Sislena Grocer Ledbetter

The Wisdom of Wellbeing: Reimagining Inclusive Excellence

What if wellbeing is more than an outcome to be measured? What if it is a source of wisdom that should shape how we lead, teach, and build our institutions? This keynote explores the relationship between inclusive excellence and organizational wellbeing, challenging participants to consider how cultures of belonging, justice, and mattering create the conditions for individuals and communities to thrive. Drawing from psychology, leadership, and higher education, Dr. Ledbetter invites us to rethink wellbeing not as an initiative, but as the foundation for institutional excellence.

Bio

Sislena Grocer Ledbetter, Ph.D., is a social psychologist, lecturer, and author. She earned her degrees with honors, receiving her bachelor’s from North Carolina Central University and both her master’s and doctoral degrees in psychology from Howard University. Her post-graduate work includes advanced training in educational leadership at Georgetown University's School of Continuing Studies and the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Dr. Ledbetter’s career spans the nonprofit, corporate, and government sectors, with over two decades of leadership in higher education. She has served as Director of Counseling and Student Development, Associate Vice President of Student Development, and Associate Vice President of Counseling, Health, and presently serves as the Vice Provost of Student Affairs at Wellbeing at Western Washington
University.

A champion for behavioral health equity, Dr. Ledbetter has secured millions in grant funding to support peer-led initiatives addressing HIV/AIDS, substance use, veterans’ mental health, suicide prevention, and domestic violence.

She serves on several nonprofit boards and is past chair of the United States Health Promoting Campuses Network, a national initiative focused on embedding wellbeing into campus culture.

Dr. Ledbetter enjoys inspiring others to lead with purpose and care. She enjoys time with her three sons, watching movies, and long walks listening to ‘90s hip hop, reggae, or a good auSislena Grocer Ledbetter, Ph.D. is a social psychologist, higher education leader, lecturer, and author. She earned her bachelor's degree with honors from North Carolina Central University and both her master's and doctoral degrees in psychology from Howard University. Her post-graduate work includes advanced leadership studies at Georgetown University's School of Continuing Studies and the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

With more than two decades of executive leadership across the nonprofit, corporate, government, and higher education sectors, Dr. Ledbetter has served in roles including Director of Counseling and Student Development, Associate Vice President of Student Development, Associate Vice President of Counseling, Health, and Wellbeing, and currently serves as Vice Provost for Student Affairs at Western Washington University.

A nationally recognized advocate for behavioral health and organizational wellbeing, Dr. Ledbetter has secured millions of dollars in grant funding to expand access to peer-led initiatives addressing HIV/AIDS, substance use, veterans' mental health, suicide prevention, and domestic violence. Her work focuses on creating healthier, more equitable systems where individuals and communities can thrive.

Dr. Ledbetter has served on numerous nonprofit boards and previously chaired the United States Health Promoting Campuses Network, a national organization dedicated to embedding health and wellbeing into the culture, policies, and practices of colleges
and universities.

An engaging speaker and educator, Dr. Ledbetter is passionate about helping individuals and organizations lead with courage, purpose, and care. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time with her three sons, watching movies, taking long walks, and listening to '90s hip-hop, reggae, or a great audiobook.