Phenessa A. Gray is a Social & Emotional Intelligence (SEI) Coach, Wellbeing Author, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Advocate, and Creative with a passion to empower others to feel better, think better, and live better in creating a more emotionally intelligent world one heart and mind at a time. She is the founder of Emotional Intelligence Doctor, LLC and brings over 20 years experience working in government, higher education, and non-profit organizations. She is an effective visionary, authentic leader with expertise in SEI, personal and professional learning, and program management and leadership. Phenessa provides a holistic approach in engaging authentic conversations and fostering safe, equitable spaces to address the “pink elephants” within ourselves and in the room to cultivate psychological safety, build community, and encourage a sense of authenticity, being, and belonging.  

Phenessa is a lifelong learner and has earned a M.S. in Library Services from Clark Atlanta University; Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology (MS/IOP) from University of Phoenix; Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management (PhD) from Capella University with multiple certifications in the areas of EDI, Career Advising, SEI Coaching, Therapeutic Arts Life Coaching, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Intervention, Safe Space Allyship, Mental Health First Aid (Adult and Youth), and Six Sigma methodology. She has published several books and enjoys spending time with her family, abstract painting, music, movies, and loves the simple pleasures of life.