Shannon Telenko
DEI Consultant
HR | Talent Strategies
Bio
Shannon Telenko, PhD has been the DEI Consultant on the Talent Strategies team in the Office of Human Resources since October 2022. She has been part of the University community since 2000 when she started out as resident director of Centennial Hall for Residence Life. Since then she has worn other hats in other places, including graduate student in anthropology here at American and researcher, academic advisor, instructor, and assistant director for diversity and inclusion at the Pennsylvania State University.
She has a doctoral degree in cultural anthropology with a concentration in race, gender, and social justice as well as a masters in public anthropology from American University, a masters in higher education administration from Peabody College at Vanderbilt University, and a bachelors degree in business administration from Robert Morris University.
Dr. Telenko’s dissertation, advised by Dr. Brett Williams, focused on the systemic housing displacement of African American families who had moved to the Johnstown and Altoona regions in Pennsylvania. She spent one year talking to families in their homes about their experiences. Her knowledge of systemic inequities and Pennsylvania history and culture has guided her in collaboratively developing applied, educational opportunities for students, colleagues, and community advocates.
She has served on several boards and committees related to community work and social justice during her time at American and Penn State. Most recently, she was elected to Laurelville Retreat Center's Board of Directors.
Dr. Telenko supports faculty and staff affinity groups at American University, coordinates with AU Connects staff facilitators for A Conversation about Inclusion at AU, and collaborates with individuals and offices in their efforts to make the workplace at AU diverse, equitable, and inclusive. She also serves on the President's Council for Diversity and Inclusion.
