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Liza Talusan
Dr. Liza (LIE-zuh) Talusan (taLOOS-ahn) is an educator, speaker, leader, writer, coach and parent. With over 25 years of experience in PreK-graduate education, Liza is an engaging facilitator in conversations about identity and leadership and creates environments that allow for people to discuss these difficult topics openly.
Dr. Talusan has been invited to more than 400 organizations across the country and internationally to facilitate dialogue groups, workshops, strategic planning, change management, and community focused sessions.
Liza is the recipient of numerous awards including "Best 40 Under 40"; NASPA Region I Mid-Level Professional Award; NASPA APIKC VIP Award; Asian Women for Health's Peer Leader Award; Promise in Action Mentoring Nominee; Network for Equity, Excellence in Education Award; the REAPA (AERA) Dissertation of the Year Award; the Harriet Buescher Lawrence Prize from Connecticut College; The Early Career Award (REAPA); the YMCA Leadership Award; and a number of institutional grants.
She earned her Bachelor degree from Connecticut College; Masters of Arts from New York University; Ph.D. from University of Massachusetts Boston; Certificate in Human Resources; and her PCC Coaching Credentials from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching. Liza is currently a faculty member in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Massachusetts Boston where she teaches courses on leadership and justice.
Liza has been a guest on a number of podcasts focused on educational equity and is the co-host for the podcast Teaching While White. Liza’s book, “The Identity Conscious Educator: Building habits and skills for more inclusive schools”,published by Solution Tree Press, is the 2023 Gold Medal Recipient of IPPY Awards. Her new book “Identity-Conscious Practice in Action” was released in November 2024 and published by Routledge Press. Liza’s third book is currently in press and will be available at the end of 2026.
Liza's Top 5 StrengthsQuest Themes are Achiever, Maximizer, Discipline, Activator, and Connectedness. She is someone who is driven,