Cole has extensive experience managing high-stakes education projects with a systems focus on racial equity, pedagogy, andragogy and coaching. She believes deeply in the power of community, transformational learning experiences, and the collective responsibility of all people to create a more just, inclusive and equitable world. Prior to joining UPD, Cole was a Deputy Senior Executive Director at the New York City Department of Education where she specialized in teacher development, adult professional learning, curricula and instruction and was a leader of a Gates-funded project to partner with local universities on teacher preparation partnerships. She has also been an adjunct professor at Hunter College, a consultant for Catapult Learning and WestEd and a teacher, curriculum developer and instructional coach in DC public schools.