Biography
- Areas Of Focus
- Inclusive and Equitable Education
- Gender Diversity in Education.
- Neurodivergence and gender diversity
- Intersection of race, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE).
- Creating safe, welcoming, inclusive, and affirming schools for LGBTQIA+ students.
- Family-School Collaboration.
- Education
- 1997 Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
- Ph.D. in Special Education, College of Education
- Dissertation: “Does the Use of Voice Output Communication Devices Make a Difference in the Communication and Quality of Life of Adults with Significant Speech Disabilities?”
- 1985 Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina
- Profesora en Ciencias de la Educación (Professor in Educational Sciences)
- Research Interests
- Current areas of research include: A critical participatory action research study on the experiences of queer and trans students of color at a predominately White institution. An exploration of adapting Dr. Caitlin Ryan’s Family Acceptance Project Framework to educational institutions
- Hometown
- La Plata
- Home Country
- Argentina
Dr. Graciela Slesaransky-Poe is both an Education Professor at Arcadia University and an experienced Educational Consultant with over 20 years in the field. Her work is deeply rooted in her commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI). At Arcadia, she has held leadership positions including Founding Dean of the School of Education (2014-2016), Co-Chair of the President’s JEDI Commission, and member of the Combating Anti-Black Racism Initiatives (ABRI) leadership team. Nationally, she was a founding member of the Education Deans for Justice and Equity (EDJE).
As a Consultant, Graciela has guided various educational institutions and non-profit organizations in creating gender inclusive, affirming, and welcoming spaces for trans and gender non-binary individuals, locally and globally. She is honored for her contributions, including receiving the Champion of Social Justice award from the Parent Education and Advocacy Leadership (PEAL) Center and the Patricia J. Creegan Award for Excellence in Inclusive Education from the Pennsylvania Education for All Coalition (PEAC).
Dr. Slesaransky-Poe is also a published author, having contributed to several articles and book chapters in her field. Originally from Argentina, Graciela has taught in diverse locations such as Jamaica, Cuba, and Poland. She resides in the Philadelphia area with her husband, Phil, and finds inspiration in her two young adult children. Outside academia, Graciela is a 2023 World Champion Dragon Boat paddler and dedicated Outrigger Canoeist.
School / College: School of Education
