Dr. Ness is a specialist in diversity and leadership. She has been in the field of education for 16 years as an English teacher, dean of students, assistant director of education, and dean of academics where she mentored teachers and conducted numerous staff development workshops. 
Dr. Ness has authored several books on the subject of leadership and diversity.  Additionally, she has conducted presentations and workshops on leading diversity across the U.S. and in Amsterdam.  Her presentations are always well-received and generate appreciation from her audience for feelings of validation and insight. Everyone needs to feel validated, and Dr. Ness is no exception.
Dr. Ness is a Louisiana Creole. As a multi-ethnic individual who grew up "without a flag" as her African American (part Native American) brother-in-law used to tease, Dr. Ness struggled with her identity. Through insights gained from her doctoral study and experiences in the classroom as a teacher, she learned to embrace her diverse heritage and encourages others to do the same. "You don't have to choose one part of yourself over another. I am not Black or White or Hispanic or Native American; I am all of them, and that's okay!"

Dr. Ness is a mom, grandmother, educator, and advocate for children and young adults. She finds fulfillment in knowing she is helping others and making a difference. Her focuses are:

• mentoring teachers in classroom management, developing a positive, safe classroom environment, motivating students, and achievement assessment 
• assisting middle and high school students to succeed in the high school culture
• putting bi- and multi-racial people on the map
• assuaging stereotyping and misperceptions