Kathleen Yang-Clayton

Research Informed, Mission Driven, & Social Sector Leadership → Fostering Learning Cultures to Promote Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Kathleen Yang-Clayton

Kathleen Yang-Clayton is a Senior Research Fellow at the Great Cities Institute and a member of several national initiatives that integrate public administration and racial equity, including the Kettering Foundation, the National League of Cities, and the International City/County Management Association.1 3 5 6 7 8

She joined the Department of Public Administration faculty of the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) in 2017 after extensive experience in legislative advocacy and voter education, engagement, and mobilization.1 3 From 2021-2023, she served as Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at her college, leading initial efforts to implement racial equity plans.1 4

Her current work focuses on the operationalizing of racial equity practices inside large public organizations, with the aim of increasing public trust in government and improving performance, especially in historically marginalized communities.1 2 3 6

Prior to joining UIC, Dr. Yang-Clayton led voting rights and voter mobilization work for Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Chicago, where she helped pass landmark legislation expanding voting rights and strengthening election systems in Illinois.1 3

She graduated from the University of Chicago with her undergraduate degree in political science and doctorate in sociology.1