High School
Tenacity Challenge
is April 4th, 2026!

Kalise Wornum, Ed.D., is a nationally recognized keynote speaker, educational leader, workshop facilitator, and author specializing in anti-racist

education and cultural proficiency. A Boston native, Kalise’s journey in education began as a student in Massachusetts’ METCO Program—a voluntary desegregation initiative. Her formative years navigating the complexities of being a high-achieving Black student in a predominantly white suburban school district sparked a lifelong commitment to equity in education.

Drawing from her personal experiences and professional expertise, Kalise trains students, educators, and administrators on the critical importance of representation, cultural competency, and inclusive practices in the classroom. A graduate of Lexington Public Schools, she uses her lived experience to inform her dynamic workshops and thought-provoking presentations. Kalise holds a B.A. in Humanities and Interpersonal Communication from

Bradford College, an M.A. in Educational Administration from the University of Vermont, and earned her Doctorate in Education in 2017. She is a

licensed administrator and holds a Certificate of Educational Leadership from Boston University’s Education Collaborative. Her professional background
includes positions at various colleges and universities, giving her deep insight into the American
educational system.

For sixteen years, Kalise served as Director of the METCO Program in Wellesley Public Schools, and later as Executive Director of Empowering Multicultural Initiatives—roles that expanded her reach across New England. These experiences reinforced her belief in the power of
professional development, cultural awareness, and honest dialogue in transforming school communities.

Motivated by the persistent racial academic achievement gap, Kalise founded Consulting With Kalise Inc., a consulting firm dedicated to advancing cultural proficiency and facilitating courageous conversations around race and identity. Her signature ten-hour foundational course has become a trusted framework for school systems striving to create equitable learning environments.

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Kalise is known for her high-energy delivery, authenticity, and deep connection with her audiences. Her presentations blend research-based best practices with real-world application, helping educators confront and dismantle systemic barriers to student success. She is powerful in her delivery, professional in her approach, and unwavering in her passion for educational justice. In her own words:

“It is my mission as an educator to help teachers recognize where race and learning intersect—and to eradicate all forms of racism from the classroom. This is my life’s work. When we commit to this journey, the true beauty of teaching and learning is unlocked for both student and teacher.”