About Us
We Are The Institute For Equitable Development, Inc.
Our founders are a team of researchers, community activists, thought leaders, and concerned citizens, whose goal is to transform underserved communities through engagement, education, and restoration.
About Institute For Equitable Development, Inc.
Our Mission
Meaningful Involvement
Meaningful Involvement
To promote fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all underserved communities and individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to economic and social development.
Meaningful Involvement
Meaningful Involvement
Meaningful Involvement
All segments of the public have opportunities to participate in decisions that could affect their quality of life and their input is taken into account by government officials, regulatory agencies, and other decision-makers.
Fair Treatment
Meaningful Involvement
Fair Treatment
No group of people is forced to suffer disproportionately from industrial, governmental, or commercial development initiatives and
the benefits of development are shared equitably.
Meet Our Founders
Saundra Johnson Austin, EdD, MBA | Chief Executive Officer
Saundra Johnson Austin is a results-driven visionary leader with a stellar record of success in developing and operationalizing strategies and processes that align with an organization’s vision and mission. She has 25 years of experience in corporate America, secondary and post-secondary education, community and workforce development, policy, and the non-profit sectors. Dr. Johnson Austin earned and Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University, an MBA from the University of Notre Dame, and a Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California. In 2015, she was named Penn State’s Outstanding Engineering Alumnus in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Dr. Johnson Austin has presented and published papers on broadening the participation of underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and careers.
James B. Stewart, PhD | Executive Vice President For Research
Dr. Stewart is a trailblazer as the inaugural Vice Provost for Educational Equity of The Pennsylvania State University from 1990-1998. During his tenure he produced the university’s first diversity strategic plan, “A Framework to Forster Diversity at Penn State: 1998-2003.” Upon retiring in 2009 from Penn State, Dr. Stewart became Professor of Labor Studies and Employment Relations, African and African American Studies, and Management and Organization. He has extensive experience in diversity management research in the public sector and the U.S. military. Most notable is the annual analyses for the Department of Defense of the Military Equal Opportunity Assessments (MEOAs) submitted by each branch of the U.S. military. In addition, Dr. Stewart is the author and co-author of several books on the study of discrimination related to housing, race and culture. Dr. Stewart earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and a Master’s degree and Ph.D. in economics from Cleveland State University and the University of Notre Dame, respectively.
Caryl J. Sheffield, EdD | Executive Vice President for Education
Dr. Sheffield has a wide range of experience in educational consulting, training, project management, strategic planning, international education, accreditation, and assessment. As a Fulbright Scholar at the University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica, she spent six months on the island as an educational technology consultant for teacher educators and their students. As an educator with over 40 years of experience, Dr. Sheffield earned a bachelor’s degree in Special Education from California University of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree in Counselor Education from Slippery Rock University, and a doctorate in Instructional Design and Technology from the University of Pittsburgh. In addition, she holds certifications in special education (K-12), elementary education (K-6) and elementary guidance. Dr. Sheffield recently retired after 24 years at California University of Pennsylvania, where she served in the positions of Associate Provost, Associate Vice President in the Office of Academic Affairs, and professor and chair of the Childhood Education Department. .
Our Partners
