Executive Leader. Storyteller. Advocate. Keynote Speaker. Author.
Autumn A. Arnett is a nonprofit executive, diversity consultant, and communications and marketing strategist with a deep passion for equity in education. As a leader, she leverages the power of storytelling to help inspire audiences to drive change in mission-driven organizations. Leaning on her early career experiences in journalism, she is driven by one fundamental question: How can we employ the language of the audience and use communications as a tool to advance equity in education and nonprofit spaces?
From the boardroom to the frontlines of advocacy, Autumn has spent her career amplifying marginalized voices, shaping narratives, and building strategic initiatives that foster real, lasting change. Her expertise in organizational growth, branding, and stakeholder engagement has helped numerous organizations, from nonprofits to K-12 and higher educational institutions expand their reach and deepen their impact—all while centering equity to create better outcomes for all.
She is the 2022 winner of the Special Contributions to Equity Award by the American Consortium for Equity in Education, and the 2020 recipient of the Chairman’s Award for Leadership Excellence from the National Bar Association’s Young Leaders Division. Autumn is a frequently sought-after speaker on topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion in K-12 and higher education, and has provided training through federal agencies to support efforts to increase public scholarship. Her first book, "Let's Stop Calling it an Achievement Gap," explores the systemic issues that impact equity in education.
But beyond the titles and accolades, Autumn is fueled by a personal mission—to make the world a better place for children who look like her. She understands that equity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a responsibility, a commitment, and a call to action. Whether she’s advising organizations, crafting compelling campaigns, or leading teams through transformational change, she brings an unwavering dedication to justice and opportunity for all.
From the boardroom to the frontlines of advocacy, Autumn has spent her career amplifying marginalized voices, shaping narratives, and building strategic initiatives that foster real, lasting change. Her expertise in organizational growth, branding, and stakeholder engagement has helped numerous organizations, from nonprofits to K-12 and higher educational institutions expand their reach and deepen their impact—all while centering equity to create better outcomes for all.
She is the 2022 winner of the Special Contributions to Equity Award by the American Consortium for Equity in Education, and the 2020 recipient of the Chairman’s Award for Leadership Excellence from the National Bar Association’s Young Leaders Division. Autumn is a frequently sought-after speaker on topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion in K-12 and higher education, and has provided training through federal agencies to support efforts to increase public scholarship. Her first book, "Let's Stop Calling it an Achievement Gap," explores the systemic issues that impact equity in education.
But beyond the titles and accolades, Autumn is fueled by a personal mission—to make the world a better place for children who look like her. She understands that equity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a responsibility, a commitment, and a call to action. Whether she’s advising organizations, crafting compelling campaigns, or leading teams through transformational change, she brings an unwavering dedication to justice and opportunity for all.
Memberships and Service
Autumn is a professional member of EdLOC (Education Leaders of Color), the American Consortium for Equity in Education, and an affiliate member of the National Association of Black Journalists. She recently served as an adviser for Great Schools, and an adviser for the American Council on Education's work on race in higher education. Locally, she serves on the school advisory council at her children's school, and has served on the school district's gifted and talented advisory council. She was also an inaugural commissioner on and helped to establish the Pflugerville (TX) Equity Commission.
Autumn is a jazz lover, sports fan (Washington Nationals and Capitals, Philadephia Eagles, and Texas Longhorns), and a passionate advocate for historically Black colleges and universities.
She's a sunset chaser, an inequity eraser, and above else, does her very best to embody the dual mottos of her alma mater, "Culture for Service" and "I'll Find a Way or Make One."
Autumn is a jazz lover, sports fan (Washington Nationals and Capitals, Philadephia Eagles, and Texas Longhorns), and a passionate advocate for historically Black colleges and universities.
She's a sunset chaser, an inequity eraser, and above else, does her very best to embody the dual mottos of her alma mater, "Culture for Service" and "I'll Find a Way or Make One."
