Wally Osman

Wally’s curiosity and creative leadership style expands the scope of what is possible. His collaborative approach to advancing equity clears complexity and pioneers new paths for change. Wally listens and watches; explains and persuades. His approach to advancing equity builds consensus and motivates by doing. He uses his experiences, knowledge and skills to help individuals and teams grow their capacity for complexity in new ways, make decisions and take action.

A longtime student of community, human flourishing and adult development – and is fascinated by the ways adults learn – and also by the way trauma affects learning. 

Wally is currently earning his Master of Arts in Adult Learning and Leadership from the Teachers College, Columbia University and received his bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies, with a concentration in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies, from Augsburg University. 

In addition, he is certified in the methods, models and practice from the Human Systems Dynamics Institute and Intercultural Development Inventory.

He is also a W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network Fellow, a graduate of the Humphrey Institute Policy Fellowship, Wilder Foundation’s Community Equity Program and the Dr. Josie R. Johnson Leadership Academy. He continues to receive multiple accolades including: Sabo Center for Democracy and Citizenship Scholar; Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul’s Emerging Legend Award; and the Council for Opportunity in Education’s National TRIO Achiever of the Year Award – to name a few.

Born in Kenya, he now resides in Newark, N.J. He enjoys his crossfit, cycling, hiking, and meditation community, in addition to good conversation and writing, live performances and art shows, making and sharing good food – and learning as much as possible.