John Yates

John Yates, MBA, has a diverse range of work experience. John is currently the Managing Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) at Brooklyn Defenders. Prior to this, John founded Poder Inc in 2019.

From 2018 to 2023, John worked at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. John held various roles, including Director of Racial Equity and Social Justice, Race to Justice Training/Workforce Equity Chair, and Operations Manager. In these positions, they developed and implemented anti-racism and social justice practices, trained staff on equity and inclusion, and managed budgets and programs.

Before joining the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, John worked as a Bartender/Server at Taproom No.307. John also served as an Operations Manager at Uncommon Schools, where they managed operational responsibilities and advised on diversity, equity, and inclusion goals.

John's earlier experience includes roles such as LGBTQ+ Youth Leadership and Career Coordinator at the Latino Pride Center, Board Member, Production Assistant, and Step Instructor/Professional Division Stepper at ART OF STEPPING INC, and Patient Navigator at Community Healthcare Network.

Prior to their professional career, John worked as an Office Manager at DePauw University and National Program Director - Live Safe Campaign at Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc.

John Yates, MBA, has a diverse education history. John pursued a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Sociology from DePauw University, which they completed between 2011 and 2015. Prior to that, they received an Advanced Regents Diploma from Cardinal Hayes High School in 2008. In 2017, John earned their Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a specialization in Business Administration, Management, and Operations from Metropolitan College of New York. Currently, John is a JD Candidate at the City University of New York School of Law, where they are pursuing a Doctor of Law (JD) degree, with an expected completion in 2024.