For most of her life, Roz Lee has been an organizer, writer, advocate, educator, grant-maker and philanthropic ally — titles that seem woven into her genetic code.  

Leveraging her degrees in English and teacher education with a background in curriculum development, Lee '88 has become an expert in combating racial, economic, gender and LGBTQ injustices.  

“At UAlbany, I was heavily involved in both on and off-campus literary activities. I was a reporter for the school paper; I also co-founded a “Sisters of Color” writers' collective with some friends," said Lee. "Growing up, I remember not seeing myself in the literature I read. While on the board of Lambda Literary, we expanded on that work and helped tell stories that would otherwise be untold.”  

Lee spent four years as the president of the Lambda Literary Board, an organization that uplifts LGBTQ voices and stories within the literary space. During her tenure (2020 - 2024), Lambda  implemented a new organization-wide vision that included diversity, equity, inclusion and justice. Previously, Lee worked for the Albany Community Land Trust, an organization that helps women become homeowners in the region.

“I became engaged in community organizing while attending UAlbany. I lived in a neighborhood with low-income women, many of whom were Black. They were committed to creating and preserving affordable housing for their families and having a good quality of life.”

The Albany Community Land Trust was Lee’s first official paid job in the field, an experience she describes as being the “spark plug" for her social justice work.” Different forms of community-building followed, leading to legislative advocacy with the Neighborhood Preservation Coalition of New York State. Lee has traveled nationally as an advocate for workers' rights, community labor, public education and literacy.  

Steadfast and passionate in her work with disenfranchised groups on a local, national and global level, Lee focuses on advancing women’s rights and economic opportunities, developing leadership programs for women of color and creating global initiatives to protect transgender people.  

At the center of her work is the desire to forge relationships.

“I consider myself someone who is connected to all people. My vision for freedom and justice is for everyone to have what they need. We are all in relationship with each other," says Lee.

"When I'm in dialogue with people whose views are very different from my own, I don't lose sight of the fact that we’re still connected. For us to solve seemingly intractable issues, it's going to take all of us — together.”

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