Dr. Keya A. Elie, Ph.D.

Strategist, Researcher & Consultant

Dr. Keya A. Elie, Ph.D. is the Founder of Elientel, an international consulting firm providing research, advisory, and support to businesses and scholars in the private and public sectors.
 
Often described as a "Swiss Army Knife" or generalist, Dr. Elie brings nearly 15 years of experience applying mixed-methods research, psychological theory, and predictive modeling to ambiguous, high-stakes challenges. Her work spans government agencies, foundations, universities, nonprofits, funders, and community-based initiatives across the United States, the United Kingdom, Sri Lanka, and Chile. As a consultant, evaluator, strategist, clinician, research scientist, educator, and author, her through-line is consistent: using unconventional, multidisciplinary approaches to improve the human experience.
 
Raised on a multigenerational farm in the northeastern region of the United States, Dr. Elie's work is deeply rooted in community, lineage, and collective responsibility. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from North Carolina A&T State University, becoming the third generation in her family to attend a HBCU. There, she conducted neuroimaging research using an EEG and contributed to state and federally funded research for RTI International and North Carolina's Department of Health and Human Services.
 
Desiring additional methodological training, Dr. Elie pursued her Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology at the University of Cambridge. Upon completing her doctoral work, a mixed-methods study examining the impact of parenting on children's reading, language, and executive functioning for over 600 British families, she became the first Black graduate of the Centre for Family and Adolescent Research at Cambridge.
 
Following her doctorate, Dr. Elie furthered her expertise at a national consulting firm, where she advised executives on policy, evaluation, and multi-site large-scale initiatives. While impactful, she sought work aligned with her voice, values, and purpose. This shift led to the creation of Elientel.
 
Through Elientel, Dr. Elie helps individuals and organizations start and sustain their goals. As a 6th-generation business owner, she carries forward a legacy of enterprise rooted in community and purpose. Her work, like her lineage, is continuous, communal, and evolving.
 
When her community can convince her to stop working, she enjoys sleeping, weightlifting, going to the beach, golfing, horseback riding, traveling, dinner parties, and going to the movies.