Daryl A. Graham is a senior executive leader with more than three decades of experience spanning philanthropy, finance, corporate strategy, and higher education. As Senior Vice President of Engagement & HBCU Initiative at Strada Education Foundation, he leads national efforts to strengthen the connection between education and opportunity—advancing equitable outcomes for students, particularly those attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

In his current role, Graham oversees the strategic direction and execution of Strada’s HBCU Initiative, an ambitious, $26M multi-year effort focused on leadership development, quality coaching, work-based learning, and affordability. He works in close partnership with HBCU presidents and chancellors, institutional leaders, and industry stakeholders to design and scale solutions that prepare students for success beyond graduation. He also leads engagement strategies at the local, state, and national levels—convening cross-sector partners, elevating best practices, and cultivating collaborations that drive systemic impact.

Previously, Graham served as Senior Vice President of Philanthropy at Strada, where he led the development and implementation of strategic grantmaking aligned with the organization’s mission of “Completion With a Purpose.” His leadership helped direct investments that improve postsecondary attainment and ensure that educational pathways lead to meaningful careers.

Prior to joining Strada, Graham spent more than 15 years at JPMorgan Chase & Co., where he held multiple leadership roles, including Vice President of Global Philanthropy. In this capacity, he led strategic grantmaking, sponsorship, and volunteer initiatives across the Mid-Atlantic region, aligning philanthropic investments with business objectives and community impact goals. Earlier in his tenure, he served in planning, risk, and relationship management roles, where he developed financial strategies, managed complex corporate partnerships, and advised senior leadership on risk and performance.

Graham began his career in finance and operations, holding roles at ConocoPhillips, General Electric, LTV Steel, and KPMG. His experience includes auditing, financial analysis, compliance, and Six Sigma process improvement—providing him with a strong analytical foundation that continues to inform his strategic leadership today.

A respected convener and thought leader, Graham regularly brings together leaders from higher education, philanthropy, and industry to advance innovation and collaboration. He has played a key role in shaping national conversations around student success, workforce alignment, and the critical role of HBCUs in driving economic mobility and equity.

Graham’s work reflects a deep commitment to creating pathways for students to thrive—ensuring that education not only leads to completion, but to meaningful opportunity and long-term success.

He has served on a variety of nonprofit boards, including the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, Community Health Network Foundation, Delaware State University Foundation, and the Philanthropy Delaware Board of Directors, which he chaired. Graham has been honored among the 2024 Savoy Magazine Most Influential Executives in Corporate America and with the YMCA Black Achiever in Business and Industry Award, the H. Fletcher Brown Leadership Award, and the Community Reinvestment Act Leadership Award.

Graham is a proud graduate of Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.