Colleen Johnston, a member of Bricker Graydon's Higher Education Group, brings a wealth of experience in equity compliance, Title IX investigations, and anti-discrimination initiatives. With a career spanning higher education and municipal human rights commissions, Colleen has cultivated a reputation for thoughtful leadership and dedication to fostering equitable environments.

In addition to her work as an attorney, Colleen has served as a consultant, assisting institutions with investigations into campus-based misconduct involving discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct, while supporting Title IX coordinators in achieving compliance.

Throughout her career, Colleen has held multiple leadership roles at a prestigious university, where she directed sexual misconduct response and resources as Title IX Coordinator. Her accomplishments included overseeing compliance with Title IX and state laws, ensuring timely and equitable resolutions to complaints, and leading policy reviews. Colleen's background includes tenure with city-level human rights commissions, where she investigated discrimination complaints in housing, employment, and public accommodations, facilitated conciliations, and led outreach initiatives.

Education

Boston College Law School, JD (2005)

Simmons College, Master of Arts in Gender/Cultural Studies (2002)

Brandeis University, BA in Sociology, cum laude (2000)

Resource Centers

Speaking Engagements

Colleen loves exploring new coffee shops, going for runs in new places, and building Lego sets with her wife and son. While Colleen currently resides in the Chicagoland area, she appreciates being able to visit her friends and family back in Boston and Long Island, New York.