This session will discuss the ever-changing landscape of higher education and navigating varying state priorities that are demanding colleges and universities re-examine DEI efforts and prioritize strategies to cultivate a sense of belonging for student-centered outcomes.

 

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  • Allana Forte Senior Vice President, Legal Counsel, CCO, and Chief People and Culture Officer at Jacksonville University

    Allana Forté serves as the Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Culture Officer, and Legal Counsel at Jacksonville University.

    Prior to returning to Jacksonville, Allana served as the Associate Vice Chancellor of Enrollment and Director of Admission at the University of Denver. She also served as the Director of Admission at Jacksonville University and Florida Coastal School of Law. Ms. Forté’s work portfolio includes criminal law and civil litigation. She has worked for two Fortune 500 companies - Merrill Lynch Global and Citibank Global.

    As a trained advocate, Allana considers her transition to higher education seamless, as she went from advocating for her clients to advocating for students. Allana admits “while practicing law is stressful, basing my career on the decisions of 17-year-old student(s) may be one of the greatest challenges of my life. I am excited to advocate for students through policy change, equity compliance and impacting systemic change.”

    Ms. Forté’s passions include social justice work and community mentorship. In 2021, Jacksonville Mayor, Lenny Curry appointed her to the Jacksonville Human Rights Commission where she serves as Chair of the Employment Commission. She also serves on the Library Foundation Board and the United Way Community Impact Council. Ms. Forté is also a member of the Jacksonville Women’s Network and the University of Florida Alumni Board, where she serves as a co-chair for the Historic Gator Club of St. Augustine. Allana loves to travel nationally and internationally and prides herself on traveling to 48 states. In her spare time, she teaches Higher Education Law and Policy at Colorado State University and enjoys yoga, poetry, listening to podcast, watching Jeopardy, and hosting game night for her family.

    Allana Forte

    Allana Forté serves as the Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Culture Officer, and Legal Counsel at Jacksonville University.

    Prior to returning to Jacksonville, Allana served as the Associate Vice Chancellor of Enrollment and Director of Admission at the University of Denver. She also served as the Director of Admission at Jacksonville University and Florida Coastal School of Law. Ms. Forté’s work portfolio includes criminal law and civil litigation. She has worked for two Fortune 500 companies - Merrill Lynch Global and Citibank Global.

    As a trained advocate, Allana considers her transition to higher education seamless, as she went from advocating for her clients to advocating for students. Allana admits “while practicing law is stressful, basing my career on the decisions of 17-year-old student(s) may be one of the greatest challenges of my life. I am excited to advocate for students through policy change, equity compliance and impacting systemic change.”

    Ms. Forté’s passions include social justice work and community mentorship. In 2021, Jacksonville Mayor, Lenny Curry appointed her to the Jacksonville Human Rights Commission where she serves as Chair of the Employment Commission. She also serves on the Library Foundation Board and the United Way Community Impact Council. Ms. Forté is also a member of the Jacksonville Women’s Network and the University of Florida Alumni Board, where she serves as a co-chair for the Historic Gator Club of St. Augustine. Allana loves to travel nationally and internationally and prides herself on traveling to 48 states. In her spare time, she teaches Higher Education Law and Policy at Colorado State University and enjoys yoga, poetry, listening to podcast, watching Jeopardy, and hosting game night for her family.

Watch the recording.