Doneisha Posey is an award-winning Civil Rights Attorney, Law Professor, and the visionary CEO of Ascentra Strategies. Renowned for her cross-sector leadership, Doneisha brings deep legal acumen and a proven track record of advancing equity across corporate, nonprofit, education, and government institutions. Her career is defined by a bold commitment to dismantling systemic inequities and building transformative, inclusive ecosystems where diverse voices shape decision-making and drive sustainable progress.
As Founder and CEO of Ascentra Strategies, Doneisha leads a multidisciplinary consulting firm that empowers organizations through culturally responsive strategy, legal equity assessments, and organizational change management. Her work is grounded in a belief that equity is not just a value-but a lever for innovation, growth, and resilience.
In addition to her role at Ascentra, Doneisha serves as an adjunct professor at Indiana University McKinney School of Law, where she teaches and mentors emerging leaders in the law and policy space.
Doneisha’s leadership and impact have earned widespread recognition, including Indiana Lawyer’s “Up and Coming” Attorney, IBJ Forty Under 40, Indy’s Best and Brightest, Prospanica’s Campeón DEIB Award, and Indy Maven’s “Maven to Know.” She is also the co-founder of Women’s Equity Brunch, a platform empowering women through connection, dialogue, and advocacy.
“My legal expertise and business consulting strategies are rooted in dismantling systemic barriers and designing frameworks that foster immediate impact and long-term equity. I help organizations move beyond performative change to build inclusive cultures that are compliant, resilient, and ready for the future.”
—Doneisha Posey
Founder & CEO
- SPECIALTIES
Strategic Planning + Organizational Development
Designing mission-aligned, community-centered strategies that translate vision into actionable steps for long-term success.
Business Development + Equity Integration
Driving revenue growth while embedding equity into business development pipelines, stakeholder engagement, and strategic partnerships.
Legal + Regulatory Compliance
Providing legal counsel and risk assessments on civil rights, DEI-related laws, and policy alignment to mitigate liability and support funding sustainability.
Resource Mapping + Capacity Building
Identifying internal strengths, community assets, and growth opportunities to scale impact and align resources with organizational goals.
Change Management + Executive Advising
Leading organizations through transformational change by equipping leaders with the tools and frameworks to manage resistance and align teams.
Training + Public Speaking
Delivering dynamic workshops, keynotes, and customized trainings on equity, leadership, and legal compliance to inspire, inform, and activate diverse audiences.
- Certifications + Awards
Intercultural Development Inventory® (IDI®) Qualified Administrator
Early Career Achievement Award, Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law
Up and Coming Lawyer, The Indiana Lawyer and the Indianapolis Business Journal
Forty Under 40, Indiana Business Journal
Indy’s Best and Brightest in Education and Nonprofit, Junior Achievement of Central Indiana
Campeón Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), Prospanica Indianapolis
Diversity in the Law Award, The Indiana Lawyer
Leadership in the Latino Community Award, Indy Chamber’s Hispanic Business Council
Rising Star, Indiana University Near-Marshall Alumni Association
Golden Laurel Shining Star Award, Indianapolis Recorder
Indy’s Black Leadership, Visit Indy
Drum Major for Justice Award, Indiana Civil Rights Commission
Lawyer of the Year, Marion County Bar Association
Indy Maven to Know, Indy Maven
- EDUCATION
B.A., Spanish and Political Science, Marian University
J.D., IU McKinney School of Law
- MEET OUR TEAM
Alina Pizarro
Director of Strategy & Innovation
