Harvard University remains under intense pressure from Washington, donors, and those opposed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Now more than ever, it is critical that we support leaders who will ensure Harvard honors its commitment "to provide an environment that values diversity and promotes an inclusive culture." At this pivotal moment, it’s never been more urgent for Harvard to defend academic freedom and the future of higher education. As we have for the past decade, the Coalition for a Diverse Harvard is—after exhaustive research and review—endorsing 6 Overseer candidates and 3 Harvard Alumni Association (HAA) Elected Director candidates.

Here (in ballot order) are the Overseer candidates:

Arti Garg PhD ’08

A top technologist, Garg champions STEM diversity—particularly in the emerging AI workforce. She also founded a nonprofit to galvanize scientists’ civic engagement around issues like climate change and digital equity.

Teresa Hillary Clarke AB ’84, JD ’89, MBA ’89

Clarke left Goldman Sachs to found  Africa.com and re-shape how the world sees African business and culture. She also created a scholarship program that has empowered over 1,500 African students to overcome educational inequity.

Nadine Burke Harris MPH ’02

A pioneering pediatrician and California's first-ever Surgeon General, Burke Harris has dedicated her public-health career to combating structural inequalities—and establishing their connection to toxic stress and health disparities.

Alfredo Gutiérrez Ortiz Mena LLM ’98

On Mexico’s Supreme Court, Gutiérrez Ortiz Mena advanced gender equality, indigenous rights, and environmental justice. He insists that institutional excellence requires racial and socioeconomic diversity.

Philip L. Harrison AB ’86, MAR ’93

In a field dominated by white men, this global architecture CEO champions diversity, establishing design scholarships at Harvard and beyond for underrepresented students, and pay equity at his own firm. 

Salvo Arena LLM ’00

A first-gen student from Sicily, Arena calls DEI an “essential pillar” of Harvard’s global reputation. A HLS alum, he has long championed international representation and scholarships for low-income applicants.

Here (in ballot order) are the three endorsed Elected Director candidates: Mia Esther Alpert AB ’99

Founder of the global arts nonprofit Harvardwood, Alpert has worked for more than two decades to expand access and representation in arts, media, and entertainment.

Yoshiko “June” Nagao AB ’96

An impact investor dedicated to social and environmental equity, Nagao promotes international student mentorship and global community-building through the Harvard Asian American Alumni Alliance.

Jimmy Biblarz AB ’14, JD ’21, PhD ’23

A three-degree alum and former LGBTQ+ Specialty Tutor, Biblarz believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to Harvard’s academic mission—and to its moral legitimacy.

Learn more about all the candidates here.