About Helen Nelson Grant
In August 2015, Dr. Helen Nelson Grant became Richland Two’s first Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. She is among the first to pioneer this work in K-12 public education in South Carolina.
In her role in the school district, Dr. Grant is responsible for recommending, developing, implementing and managing programs and initiatives aimed at advancing diversity and multicultural inclusion. She serves as the chief advisor to the Superintendent in the development and implementation of diversity and multicultural practices and initiatives and she is the district’s chief spokesperson and district representative for diversity and multicultural matters. Her work includes providing professional development to district staff; coordinating and implementing district-wide cultural celebrations; and advising administrators on issues or concerns regarding diversity and inclusion.
The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion facilitates Community Conversations, a series of events that bring together district families, employees, community members and business partners on a variety of topics impacting education. In 2019, district Superintendent Dr. Baron Davis designated September as Kindness Month and tapped Dr. Grant to implement the initiative which celebrates and encourages kindness with a district-wide focus.
Dr. Grant earned her J.D. degree from Duke University School of Law and her undergraduate degree from Columbia College. She has been a licensed attorney in South Carolina for 35 years. She was previously a partner in a Columbia, SC law firm and she has served as “Of Counsel” to law firms in Fayetteville, NC and Columbia. Prior to joining the school district, Dr. Grant worked for the Nexsen Pruet law firm where she assisted with recruitment, retention and diversity initiatives.
She is married to Mr. Tony Grant and they have four adult children. She is a member of Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church where she serves as a Steward. She is also a member of the Columbia College Board of Trustees where she currently serves as Secretary to the Board; a member of the Executive Committee; and a member of the Academic Affairs/Student Life and the Marketing and Admissions Committees.
Contact Dr. Grant at hgrant@richland2.org or 803.738.3327. On Twitter follow her at @EmbraceEquity.