Deja Mason Named to In Business Madison 40 Under 40

July 6, 2026   |   By Katie Grant, Office of Research & Scholarship Communications

Deja Mason, project manager at the Wisconsin Center for Education Research (WCER), has been named to In Business Madison’s 40 Under 40, in recognition of her leadership, professional accomplishments, and community impact.

Mason supports the Comprehensive Assessment of Leadership Learning/Equity-Centered Leadership (CALL-ECL) project, a major initiative focused on preparing equity-centered school leaders. In her role, she has successfully managed an $11.3 million project budget and helps ensure the effective day-to-day operations of a complex, multi-year research effort.

Central to Mason’s work is a commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable environments. She identifies creating spaces where colleagues feel supported and valued as one of the most meaningful aspects of her role, an approach that reflects the broader mission of CALL-ECL and WCER.

“Deja’s leadership exemplifies the collaborative, mission-driven work that defines WCER,” said Mariana Castro, Interim Director of WCER. “Her ability to manage complex projects while centering equity and supporting those around her has made a meaningful impact on both her colleagues and the success of the CALL-ECL project. This recognition reflects the dedication and care she brings to her work every day.”

In addition to her work at WCER, Mason is an active leader in the Madison community. She currently serves as President of the Urban League of Greater Madison Young Professionals. During her tenure as membership chair, she led initiatives that increased membership by 30% in 2023 and contributed an additional 21% increase in 2024. Her efforts have strengthened engagement among emerging professionals across the region.

The In Business Madison 40 Under 40 award honors young professionals who are making meaningful contributions to their organizations and communities. Mason’s recognition highlights her impact across education research, nonprofit leaders, and the arts.

About the Comprehensive Assessment of Leadership Learning – Equity-Centered Leadership (CALL-ECL)

CALL-ECL is studying urban school district efforts to prepare equity-centered school leaders. The project is documenting the development of principal development pipelines, tracing the growth of professional networks, and developing data tools to support the practices of equity-centered leaders in schools. Learn more at call-ecl.wcer.wisc.edu.

About the Wisconsin Center for Education Research (WCER)

WCER at UW–Madison’s #1-ranked School of Education is one of the world’s oldest and most productive education research centers. WCER has supported researchers and scholars in developing, submitting, conducting, and sharing grant-funded education research for over 60 years. Visit wcer.wisc.edu for more information.