Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Jillian Whatley
Hi Dr. Jillian , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Dr. Jillian Whatley’s journey is rooted in a rich legacy of educators who inspired her deep commitment to education and the empowerment of leadership to drive necessary changes that improve student achievement. Growing up in a family where the value of education was paramount, Dr. Whatley was naturally drawn to the field, seeing it as a vital avenue for societal impact.
Her academic path began at Miles College in Birmingham, Alabama, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. This foundation set the stage for further studies, leading her to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she obtained a Master of Science in Education. Eager to specialize in an area close to her heart, Dr. Whatley pursued a Master of Arts in Developmental Psychology and a Specialist degree in School Psychology at Gallaudet University, both with an emphasis on deafness. During this time, she became proficient in American Sign Language, further broadening her ability to connect with diverse student populations.
Driven by a desire to address systemic issues within education, Dr. Whatley completed her doctoral degree at Mercer University in 2018, focusing her dissertation on “Implicit bias as a contributing factor to the disproportionality of African Americans in special education: The promise of a bias literacy intervention.” This work highlighted her commitment to equity and inclusion in education, issues that have remained central to her professional endeavors.
Dr. Whatley’s career as a School Psychologist took her to Gwinnett County Public Schools in Georgia and Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland, where she honed her skills in psychological services. Her leadership capabilities soon led to her roles as Coordinator of Psychological Services for Atlanta Public Schools and Executive Director of Student Support Services in Clarke County Public Schools, Athens, GA.
Her quest for leadership excellence led Dr. Whatley to complete the AASA Urban Superintendent Program at Howard University. Currently, she serves as the Director of Professional Learning at The Center for Model Schools, a division of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, where she influences educational practices on a national scale. Her role as an adjunct professor at Georgia State University and Anderson University, and as an instructor and Implicit Bias Expert for the Academy of Creative Coaching, underscores her commitment to developing future leaders in education.
In addition to her professional roles, Dr. Whatley founded Jillian Whatley and Associates, LLC, through which she offers consulting services to educational institutions, private entities, and non-profit organizations, focusing on diversity and inclusion, implicit bias, and organizational trauma and resilience.
Dr. Whatley’s impact extends beyond her professional life. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the Junior League of Atlanta, where she contributed to initiatives on Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking. In the Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton, she leads Junior League University, further demonstrating her leadership in community service. Her commitment to safety and empowerment led to her involvement with Revved Up Kids, where she served as a board member, and she was honored with the 2021 Jack and Jill of America Shero award for her work in eliminating racial barriers in Gwinnett and Dekalb Counties.
Dr. Whatley is also recognized as an alumna of Leadership Athens Class of 2022 and was recently appointed as an Advisory Board Member for Partnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV) in June 2024.
Balancing her professional and personal life, Dr. Whatley is a proud mother who enjoys dancing, reading, and traveling. Her recent venture into authorship with the children’s book “Where is My Teacher,” which addresses children’s grief, reflects her ongoing dedication to the well-being and development of young minds.
Her journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication to education, leadership, and community service, embodying the values of empowerment, inclusion, and resilience that she has championed throughout her career.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to “Dr. J” was strategically organized by God, but it was not without its trials and tribulations. Like many who strive to make a meaningful impact, my journey has been marked by challenges that tested my resolve and shaped my character. From navigating the complexities of higher education to balancing the demands of professional growth with personal responsibilities, there were moments where the path seemed steep and unyielding.
One of the significant struggles I faced was overcoming the barriers of implicit bias, both in my academic pursuits and in my professional career. As an African American woman in the field of education and psychology, I often encountered obstacles that required me to not only prove my competence but also challenge the systemic inequities that exist within these spaces. This fueled my passion to address these issues head-on in my doctoral research and continues to drive my work in diversity, inclusion, and bias literacy.
Additionally, balancing the demands of leadership roles with my commitment to family and personal growth was not always easy. There were times when the pressure felt overwhelming, and I had to rely on my faith, resilience, and support system to keep moving forward. But each struggle served a purpose, teaching me valuable lessons about perseverance, empathy, and the importance of staying true to my mission.
Despite the challenges, I’ve come to realize that the road less traveled is often the most rewarding. The obstacles I’ve faced have not only made me stronger but have also deepened my commitment to empowering others to overcome their own challenges. It’s this journey, with all its twists and turns, that has shaped who I am today and continues to guide my work in making a difference in the lives of students, educators, and leaders
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Jillian Whatley and Associates, LLC?
Jillian Whatley and Associates, LLC was born out of a vision to create meaningful change in educational institutions, private entities, and non-profit organizations by addressing some of the most pressing issues of our time—diversity, inclusion, implicit bias, organizational trauma, and resilience. Founded by Dr. Jillian Whatley, a seasoned educator, psychologist, and leader with a profound commitment to equity, the company is dedicated to helping organizations navigate the complexities of these critical areas to build more inclusive and resilient communities.
Dr. Whatley’s journey to establishing her consulting firm was fueled by years of experience in education and leadership, where she witnessed firsthand the impact of systemic biases and the urgent need for targeted interventions. With a background that includes leadership roles in some of the nation’s largest and most diverse school districts, as well as an academic career focused on psychological services and implicit bias, Dr. Whatley recognized the gap between theory and practice in addressing these challenges. Jillian Whatley and Associates, LLC was created to bridge that gap.
At the heart of the firm’s work is a deep understanding of trauma-informed practices. Dr. Whatley and her team specialize in helping organizations recognize and respond to the impact of trauma on individuals and groups. This work is essential in creating environments where employees, students, and community members can feel safe, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. By integrating trauma-informed strategies into organizational culture, Jillian Whatley and Associates, LLC helps clients build resilience, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
Leadership development is another cornerstone of the firm’s offerings. Dr. Whatley believes that effective leadership is the key to driving positive change within any organization. Through customized coaching, workshops, and training programs, Jillian Whatley and Associates, LLC equips leaders with the skills they need to navigate complex challenges, make informed decisions, and inspire their teams. This includes a strong focus on emotional intelligence—an essential component of effective leadership. By fostering self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal skills, the firm helps leaders in all spaces—from corporate executives to school administrators—create more connected, motivated, and productive teams.
In addition to its focus on trauma-informed practices and leadership development, the firm is also deeply committed to helping organizations build emotional intelligence at every level. Understanding and managing emotions is critical in today’s fast-paced and often stressful work environments. Dr. Whatley and her team provide tools and strategies to help leaders and employees alike develop their emotional intelligence, leading to better communication, stronger relationships, and improved performance.
One of the core offerings of Jillian Whatley and Associates, LLC is its work in bias literacy and intervention. Drawing on Dr. Whatley’s extensive research and practical experience, the firm provides workshops, training sessions, and consulting services that help organizations identify and address implicit biases that may be hindering their progress. These initiatives are designed to foster greater awareness and understanding, leading to more equitable practices and policies.
What sets Jillian Whatley and Associates, LLC apart is its holistic approach. Dr. Whatley understands that lasting change requires more than just surface-level solutions. It involves addressing the underlying issues that contribute to inequality and dysfunction within organizations. This is why the firm places a strong emphasis on collaboration, working alongside clients to not only identify problems but also to implement sustainable solutions that align with their long-term goals.
As the founder and principal consultant, Dr. Whatley brings a unique blend of academic rigor, practical experience, and a deep passion for social justice to every project. Her work is guided by the belief that true change is possible when organizations are willing to confront their challenges head-on and commit to the hard work of transformation.
Jillian Whatley and Associates, LLC has quickly gained a reputation for its innovative approach and its ability to deliver results. The firm’s impact can be seen in the positive changes within the organizations it serves, from improved diversity and inclusion metrics to more resilient and emotionally intelligent teams.
In a world where the need for equity, resilience, and strong leadership has never been greater, Jillian Whatley and Associates, LLC stands as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change, helping organizations move beyond the status quo to create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, I’m excited about the future and the opportunities to expand the impact of Jillian Whatley and Associates, LLC. One of my primary goals is to broaden the scope of our services to include parent coaching. I believe that empowering parents with the tools and strategies to support their children’s development is crucial, especially in today’s complex educational landscape. By helping parents navigate challenges, we can create stronger support systems that benefit not only individual families but also the broader community.
In addition to parent coaching, I’m eager to deepen our focus on leadership coaching. Strong leadership is the cornerstone of any successful organization, and I want to ensure that leaders across all sectors have the guidance they need to foster environments of growth, inclusivity, and resilience. By expanding our leadership coaching services, I hope to cultivate more leaders who are not only effective in their roles but also deeply committed to creating positive change.
Another key area I’m planning to focus on is helping organizations with culture and climate. A thriving organizational culture is essential for success, yet many organizations struggle with issues that hinder their growth. I’m passionate about working with organizations to identify and address these challenges, helping them to build cultures where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to contribute their best.
Moreover, I’m excited to introduce a new branch of my business that will assist parents in selecting schools that are the best fit for their child’s unique psychological profile and strengths. This service will empower parents with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their child’s education, ensuring that each child is placed in an environment where they can thrive both academically and emotionally.
On a more personal note, I’m also planning to write more books. These books will delve into specific areas that often impede organizations from developing thriving cultures, offering insights and strategies to overcome these barriers. Writing has always been a powerful way for me to share my knowledge and experiences, and I’m excited to continue contributing to the conversation on how we can build stronger, more inclusive, and resilient organizations.
Overall, the future is about growth and impact—expanding the reach of my business, deepening the services we offer, and continuing to contribute to the fields of leadership, education, and organizational development. I’m looking forward to the journey ahead and the positive changes we’ll create along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jillianwhatley.com/
- Instagram: Dr. Jillian Whatley
