Tanika Coates, CDE, has over 19 years of experience in association management and a decade of specialization in learning design, with particular expertise in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). She is dedicated to innovating methods for engaging learners, integrating artificial intelligence in the future of education, and collaborating with subject matter experts to create compelling content that promotes inclusive, equitable, and accessible learning experiences for diverse audiences.

In her current position as Director of Professional Development at the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB), Tanika leads the Professional Development Department and manages several federally funded grant programs aimed at enhancing career development within the scientific community. She is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing educational and professional development initiatives that cater to ASCB's diverse membership at various career stages, with a strong emphasis on increasing the participation of underrepresented groups in the field of cell biology.

Tanika holds an undergraduate degree in Communication from George Mason University and a Master of Science in Administration in Organizational Development from Trinity Washington University. She has also obtained an Event Management Graduate Certificate from George Washington University and is certified as a Diversity Executive by the Institute for Diversity Certification.

Additionally, Tanika has served as Chair (2023-2024) and Vice Chair (2022-2023) of the ASAE Professional Development Advisory Council, participating in the Council from 2020 to 2024. Her prior involvement includes serving as a council member on the ASAE Component Relations Section Council from 2013 to 2016 and volunteering for the ASAE Foundation member recognition committee. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Tanika is actively engaged in her community, volunteering her time to various local initiatives surrounding the Washington, DC area.

Tanika is also recognized as a recipient of the Class of 2015 Association Forum/USAE Forty under 40 award, which honors emerging leaders under 40 within the nonprofit sector.