Lela McElfresh

Background

About Lela McElfresh

Lela is a seasoned leader in change management, culture building, talent strategy, and communications. Within Deloitte’s Human Capital Organization Transformation practice, she partners with Fortune 500 and global clients to design and implement strategies that strengthen organizational culture, enhance talent practices, and drive effective communication and change. With deep expertise in stakeholder engagement, leadership coaching, and culture-centered transformation, Lela excels in navigating complex and ambiguous environments, building structures that empower teams and drive sustainable success. A dedicated advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging she ensures that workplace cultures foster both individual growth and organizational performance. Passionate about mentorship and talent development, Lela has actively championed the advancement of women in the workplace—particularly in technology. As part of Deloitte’s U.S. National Women & Allies initiative, she led the development of upskilling and learning programs designed to support the career growth, retention, and leadership development of women in high-impact fields such as engineering. Before joining Deloitte, Lela spent over a decade in public education and school leadership within New York City charter schools, where she honed her skills in talent development, leadership training, and strategic communication. She holds a graduate degree from Harvard University and a B.A. from Hobart and William Smith Colleges.