Leading as an advocate and mentor by bailey black
CHARLESIAH
MCLEAN ’99
u.s. head of diversity
and inclusion, talent attraction and
engagement
NOVARTIS
“Leadership is the ability to unleash the true power of human capital,” said Charlesiah McLean ’99, Ed.D. Leadership has been a core value throughout McLean’s career and a skill he strengthened as a student at Radford University. McLean served as a Student Support Services advisor, president of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity and president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. These experiences allowed him to develop strong leadership fundamentals and thrive professionally in various industries, including finance, retail, defense, and pharmaceuticals. McLean started his career in education as a middle school teacher in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. During the summer months, he worked in diversity and inclusion for the Northwest Education Center, which led him to the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, where he served as area director for health careers and workforce diversity. “Starting in education allowed me to tap into my passion for helping others as a diversity and inclusion champion, advocate and practitioner,” McLean said.
26 The Magazine of Radford University