Louis Porter II, Ed. D., is a longtime organization development/communication consultant, educator and writer. His consulting practice researches and develops effective organization development, diversity and communication solutions, strategies and innovations for a variety of organizations, including government, corporate, education, faith-based, arts and nonprofit.

• Clients include the State of Minnesota, Minneapolis Public Schools, Jordan New Life Community Church/Minnesota Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, General Electric Medical Systems, Target, YWCA of Minneapolis, Central Neighborhood Improvement Association, VocalEssence, The INTER-RACE Institute, Mayo Clinic, the Department of Homeland Security-Transportation Security Administration, Macalester College, DePauw University and The College of St. Benedict-St. John’s University.

• Dr. Porter has taught communication, English, leadership, educational leadership, workplace diversity and college success courses at a variety of institutions, including the University of Minnesota, University of Northwestern St. Paul, Concordia University of St. Paul and Minnesota State. Additionally, he is a teaching artist in creative writing and African American literature to students ranging from third grade to older adults.

• He served as community liaison, working to improve access and facilitate processes to communities of color for programs and resources of the Minnesota State Arts Board.

• A former daily newspaper reporter, his work has appeared in The St. Paul Pioneer Press, Star Tribune, Newsday, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe and The Times-Picayune. Porter has done commentary for Minnesota Public Radio and reporting for Boston Public Radio. His short story, “Reminders,” appears in Blues Vision: African American Writing from Minnesota.