicit bias in the workplace, and (3) chart a strategic path forward to effectively grow your organization, retain talent, and create successful gender equity/diversity workplace initiatives. Don't see services that you are looking for? Let’s work together to create bespoke materials and presentations to ensure your success.
Reach Out
Let's work together to make our organizations and public spaces more equitable for all. Contact me if you are interested in consulting services, writing projects, or booking me as a speaker. If you are interested in bespoke services, contact me to start the conversation.