Wisdom Cole

Senior National Advocacy Director, NAACP

He/Him/His

Wisdom O. Cole serves as the Senior National Director of Advocacy for the NAACP, leading efforts to advance civil rights through strategic campaigns, youth leadership development, and grassroots organizing. Previously, as National Director for the NAACP Youth and College Division, he oversaw over 700 youth councils and chapters nationwide, championing initiatives to empower young Black leaders in the fight for justice.

With extensive experience in advocacy training, electoral action, and direct action organizing, Cole has spearheaded national campaigns to build Black political power. His work has focused on critical issues such as canceling student debt, removing police from schools, and expanding voter access for young Black people. Featured in Politico, NPR, VICE, The Economist, and other outlets, he is recognized as a leading voice for Black youth voter turnout. In 2023, Politico named him to its Recast Power List for his impact at the intersection of race and politics.

Cole holds a B.A. in Chemistry and a minor in STEM Education from UC Santa Cruz, where he also earned the Chancellor’s Achievement Award for Diversity. He later earned an M.A. in Teaching from the University of San Francisco. A native of California, he remains deeply committed to advancing equity and justice.