Diversity & Inclusion: Artika Tyner

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Artika Tyner is an attorney, public speaker, award-winning author, entrepreneur and college administrator.

But of among her many titles, “my most important role is as an educator,” said Tyner, associate vice-president of Diversity & Inclusion at the University of St. Thomas for the past three years. “Education is the umbrella to engage with each other. That’s when we can tear down barriers and see more clearly how we can direct the social justice issues of our time.”

Robert Vischer, dean of the St. Thomas law school, said Tyner is known internationally for her research on diversity and inclusion and community and civil rights. “She also serves as a global citizen by supporting Africa in regard to education, entrepreneurship, and women’s leadership initiatives,” Vischer added in nominating Tyner for Minnesota Lawyer’s 2018 Diversity & Inclusion awards.

About two years ago, Tyner founded the Planting People Growing Justice Press, which publishes books aimed at helping support culturally diverse communities realize their leadership potential. To date, the company has published two children’s books and one for adults. She also founded a Leadership Institute whose foundation promotes literacy and education.

Tyner said her life goal is striving to be “a superhero for justice. I became a lawyer because it was a way for me to understand law and power. And I wanted to use that power to bring restorative justice to the community.”