Yasmene Mumby

Dr. Yasmene Mumby is a sustainable leadership advisor, writer, and keynote speaker whose work focuses on organizational strategy, equity, and well-being. Mumby graduated from McDonogh School and earned a bachelor's degree in international studies and a master's degree in teaching from Johns Hopkins University, a JD from University of Maryland School of Law, and a doctorate in education leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education. Before entering consulting, Mumby advanced from teacher to national director of organizing partnerships and strategy at Leadership for Educational Equity. As a community organizer, she led campaigns with more than 3,000 parent, teacher, and student leaders, including efforts to secure filtered lead-free water for students, organize teachers in contract negotiations, prevent $150 million in operational budget cuts, and secure up to $1 billion for school rebuilding.

Mumby's transition to sustainable leadership consulting was influenced by a personal health challenge that resulted in temporary vision loss due to burnout. This experience prompted her to prioritize well-being and informed her professional philosophy and methodology. She founded the consulting firm The Ringgold and served as director of communications for Advanced Education Research & Development Fund, integrating her approach to sustainable leadership into her work.

Organizations engage Mumby and The Ringgold to consult on strategic communications, equity, and research initiatives. She developed "The Easeful Leader: The Method For Sustainable Leadership Skills For Long-Term Career Success," which combines academic and wellness principles to coach executives, managers, and business owners. With more than 15 years of experience across sectors, Mumby has worked with organizations such as the ACLU, International Rescue Committee, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Harvard Radcliffe Institute, Faith in Action, and Working Families Party.

Mumby is also a writer and multimedia creator who amplifies underrepresented voices. She created the NPR-hosted audio documentary "Higher Purpose," which explores employment opportunities for individuals with legal system records in Baltimore. Her sound art piece "Ahimsa" is an audio memoir on yoga, wellness, and Black lives. Creative Capital featured her audio project "Daughters of the Yam and the Mothers They Become" on its On Our Radar list. Mumby co-authored "Empowering School Leaders to Thrive" with the Principal Impact Collaborative, focusing on holistic leadership development and well-being for school leaders.

As a keynote speaker, Mumby addresses issues facing women in the workplace, including the disproportionate burdens women face to access equal opportunities, a dynamic she refers to as a "risk tax." Her perspectives have been featured in CNBC, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and Essence, establishing her as a recognized advocate for sustainable, human-centered leadership.