Angelica Leigh

Dr. Angelica Leigh is an Associate Professor of Management and Organizations at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business since 2024. Previously, she held an Assistant Professor position at Fuqua from 2020–2024. She earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior from the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School (2020), an M.S. from the same institution (2018), and a B.A. from Michigan State University (2010).

Her research focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), particularly examining racial minority experiences, allyship dynamics, and the psychological impact of societal mega-threats (e.g., racial violence) on employees. She employs both qualitative and quantitative methods to explore systemic racism, leadership effectiveness, and organizational change. Key themes include racial minority leaders’ allyship challenges, the performativity of DEI initiatives, and strategies to combat workplace discrimination.

Dr. Leigh’s publications span top journals such as the Academy of Management Journal, Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, and Journal of Applied Psychology. Her work highlights trends like the tension between symbolic DEI efforts and substantive change, the paradox faced by racial minority leaders in allyship roles, and the spillover effects of societal crises on workplace behavior.

She has received prestigious awards, including the 2022 Academy of Management Journal Best Published Paper Award and the 2023 Distinguished Fellow honor from UNC’s Kenan Institute. Beyond academia, she actively supports underrepresented groups via organizations like the PhD Project. Her professional service includes participation in the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity’s Faculty Success Program (2021).

Her advocacy extends to practical guidance for managers, including articles in Harvard Business Review that translate research into actionable insights for fostering inclusive workplaces.