School of Education and School of Environmental Sustainability Commencement Address

Amber A. Hewitt

(PhD '13) • Counseling Psychologist and Equity Scholar 

Amber A. Hewitt (PhD '13) is a nationally respected leader in equity, health policy, and mental health advocacy whose work has shaped public policy and has advanced justice-focused practices in institutions across the country. As the Chief Equity Officer for the District of Columbia, she has spearheaded the creation of the city’s first comprehensive strategic plan aimed at promoting racial equity within the government and its 36,000 employees. She provides guidance to the Mayor and trains public servants to implement equity initiatives across all levels of governance. 

Hewitt brings a distinguished background as a counseling psychologist and a fierce advocate for health equity, previously serving in key roles at Families USA, Nemours Children’s Health System, and the National Institute of Mental Health. Her work has influenced federal and local policy, driven national coalitions, and elevated the voices, experiences, and leadership of communities historically excluded from decision-making processes. 

From launching national health equity campaigns to crafting legislation as a health policy fellow in the Office of Senator Cory Booker, Hewitt’s journey reflects a deep commitment to social justice, education, and wellness. She is also a former tenure-track professor, whose academic research explored gendered-racial identity development among adolescents. 

Dr. Hewitt earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University Chicago, a Master’s from Boston University, and a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of Southern California. Her career stands as a powerful example of leading with purpose, compassion, and an unyielding drive for systemic change.