Senior Director of Development, Inclusive Philanthropic Engagement, Brown University

Dr. Coates joined Brown University in 2019, and serves as a major gift fundraiser and the academic liaison for the Centers for the Study of Race and Ethnicity in America, and the Study of Slavery and Justice, as well as the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity at Brown University. She is an active member of Fabulous Female Fundraisers, Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the National Association for Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE).

Dr. Coates served in various leadership roles for 25 years at the University of Notre Dame. Regional Director of Development, Enrollment Division Senior Leader, Director of Office for Outreach and Engagement and Office of Pre-College Programs, Director of Trio Upward Bound and Educational Talent Search Programs, and Recruiter for the National Consortium for Minorities in Engineering and Science. Alyssia is happily married to Jua Coates, and they have two amazing children, Ashley and Ian.

Dr. Coates is a former member of UZIMA!’s dance company.

“I accepted the call to serve as a board member because UZIMA! brought healing to my life, and I found a community to share my gifts, talents, and treasures.”