Dr. Denise Williams Mallett is an accomplished higher education executive, strategic consultant and now author with more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning student affairs, academic support, policy development, and organizational strategy. She currently serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees at Central Michigan University, where she also chairs the Policy and Bylaws Committee. Throughout her career, Dr. Mallett has been a strong advocate for women and communities of color, leading transformational initiatives in both faith-based and public institutions.
Denise is the Co-Founder and Senior Partner at Marygrove Consulting, where she specializes in grant writing, evaluation, and leadership coaching for Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs). She has served as an external evaluator and advisor on major federal grants, including PPOHA, HSI and PBI programs, and has guided multiple colleges through sustainable planning, strategic redesign, and equity-centered institutional transformation.
Her commitment to empowering women in leadership is evident not only in her professional roles but also in her debut book, The Village Effect: Leadership, Faith, and the Power of Community. The book centers the experiences of women of color, offering a unique blend of leadership strategy, spiritual insight, and storytelling. Dr. Mallett is also building a brand ecosystem around The Village Effect to include workshops, community gatherings, and coaching offerings for emerging and seasoned leaders alike.
A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, The Links Incorporated and an active leader at Plymouth United Church of Christ in Detroit, Dr. Mallett brings a deep sense of purpose, integrity, and faith to all areas of her work. She holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation and has served in leadership roles across multiple institutions including Catholic, Jesuits, and public universities.
With a career marked by resilience, impact, and advocacy, Dr. Mallett is passionate about mentoring the next generation of women leaders—particularly those navigating the intersections of race, gender, and purpose-driven leadership.