Dr. T.J. Niño

A Bit About T.J.

Dr. T.J. Niño is not your typical academic—she’s a dynamic force in the world of organizational
leadership with a passion for shaking things up (in the best possible way). With over 20 years of
collective experience under her belt, Dr. Niño has mastered the art of transforming organizations
through strategic learning initiatives, culture shifts, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
(DEIB) efforts. She holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from The Chicago School of Professional
Psychology, and her journey in education also includes a Master's in Organizational Psychology and a
Bachelor's in Psychology/Criminal Justice.

Currently, as the Director of Training at Gateway Foundation, Dr. Niño has the exciting opportunity to
build out the learning function from scratch. She has already begun collecting data from staff to assess
their needs and has developed a comprehensive three-year strategic learning and development plan. This
strategy is poised to further elevate the organization by offering optimal professional development
opportunities, ensuring that Gateway Foundation remains a leader in fostering employee growth and
organizational excellence.

In her previous roles, Dr. Niño didn’t just oversee programs—she revolutionized them. She spearheaded
a comprehensive learning philosophy that was adopted across a global enterprise, resulting in a 20%
increase in leadership effectiveness (yes, you read that right!). Whether launching new LMS systems or
conducting needs assessments, Dr. Niño approached each challenge with an innovative mindset, always
aiming to create an environment where leaders thrive and employees grow.

But wait, there’s more! Dr. Niño’s expertise isn’t confined to just one organization. As an independent
business consultant since 2012, she has provided her strategic insights to numerous agencies, driving
organizational effectiveness and policy development through thorough evaluations and a deep
understanding of cultural dynamics. From advising on change management initiatives to leading
diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, she’s a jack-of-all-trades with a laser focus on making workplaces
better.

When she’s not busy transforming organizations, you might find Dr. Niño sharing her knowledge at
national conferences, leading engaging discussions as an adjunct professor, or inspiring the next
generation of leaders through her work on various advisory boards.

With a blend of professional expertise, a commitment to equity, and a dash of fun, Dr. T.J. Niño is the
organizational leader you didn’t know you needed—but now won’t want to live without. Whether you’re
looking to elevate your leadership programs, drive a culture shift, or simply want to chat about how to
make your workplace a better place for everyone, Dr. Niño is the person to call.