Leon D. Caldwell, PhD, brings to Equal Measure 30 years of experience in equitable evaluation in philanthropy, social innovation, education system interventions, public health and health care, community engagement, and systems transformation. With expertise in health equity, systemic issues affecting boys and men of color, implementation science, and place-based evaluation and research, Leon has a track record of designing strategies that foster racial equity and social justice. He was born and raised in West Philly. 

At Equal Measure, Leon designs and implements initiatives that advance the organization’s commitment to racial equity. He leads integrated efforts in strategic planning, project excellence, thought leadership, and business development to deepen Equal Measure’s learning and practices. He guides cross-project quality assurance, ensuring relevant methodological approaches for project teams, and elevates emerging trends and knowledge to sharpen Equal Measure’s frameworks, tools, and point of view. 

Before Equal Measure, Leon served as Senior Director for Health Equity Strategies and Innovation at the American Hospital Association (AHA). While at AHA, he designed its Health Equity Roadmap, a framework to accelerate equity and inclusion in hospitals and health care systems. He is the founder and CEO of Ujima Developers, LLC, a social impact real estate development company, and Strategic Learning Partners, LLC, which focuses on social innovation design and evaluation. Leon’s philanthropic roles include leadership positions in evaluation and research at the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the DeBruce Foundation. Additionally, Leon has held academic positions at Rhodes College, the University of Memphis, and was tenured at the rank of Associate Professor at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, contributing to research and teaching in counseling psychology, social work, and African American studies. 

ASK LEON ABOUT…

Scuba diving in the U.S. Virgin Islands, age-friendly row homes, and teaching in Ghana.

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