Adrienne Lawson

Dr. Adrienne Lawson, a native of Los Angeles, is a first-generation college student who started at Sacramento City College. She then transferred to San Jose State University where she received a BA in Sociology, with a minor in Criminology. At Sacramento State University, she completed a MA in Bilingual Multicultural Education and in 2011 she received her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies.  Dr. Lawson’s professional career has been in academia for over 30 years beginning at San Jose State University, followed by Sacramento State University, Oregon Health & Science University, and UC Davis Health.

 

In October 2020, Dr. Lawson left academia to serve at PRIDE Industries as the Senior Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. PRIDE Industries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social enterprise and one of the largest employers for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. Dr. Lawson’s professional career centers on leadership development, diversity, equity and inclusion, recruitment and retention best practices, restorative justice practices, and mentorship. Her experiences drive her passion to empower, uplift, encourage, provide visibility, and to advocate for justice and equitable opportunities for those underserved and most vulnerable. One of her favorite mentoring quotes is by Oprah Winfrey, “A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.” 

  

Dr. Lawson credits her academic success to her faith and the many mentors in her life that saw something in her that she did not see in herself. When not at work, she enjoys personal prayer and bible study, community service, mentoring, traveling, walking her dog, Daisy, and spending time with her family and friends. Dr. Lawson is married with two adult children, two godchildren, several bonus adult children, and grandchildren.