Leslie U. Ekpe (she/her/hers) is an assistant professor at Texas A&M University-Commerce in the Department of Higher Education and Learning Technologies. Before her role, Leslie earned her Ph.D. in Higher Educational Leadership from Texas Christian University. Through qualitative methodologies, Ekpe’s research seeks to promote access for marginalized communities in the academy and society, focusing on 1) anti-racism, 2) DEI, and 3) racial equity. Her ongoing project explores anti-DEI legislation and its effects on diversity advocates at public universities in Texas.