With a career that reflects a lifelong pursuit of justice, inclusion, and purposeful leadership, Cynthia Rose Bryant, JD, L.L.M., Certified Diversity Practitioner, is devoted to advancing equitable systems and empowering the underrepresented. As an independent consultant, she draws on more than three decades of expertise in mediation, diversity, and conflict resolution to advise organizations and individuals on inclusive leadership and workplace culture. Through this work, she continues to influence decision-making at the highest levels while empowering others to lead with integrity and awareness.
Ms. Bryant’s academic foundation demonstrates intellectual curiosity and interdisciplinary depth. She earned a Master of Laws in international legal studies from American University, a Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas, and a Bachelor of Arts in creative arts with a concentration in piano performance and a minor in French from Bradford College. These studies cultivated her ability to bridge logic and creativity, a skill that has defined her approach to legal problem-solving and public service throughout her career.
Earlier in her professional journey, Ms. Bryant began as an attorney at the Missouri Public Service Commission, where she addressed regulatory issues affecting consumers and public utilities. Her legal acumen led to an appointment as policy advisor for the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities in Washington, D.C., working to expand workforce inclusion for people with disabilities. She later joined the Federal Communications Commission, serving in several influential roles that allowed her to blend legal expertise with social advocacy.
At the FCC, Ms. Bryant’s leadership spanned multiple divisions, including the Enforcement Bureau and the International Bureau’s Telecommunications Policy Division. As senior legal advisor in the Office of Native Affairs and Policy, she collaborated with Native American communities nationwide to expand broadband access, helping bridge the digital divide. She later served as special counsel in the Office of Workplace Diversity, guiding initiatives that promoted equity across the federal workforce. Her contributions to the Digital TV Transition project further demonstrated her ability to align technological innovation with public accessibility.
Building on this extensive experience, Ms. Bryant was later appointed chair of the board of trustees at The Seeing Eye, Inc. in Morristown, New Jersey, a national leader in guide dog training and advocacy for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Under her direction, the organization celebrated major milestones, including a commemorative NASDAQ closing bell ceremony recognizing its legacy of independence and empowerment.
Beyond her professional appointments, Ms. Bryant has been widely recognized for her thought leadership. She was featured in “Washington Lawyer and University of Kansas Alumni Magazine” and has conducted notable interviews with figures such as former President Jimmy Carter and scholar Johnnetta Cole. Her keynote address at the University of Kansas’ Diversity in Law Banquet further reflected her influence as a respected voice in the pursuit of inclusion within legal education and public policy.
Ms. Bryant’s influence extends through extensive civic engagement. She has served on the board of National Industries for the Blind, chaired The Seeing Eye, Inc.’s board of trustees, participated on the alumni advisory diversity council at the KU School of Law at the University of Kansas, and volunteered with organizations including The Women’s Club of Chevy Chase and All Saints Church in Chevy Chase, Maryland. She is also a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors, the Virtual Speakers Association, the Association for Conflict Resolution, and the African American Federal Executive Association.
As a blind African American woman diagnosed with a visual impairment in her youth, Ms. Bryant brings profound empathy to her work. Her lived experience informs her advocacy for accessibility, equity, and cultural understanding. She has often reflected that true leadership begins with listening, an insight that guides both her professional and personal philosophy.
Outside of her consulting and advocacy work, Ms. Bryant finds balance through music, travel, and the companionship of her guide dog. She enjoys reading, cooking, exploring the outdoors and attending concerts. She is also writing a book on sensory mindfulness and empathy, drawing upon her experiences bridging the worlds of sighted and blind communities.