On Thursday, May 17, 2018, a ceiling shattering scholar made history as she walked across the stage at the University of the Virgin Islands. On this day, Dr. Ashley Christina Goodwin became the first African-American woman to be awarded a doctorate with a focus on Creative Leadership for Innovation and Change, which is the first ever doctoral program of its kind. “I’m still in awe that I have seen this accomplishment all the way through,” said Dr. Goodwin when asked what it felt like to break such a barrier. “I’m a woman who sought out to achieve the impossible, and come out a champion, that just goes to show that we are all unstoppable if we just believe!”
Dr. Goodwin’s research in Cognitive Diversity Appreciation stems from 11 years of consulting work, developing programming and training corporations – both domestic and international – on creative problem solving and diversity. She is the Chief Diversity and Innovation Specialist at the Maverick Agency, “Where Innovation and Inclusivity Live.” She continues to make her mark on the world by fostering a creative climate that many organizations need to thrive in our global economy. Dr. Goodwin is truly a pioneer in her field.