Maureen Benson, Educator, and Organizational Leader

With extensive experience building and leading social impact organizations, I am dedicated to the ongoing work of Transmuting white supremacy and patriarchy in both my personal and professional life. From my time as a high school teacher and principal in Oakland, CA, to serving as the COO of a national racial equity organization, I’ve been at the forefront of systemic transformation. As a facilitator and coach, I work with executive teams, boards, and staff to guide organizations toward true racial equity and inclusive leadership.

In community, I’ve also served as a Police Commissioner and organizer, focusing on ending police violence against marginalized communities—especially Black people who bear the brunt of state violence.

After 30+ years in education and social impact work, I am even more committed to reshaping our systems, both governmental and educational, to dismantle the historical disparities that continue to harm marginalized communities. The tools of Cultivating Intersectional Leadership are my commitment to a lifetime of unlearning and transformation.