Senior Executive DEI reporters and editors are always on the lookout for diversity, equity, and inclusion champions in the news. Discover chief diversity officers taking on new roles at major corporations and organizations, DEI leaders earning mainstream news coverage, and executives publishing their insights about DEI initiatives on their blogs.
Follow this page to make and maintain connections with fellow DEI leaders and to stay up-to-date on the latest DEI workplace trends.
- DEI Leaders on the Move
- DEI Leaders Making News
- DEI Leaders Sharing News and Insights
- DEI Leaders Being Recognized
DEI Leaders on the Move
Kristine Santa-Coloma Rohls Promoted to Chief People Officer at Slalom
January 16, 2024 – Kristine Santa-Coloma Rohls joined Slalom, a business and technology consulting firm, as a general manager in 2016 and became chief DEI officer in 2022. In her new position as chief people officer, Santa-Coloma Rohls will continue to lead the organization’s DEI efforts for more than 12,000 employees across eight countries.
Source: Slalom news
Tinisha Agramonte Welcomes Janice Underwood to the Walt Disney Company
January 14, 2024 – Tinisha Agramonte, who currently serves as the SVP and CDO at the Walt Disney Company, welcomes Janice Underwood to her new role as the VP of DEI talent outreach and development. Most recently, Underwood was the government-wide CDO for the Biden-Harris administration since May 2022.
Source: LinkedIn
Oona King Leaves Snap Inc. to Lead DEI at Uber
January 13, 2024 – Oona King is replacing Bo Young Lee as the new chief diversity and inclusion officer at Uber. She writes in a LinkedIn post the “chance to work for a company that has a commitment to civil rights — an area I am deeply passionate about — is a chance I could not miss. It was their civil rights efforts, and the reporting of those efforts, that was so inspirational.” Previously, King spent nearly five years as the VP of DEI at Snap, Inc.
Source: LinkedIn
Camie Shelmire Joins Coalfire as Chief People Officer, Will Lead DEI Efforts
January 3, 2024 – Camie Shelmire, who most recently served as the chief people officer at Brillio, will now hold the title at Coalfire. In her new role, Camie will oversee DEI and employee engagement in addition to talent acquisition.
Source: PR Newswire
The University of Pennsylvania Appoints Taunita V. Stephenson as Head of DEIB
January 5, 2024 – Taunita V. Stephenson is the new head of DEIB at the University of Pennsylvania where she will divide her time between Penn’s Division of Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletics and Wellness. Most recently, Stephenson served as the people operations business partner at the Pingry School in Basking Ridge, NJ.
Source: Penn Athletics news
Lockheed Martin Promotes Rhom Erskine to CDO
January 3, 2024 – Rhom Erskine, who has served as the VP of global diversity and inclusion at Lockheed Martin since October 2020, will step into an expanded role as CDO. Previously, Erskine held leadership positions at Harland Clarke and McKesson.
Source: LinkedIn
Lisa Brubaker to Lead DEI as New Chief HR Officer at WSFS Bank
January 3, 2023 – Lisa Brubaker joined WSFS Bank as a manager of retail operations nearly 30 years ago. She was recently promoted to executive VP and chief information officer where she will oversee all HR functions, including DEI.
Source: WSFS Bank press release
Beam Suntory Taps Jamey Martin to Lead DEI
January 3, 2023 – Jamey Martin spent more than 15 years with Mondelēz International, an international manufacturing company, where she most recently served as its senior director of DEI. Martin is joining beverage company Beam Suntory as its new chief DEI officer and will oversee more than 6,000 employees.
Source: DFNI Frontier
Terilyn Juarez Monroe to Oversee DEI as Chief People Officer at Guardant Health
January 2, 2024 – Terilyn Juarez Monroe, who most recently served as the chief people officer (CPO) at Bonterra, will now lead as the CPO at Guardant Health, a precision oncology corporation. Monroe will oversee DEI and cultural organization in addition to talent acquisition and people operations.
Source: Guardant Health press release
Andy Cofino Returns to Princeton University as Inaugural Assistant VP for Diversity, Belonging, and Well-Being
December 22, 2023 – Andy Cofino, who was previously director of the LGBTQ Campus Resource Center and Volunteer Center at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), will step into a new role in January as Princeton’s assistant VP for diversity, belonging, and well-being. Cofino has a longstanding history with Princeton; he served as its LGBT Center program coordinator from 2013 to 2018.
Source: LinkedIn
Gwendolyn D. Pough Promoted to Associate Dean of DEIA at Syracuse’s College of Arts and Sciences
December 11, 2023 – Gwendolyn D. Pough, who currently serves as the dean’s professor of the humanities and professor of women’s and gender studies at Syracuse University, will also lead as the College of Arts and Sciences associate dean of DEIA. Pough is an academic and scholar in rhetoric and composition studies and the author of “Check It While I Wreck It: Black Womanhood, Hip-Hop Culture, and the Public Sphere.”
Source: Syracuse University news
Sharyn Davis Joins Duke Cancer Institute as Inaugural DEI Leader
December 8, 2023 – Sharyn Davis recently joined the Duke Cancer Institute as its equity, diversity, and inclusion program director. Most recently, Davis spent nearly seven years with UNC Health Care leading as a DEI champion and senior HR business partner.
Source: LinkedIn
DLR Group Hires Jessica Bantom to Lead as Global DEI Leader
December 5, 2023 – Jessica Bantom has been named the new global leader of equity, diversity, and belonging at DLR Group, an integrated design firm headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. Bantam brings more than 20 years of experience to the role and has worked with Booz Allen Hamilton, MetaPhase Consulting, and Steele Strategies among a host of organizations.
Source: DLR Group news release
City of Buffalo Appoints Darren E. Saxon as CDO
December 5, 2023 – Darren E. Saxon was recently promoted from the director of Buffalo’s Office for New Americans to the CDO of its office of DEI. Saxon is replacing Chantele Campbell, who has moved on to leading DEI efforts at BestSelf Behavioral Health. Saxon shares that he is “committed to fostering dialogue, driving change, and ensuring that every resident feels valued and represented. Let us unite, embrace our differences, and build a future where everyone can thrive.”
Source: WGRZ
Reading School District Board of Directors Appoints Camil Culbreath Director of DEIB
December 4, 2023 – Camil Culbreath joined the Reading School District Board of Directors in November as its new director of DEIB. Previously, she worked as an educational consultant and principal at Quakertown Community High School and Stewart Middle School in the Norristown Area School District in Pennsylvania. Regarding her new role, Culbreath says, “I look forward to leveraging my administrative background and diverse experiences to cultivate an environment where every student and staff member feels seen, heard, and valued.”
Source: Berks Weekly
Chantele Campbell is the Inaugural Chief Health Equity Officer at BestSelf Behavioral Health
December 4, 2023 – Chantele Campbell, who most recently served as the CDO for the City of Buffalo and offered nonprofit consulting, joined BestSelf Behavioral Health as its first chief health equity officer. The behavioral health organization has approximately 1,300 employees serving more than 41,000 children and adults across 70 locations in Western New York.
Source: Biz Journals
Robert A. James to Lead DEI at CGT Staffing
November 30, 2023 – Robert A. James, who most recently spent nearly three years serving as the VP of DEI at Allegheny Health Network (part of Highmark Health), is the new chief diversity and strategic growth officer at Pittsburgh-based CGT Staffing. James will, in part, hone the talent acquisition and hiring process at CGT Staffing’s sister organization, CGT Vets, a Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (SDVBE).
Source: CGT Staffing press release
Dana Beckton Becomes Sutter Health’s Inaugural CDO
November 29, 2023 – Dana Beckton will become chief diversity and inclusion officer (CDIO) at California health system Sutter Health. In this inaugural DEI position, Beckton will focus on creating DEI programming and expanding inclusion resource groups. “At a time when some companies are scaling back their commitment to DEI, we believe it’s imperative we continue to prioritize and accelerate this vital work,” says CEO Warner Thomas.
Source: Sutter Health press release
Lydia Bullock to Lead Engagement, Belonging at Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri
November 27, 2023 – Lydia Bullock is the new chief engagement and belonging officer at Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. Most recently, she served as the director of the Institute for Healing, Justice, and Equity at Saint Louis University.
Source: The St. Louis American
Sancia Dalley Joins PGIM as the Inaugural Managing Director of DEI
November 22, 2023 – Sancia Dalley is the new managing director of DEI at PGIM, formerly known as Prudential Investment Management, where she will manage PGIM’s HBCU investment strategy among other responsibilities. Dalley previously spent nearly seven years with the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights nonprofit leading as its senior VP of investor engagement and strategic partnerships.
Source: PLANADVISER
Avaya Promotes Anna Crowley to Chief HR Officer
November 21, 2023 – Anna Crowley, who has spent nearly two years as the global head of human resources at Avaya, will now lead as its chief HR officer. Crowley will now lead employee engagement and DEIB efforts along with her HR functions. Initially, she joined the consulting firm as its global head of talent management, development, and DEIB in 2019.
Source: No Jitter
Relay Resources Hires Wally Tablit to Lead as Inaugural Chief Disability Inclusion Officer
November 20, 2023 – Wally Tablit brings more than a decade of experience to his new role as the first chief disability inclusion officer at Relay Resources, a nonprofit that finds work for employees with disabilities. Previously, Tablit served as the senior director of leadership and workforce development at RespectAbility and as chief mission and diversity officer at Atwork.
Source: Newswire
Nsombi B. Ricketts to Lead as Inaugural DEI Leader at The Rockefeller Foundation
November 17, 2023 – Nsombi B. Ricketts, who previously served as the VP for DEI at the Pratt Institute in New York City, is the inaugural VP of DEI at The Rockefeller Foundation. Ricketts, who’s also a member of the DEI Think Tank, shares in a LinkedIn post that she’s “ready to make this career pivot to philanthropy.”
Source: LinkedIn
Northern Illinois Welcomes Jade Silva Tovar
November 16, 2023 – Jade Silva Tovar is the new assistant VP for DEI at Northern Illinois University’s Division of Academic Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Most recently, Tovar spent more than five years at Texas Tech University where she worked her way up to assistant VP of DEI.
Source: NIU Today
Jodi Merriday Joins Centric Consulting as DEI Lead
November 13, 2023 – Jodi Merriday is the new DEI lead at Centric Consulting, a business and technology consulting firm. Previously, Merriday was a DEIB consultant at Beam Suntory, external advisor at Mailchimp, and chief DEI officer at Diplomacy, Inc.
Source: Centric Consulting news
Peter Adebi Becomes Chief HR and Diversity Officer at Cincinnati Children’s
November 13, 2023 – Peter Adebi brings decades of experience to his new role as the chief HR and diversity officer at Cincinnati Children’s, a global leader in pediatric care. Earlier this year, Adebi was also named the 2023 CHRO of the Year by the HR Person of the Year Award.
Source: PR Newswire
Dr. Sidney R. Childs Joins Capital University
November 10, 2023 – Dr. Sidney R. Childs is the new interim CDO at Capital University, a private university in Bexley, Ohio. His most recent role in DEI was serving as the chief DEI officer at the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority.
Source: LinkedIn
Chipotle Welcomes Ilene Eskenazi to lead HR, DEI
November 8, 2023 – Chipotle’s new chief HR officer Ilene Eskenazi brings a plethora of experiences to the role; she was previously Petco’s chief legal and HR officer and Red Bull North America’s general counsel and VP of HR. Eskenazi will also oversee Chipotle’s DEI initiatives in her new role.
Source: Nation’s Restaurant News
Lisa Sherhart Promoted to Accenture Federal Services’ Chief HR Officer
November 8, 2023 – Lisa Sherhart, who served as the HR managing director for nine years at Accenture Federal Services, has been promoted to chief HR officer where she will manage inclusion and diversity as well as talent development. She first joined the organization as a change management analyst in 1993.
Source: WashingtonExec
Nicole Uhrmeister Joins Lindt & Sprüngli
November 3, 2023 – Nicole Uhrmeister, who served as the chief HR officer at Capri Sun Group for nearly eight years, will serve in the same position at Lindt & CEO Sprüngli Adalbert Lechner writes in a LinkedIn post that Uhrmeister will undertake “enhancing in-house career opportunities and progressing on our roadmap for (DEI).”
Source: LinkedIn
New York City Mayor Eric Adams Adds Sideya Sherman and Linda Tigani to DEI Team
October 26, 2023 – Mayor Eric Adams promoted Sideya Sherman from commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Equity to chief equity officer and commissioner of New York City’s new Mayor’s Office of Equity & Racial Justice. Linda Tigani was also appointed chair and executive director of the city’s Commission on Racial Equity. Tigani previously served as acting chief equity and strategy officer for the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
Source: Harlem World Magazine
Donyale Padgett Promoted to CDO at Wayne State University
October 26, 2023 – Donyale Padgett, who received her master’s degree from Wayne State University in 1999 and has worked for the school system since then, will now serve as its new CDO. In this Q&A, Padgett shares what she’s looking forward to, the challenges she’s expecting, and what she is cooking up. “We need this office to bring us together so that we can do larger-scale initiatives on this campus for the greatest number of people,’ she says.
Source: Wayne State University
Laura Renée Chandler Joins Colby College
October 25, 2023 – Laura Renée Chandler will lead Colby College’s DEI efforts as its inaugural associate provost and dean of DEI. Before joining the college, located in Waterville, Maine, Chandler was the VP of DEI at Oglethorpe University for over two years and the director of the Center for Diversity and Community at the University of South Dakota for nearly three years.
Source: Colby news
Huntington National Bank Promotes Donnell White to Chief DEI Officer
October 24, 2023 – Donnell White has been promoted from regional DEI director to chief DEI officer at Huntington National Bank. Previously, White was a DEI leader at TCF Bank and Chemical Bank.
Source: Huntington press release
Caroline Gorincour Jessen Named Chief People and Diversity Officer at Zendesk
October 23, 2023 – After holding leadership positions at IBM and Cisco, Caroline Gorincour Jessen joined Zendesk as the VP of People Partners in September 2021. Most recently, Jessen was promoted to serve as the software company’s new chief people and diversity officer.
Source: LinkedIn
Adrienne Morgan Selected to Lead DEI at the University of Rochester
October 20, 2023 – Adrienne Morgan, who has been serving as the interim Richard Feldman VP for equity and inclusion and CDO at the University of Rochester in New York, has officially been chosen for the role. Morgan is also the senior associate dean for equity and inclusion at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.
Source: Diverse Education
The Walt Disney Company Hires Tinisha Agramonte as CDO
October 19, 2023 – Tinisha Agramonte has been named the new CDO at The Walt Disney Company. Agramonte was most recently the VP of DEI talent outreach and development of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products.
Source: The Walt Disney Company news
Jackson Public Schools Welcomes Kelly Crum
October 18, 2023 – Kelly Crum will serve as the new director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and curriculum for Jackson Public Schools. In her new role, Crum will oversee more than 4,000 employees and 20,000 students across 55 schools.
Source: WKHM
Kiera Fernandez Advances to Chief Community Impact and Equity Officer at Target
October 17, 2023 – Kiera Fernandez was promoted to executive vice president and chief community impact and equity officer at Target. Fernandez, who joined Target as an executive team leader in 2001, will now oversee the retail company’s DEI strategy and philanthropy.
Source: Target press release
Kelly Batts to Lead DEI at Cooley
October 10, 2023 – Cooley, a global law firm based in New York, has welcomed Kelly Batts as its new CDO. Previously, Batts spent more than 14 years working his way up to managing director at Deloitte.
Source: Cooley press release
Erika Crews Promoted to Director of DEIB at Michigan State University Honor College
October 9, 2023 – Since 2016, Erika Crews has served as the DEI coordinator at Michigan State University (MSU) Honors College before she was recently appointed its new director of DEIB. Crews received her master’s degree in student affairs administration from MSU in 2016.
Source: MSUToday
Armstrong Teasdale Welcomes Kenneth Sharperson as CDO
October 9, 2023 – Kenneth Sharperson brings years of experience as an attorney and DEI practitioner to his new role as the CDO at Armstrong Teasdale, a law firm based in St. Louis, Mo. Most recently, Sharperson served as a partner and director of DEI at Weber Gallagher.
Source: Armstrong Teasdale news
Lisa Price Named Chief HR Officer at Nordstrom
October 6, 2023 – Lisa Price, who worked as an HR executive at Nordstrom from 2015 to 2019, will rejoin the fashion retailer as its new chief HR officer, where she will lead its HR and DEI efforts. Previously, Price held executive positions at Domino’s and Starbucks.
Source: Nordstrom press release
Seval Yildirim Joins the University of Buffalo
October 3, 2023 – Seval Yildirim will direct the University of Buffalo’s DEI efforts as its new vice provost for inclusive excellence. Most recently, Yildirim served as the VP for diversity initiatives and CDO at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas since July 2022.
Source: UBNow
Empire State University Hires Xiomara Giordano to Lead DEI
October 3, 2023 – Xiomara Giordano will work with SUNY students and employees on DEI efforts when she takes over as assistant VP of DEI and CDO at New York’s Empire State University in November. Previously, she spent nearly two years in DEI leadership roles at Bennington College in Vermont.
Source: The Saratogian
Nicole Belisle to Lead DEI at Palomar College
September 27, 2023 – After more than nine years at San Diego State University (SDSU), Nicole Belisle has joined Palomar College in San Marcos to lead Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Anti-Racism (DEIAA) at the campus. Belisle has worked her way up to being CDO, starting her DEI career as an equity analyst for SDSU and then advancing to an associate CDO for strategic initiatives.
Source: The Telescope
Dinee Simpson Appointed Inaugural Chief Health Equity Executive at Northwestern Medicine
September 26, 2023 – Since joining Northwestern Medicine in 2018, Dinee Simpson created the Northwestern Medicine African American Transplant Access Program (AATAP) to improve equitable access to transplantation and assist patients. Simpson shares, “We must continue to critically evaluate and address health disparities for all and seek new ways to enhance wellness in all the communities we serve.”
Source: Northwestern Medicine news
Syniverse Welcomes Sandra Rosa as Chief Human Resources Officer
September 26, 2023 – Before joining telecommunications company Syniverse as its chief HR officer, where she will also lead the organization’s DEI initiatives, Sandra Rosa served as the chief HR officer at Santander Consumer U.S. and as the head of talent acquisition at JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Source: Syniverse news
Alan York Promoted to Global Chair of DEI at Reed Smith
September 25, 2023 – Alan York, who has been with Reed Smith since 2016, was recently promoted to lead its global DEI efforts. York spent five years as the global law firm’s partner chair for its LGBTQ+ business inclusion group PRISM (Pride, Respect and Inclusion Simply Matter).
Source: Southeast Texas Record
NPR Promotes Whitney Maddox to VP of DEI
September 19, 2023 – Whitney Maddox joined NPR as its director of DEI in 2021 with a “focus on improving the work experience of women of color.” The nonprofit media organization’s CDO, Keith Woods, said of Maddox’s new position, “This promotion recognizes Whitney’s increasing influence across NPR and the larger Network and her emergent influence on the company’s direction and that of our Member stations.”
Source: NPR
Faye Belgrave Tapped to Lead DEI at Virginia Commonwealth University
September 18, 2023 – Faye Belgrave, who has worked at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) since 1997, has been named the school’s VP and CDO. She is also co-author of the “African American Psychology” textbook and is recognized for her research on health disparities, gender-specific research, and community-engaged and culturally informed research.
Source: VCU news
Beebe Healthcare Welcomes Elizabeth Campbell as Inaugural Director of DEIB
September 14, 2023 – Before joining Beebe Healthcare in Delaware in July, Elizabeth Campbell served as a specialist manager at Deloitte Consulting, director of diversity and inclusion at the Campbell Soup Company, and the CDO at Andrews Kurth Kenyon. Campbell says of her new position, “Beebe leadership recognizes that long-term strategic efforts can have sustainable and beneficial outcomes for our people, our patients, and our community.”
Source: Beebe Healthcare news
Mercyhurst University Hires Terrence Mitchell Inaugural DEIJ Director
September 14, 2023 – In October, Terrence Mitchell will serve as the first director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice at Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania. Previously, Mitchell has held executive DEI positions at SUNY Oneonta, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania Western University.
Source: Mercyhurst news
Skanska Names Kelly Daige Inaugural National Director of Inclusion and Partnerships
September 11, 2023 – Kelly Daige, who joined the multinational construction and development company Skanska in 2015, has been promoted to lead as a national director on the diversity and inclusion team. Dina Clark, senior VP of diversity and inclusion, shares, “Kelly’s passion for organizational change, coupled with the breadth of her experience and exceptional project leadership and management skills, make her the ideal person to help us continue our journey, advance, and grow.”
Source: Skanska press release
Marredia Crawford Promoted to Lead DEI at Baker McKenzie
September 11, 2023 – Marredia Crawford, who joined Baker McKenzie as its North American diversity and inclusion manager in 2018, will now serve as the global law company’s chief inclusion, diversity and equity officer. Previously, she spent more than nine years as the diversity and inclusion manager at legal firm Bracewell LLP.
Source: Biz Journals
Lisette Martinez Joins National Audubon Society as New DEI Leader
September 11, 2023 – Later this month, Lisette Martinez will join the National Audubon Society, a nonprofit environmental organization, as its DEI leader. “As chief equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging officer, Lisette will help ensure that implementation of Audubon’s new strategic plan is driven by EDIB values, and she will be a key leader in making the organization an inclusive and powerful force for conservation,” says Elizabeth Gray, CEO of the National Audubon Society.
Source: Audubon news
Maria Isabel Gariepy to Lead DEI at Middlesex Community College
September 6, 2023 – Maria Isabel Gariepy is joining Middlesex Community College, located in New Jersey, as its executive director of diversity, equity, and belonging. Previously, Gariepy spent more than four years working on DEI initiatives at Worcester State University.
Source: The Bedford Citizen
Metropolitan Transportation Authority Hires Lourdes Zapata as New CDIO
September 6, 2023 – Lourdes Zapata has joined the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the mass transit authority in New York, as its chief diversity and inclusion officer. She will expand the MTA’s hiring pool and lead the company’s Department of Diversity and Civil Rights.
Source: MTA press release
Heeyoung Kim Promoted to CDO at Rider University
September 6, 2023 – Heeyoung Kim, who has been with the New Jersey university since 2010, will now lead its DEI efforts. Next for Kim is a comprehensive assessment of the university’s DEI efforts, which started more than four years ago.
Source: The Rider News
Stephanie Akunvabey to Lead DEI at Pace University
September 5, 2023 – As Pace University’s new CDO, Stephanie Akunvabey will oversee DEI across the university’s three campuses in New York City, Pleasantville, and White Plains. Before joining Pace, Akunvabey served as the VP for equity and inclusion and CDO at Roger Williams University since 2021.
Source: Pace University press release
Danyelle Gregory Joins Western Michigan University
August 31, 2023 – As the new associate VP of diversity and inclusion, Danyelle Gregory will lead the university’s program assessment processes to determine its DEI impact. Western Michigan University’s VP for diversity and inclusion, Candy McCorkle, says, “Dr. Gregory was selected as the new AVP as a result of her experience with DEI in higher education, managing programs focused on improving the climate and culture for students and staff as well as working with faculty to ensure a sense of belongingness for students.”
Source: WMU news
Jermaine Huell Named DEI Lead at WSP
August 30, 2023 – After more than five years at the broadcast television channel STV, Jermaine Huell has joined Canadian environmental consulting firm WSP as its diversity transformation lead for the Northeast district. In his new role, Huell will oversee WSP’s DEI strategy across seven states.
Source: WSP press release
Chicago Transit Authority Hires Denise Barreto as First DEI Leader
August 29, 2023 – As the inaugural chief equity and engagement officer for the mass transit system, Denise Barreto will oversee making the organization’s transit services more efficient and equitable. Previously, Barreto spent more than three years serving as the director of equity and inclusion for the Cook County Government.
Source: CTA news
Main Line Health Hires First Chief Diversity and Equity Officer
August 28, 2023 – Rosangely Cruz-Rojas has been with Main Line Health for more than 15 years and was recently promoted to lead as the healthcare system’s inaugural chief diversity and equity officer and VP. In her new role, Cruz-Rojas will develop sustainable policies and promote diversity and equity across the organization.
Source: Main Line Health news
Freshworks Welcomes New Chief People Officer
August 28, 2023 – As the new chief people officer, Johanna Jackman will oversee the software company’s HR operations and DEI strategy. Jackman served as the VP of HR at LinkedIn and chief people officer at Pure Storage and Airtable before joining Freshworks.
Source: Freshworks press release
Brock University Appoints First Associate VP of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
August 24, 2023 – Chelsea Takalo, who has served as the interim director of human rights and equity at Brock since 2022, has been promoted to their new position as the inaugural DEI leader. Takalso says of their new role, “Universities should be places that not only hold space for shared knowledge, but that generate the best new ideas and learning — something that can only happen if everyone has the ability to share their voice.”
Source: The Brock News
Jefferson Health Promotes New DEI Leader
August 23, 2023 – Keith Leaphart is the new executive VP and Humana chief health equity and community impact officer across Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Health, and Jefferson Health Plans. Leaphart said of the position, “Jefferson is well-known as a leader in health care, higher education, and research, but its commitment to improving community health is equally pronounced. I look forward to joining the team and driving innovative solutions that advance health equity and improve community health.”
Source: Jefferson Health news
Papa John’s Welcomes Senior DEI Program Manager
August 22, 2023 – Eric Jo Johnson, a Senior Executive DEI Think Tank member who previously served as the director of culture and inclusion at VNS Health, was recently hired as a senior DEI program manager at Papa John’s. They will work with Candace Barnes, VP and global head of DEI, on DEI initiatives across the organization.
Source: LinkedIn
Mitratech Hires Global Executive Director of DEIB Strategy
August 18, 2023 – The global legal, compliance, and HR software provider named Chris Rowland as the leader of its DEIB efforts. Previously, Rowland held executive positions at Circa and ManpowerGroup.
Source: Mitratech news
Sony Pictures Entertainment Promotes Newest DEI Leader
August 16, 2023 – Paul Martin, who has been with Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) since 2008, was recently promoted to executive VP and CDO. In addition to launching the organization’s first four employee business resource groups and unconscious bias training program, Martin has helped launch more than 50 initiatives that assist “our people, our content, our partners and our community.”, according to SPE’s executive VP and CPO Stacy Green.
Source: Deadline
West Hartford Public Schools Announces New CDO
August 16, 2023 – Theresa Rangel is the new CDO for West Hartford Public Schools, which serves more than 9,000 children in grades pre-kindergarten through 12. Rangel is also the director of DEI for the Naugatuck Board Of Education and spent more than nine years with Norwalk Public Schools.
Source: Patch
University Hospital Appoints New Chief HR Officer, SVP of Wellness and DEI
August 16, 2023 – Raquel D. Morian is the new HR and DEI leader at University Hospital in New Jersey and will oversee more than 3,000 employees. Morian says of her new role, “I look forward to bringing my experience and knowledge in human resources to support the organization and protect the wellbeing of our employees so that each individual can continue to provide superior patient care.”
Source: LinkedIn
GovCIO Welcomes Chief Human Resources Officer
August 14, 2023 – Nichole Gatto Hahn joined GovCIO, an organization that provides technology solutions and digital services for the federal government, as its chief human resources officer and will oversee, amongst other responsibilities, GovCIO’s DEIA committee. Previously, Hahn served in executive roles at Valiant Integrated Services and AECOM.
Source: GovCIO news
Goodwill Keystone Area Names New Chief People Officer
August 14, 2023 – After spending nearly three years as the VP of human resources at Dollar Tree Stores, Drew Iwaskow is heading to Goodwill Keystone Area. In addition to refining the organization’s hiring process and improving retention within the organization, he will also direct its DEIB initiatives.
Source: Goodwill Keystone Area news
Mercy Hires New Chief People Officer
August 8, 2023 – Catherine Codispoti, who previously served as the chief people officer at Children’s National Hospital, will now lead Mercy’s DEIB efforts as well as talent acquisition and relations. Codispoti shared, “As the chief people officer, I’m committed to nurturing a workplace where every co-worker can thrive – both personally and professionally – through a harmonious blend of empathy and strategic vision.”
Source: Mercy news
Emerson Announces New Chief People Officer
August 7, 2023 – Nick Piazza was promoted from VP of talent and HR operations to chief people officer. The position was previously held by Elizabeth Adefioye, who spent nearly two years in the role.
Source: Emerson news
NYC Health + Hospitals Promotes New DEI Leader
August 7, 2023 – Ivelesse Mendez-Justiniano is the new chief DEI officer at NYC Health + Hospitals, comprising 45,000 healthcare professionals. Mendez-Justiniano has worked for the health system for more than 30 years.
Source: Penn State news
Duquesne Light Holdings Announces New Diversity Leader
August 7, 2023 – Samantha Hartzman, who previously served as senior manager of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and corporate giving, has been promoted to head of social impact and chief diversity officer. Hartzman joined the utility company as an associate manager in corporate citizenship in 2017.
Source: Duquesne Light Holdings press release
Warner Bros. Discovery Creates, Fills New DEI Role
August 4, 2023 – Christian Hug has been promoted to run Warner Bros. Discovery’s global DEI efforts as its group VP for DEI. Hug will report directly to the media organization’s chief DEI officer, Asif Sadiq.
Source: C21Media
Penn State Altoona Promotes First DEIB Leader
July 31, 2023 – Sue Patterson will serve as the inaugural director of DEIB at Penn State Altoona, a commonwealth campus of Pennsylvania State University. Previously, Patterson worked as the assistant coordinator of diversity and inclusion programming before being promoted to director of diversity and inclusion.
Source: Penn State news
SmileDirectClub Promotes New Chief of People and Diversity Officer
July 25, 2023 – After nearly two years as the VP of people and organization at SmileDirectClub, Genevieve Long has been promoted to lead DEI at the teledentistry company. Previously, Long worked in a series of leadership roles at companies such as Intel Corporation, Nike, and Starbucks.
Source: LinkedIn
Warner Bros. Discovery Promotes New DEI Leader
July 25, 2023 – Lisa Collins, who previously served as the head of people and culture partners for production at Warner Bros. Discovery, will now lead the media company’s DEI efforts as its new North America DEI Group VP. Collins was promoted after Karen Horne, Warner Bros. Discovery’s senior VP DEI, North America was laid off as part of a restructuring in June.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Verra Mobility Hires New Chief People Officer
July 18, 2023 – Katrina Sevier, who most recently served as the chief people officer at Teleperformance USA, is the new chief people officer at Verra Mobility, a global provider of smart mobility technology solutions. In her new role, Sevier will oversee Verra Mobility’s DEI programs as well as its global HR strategy and operations, talent acquisition, and more.
Source: Verra Mobility News
Legrand Announces First CDO
July 18, 2023 – Jane White was named the first chief diversity and engagement officer at Legrand, a global manufacturing company with more than 38,000 employees. Previously, White spent more than 25 years at Finelite, most recently serving as its president since 2020.
Source: HRO Today
Nationwide Children’s Hospital Welcomes New CDO
July 17, 2023 – O.N. Ray Bignall II, a pediatric nephrologist, is stepping in as Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s new chief diversity and health equity officer (CDHEO). Bignall II’s predecessor, Olivia Thomas, is retiring after a 45-year career in which she led the Office of Health Equity for more than a decade and served as the hospital’s first CDHEO.
Source: Nationwide Children’s Hospital news release
Yolo County Appoints DEI Manager
July 15, 2023 – After more than a decade with the nonprofit R.I.S.E. Inc., Tico Zendejas is moving on to serve as the County of Yolo’s new diversity, equity, and inclusion manager. Of his appointment, Zendejas said, “I eagerly anticipate working with all county staff to create and enhance safe and brave spaces for individuals, where differences are respected, and a strong sense of belonging can thrive.”
Source: Yolo County press release
Northwest Missouri State University Declares New DEI Leader
July 14, 2023 – After serving as the director of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and diversity officer for the student affairs and academic support units at the University of South Carolina, Shay Malone has joined Northwest Missouri State University as its new assistant VP of diversity and inclusion. Malone succeeds Justin Mallett, who is now the VP of inclusion, diversity and engagement at Northern Arizona University.
Source: Northwest Missouri State University press release
Travel + Leisure Announces New DEI Leader
July 10, 2023 – Jon G. Muñoz will join Travel + Leisure as its Senior VP of environmental, social and governance to lead the travel company’s environmental and DEI strategies and to oversee the Travel + Leisure Charitable Foundation. Previously, Muñoz led DEI efforts at Booz Allen Hamilton, Hilton, and T-Mobile.
Source: Travel + Leisure press release
Wellcome Hires First Chief Diversity Officer
July 10, 2023 – Jimmy Volmink, who began his career as a doctor for underserved populations in South Africa and Eswatini, will serve as the global nonprofit research institution’s first chief diversity officer. Volmink was previously emeritus professor of global health and the dean of medicine and health sciences at Stellenbosch University before joining Wellcome.
Source: Wellcome press release
Quinnipiac University Welcomes New VP of Equity and Inclusion
July 8, 2023 – Wayne Gersie to lead as the new VP of equity and inclusion at Quinnipiac University following Don Sawyer, his predecessor who spent four years in the position. Previously, Gersie was the inaugural VP of diversity and inclusion at Michigan Technological University and as the chief diversity officer for the Applied Research Laboratory at Pennsylvania State University.
Source: The Quinnipiac Chronicle
BBC’s Head of Creative Diversity Steps Down
July 3, 2023 – Joanna Abeyie is stepping down after more than a year in the role at the British broadcaster. While she may continue consulting for BBC, Abeyie is returning to her DEI consultancy business, Blue Moon.
Source: Variety
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker Hires Chief Diversity Officer
June 30, 2023 – Atiera Coleman will bring experience in leadership roles at nonprofits and in academia when she officially joins Gov. Pritzker’s administration on July 17, 2023. Dr. Coleman shared, “Equity is essential for our state’s future — we cannot afford to leave anyone behind. I am excited to work with our leaders and communities to make our state a more just and equitable place for all.”
Source: Gov. Pritzker’s Press Office
Georgia College & State University Announces New Chief Diversity Officer
June 30, 2023 – Michael Snowden is stepping into the role after Jennifer Graham led the Office of Inclusive Excellence as GCSU’s interim chief diversity officer since January 2022. Previously, Snowden served as the VP of inclusion and diversity at Northwestern State University and as the chief diversity and Title IX officer at McNeese State University.
Source: Office of the Georgia College & State University President
Jeanell English Resigns from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
June 30, 2023 – One year after Jeanell English joined the Film Academy as its inaugural executive VP of impact and inclusion, she announced her departure during a panel discussion for filmmakers on destigmatizing mental health. Previously, English served as the VP of impact and operations and the head of the office of representation, inclusion, and equity at the Academy.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Berry College Promotes Haley Morgan Smith
June 29, 2023 – Haley Morgan Smith joined Berry College as the director of diversity and inclusion in 2020. Previously, Smith served as the director of student diversity initiatives and the director of the Gate of Opportunity program at the college.
Source: Berry College News
Netflix’s Inaugural Head of Inclusion Strategy Steps Down
June 28, 2023 – Vernā Myers is returning to lead her DEI consulting firm, The Vernā Myers Company, after more than five years with the streaming giant. Although Myers will continue advising for Netflix, Wade Davis, who served as Netflix’s vice president of inclusion strategy under Myers since 2019, will be promoted to oversee the team.
Source: Variety
L’Oreal Announces New DEI Leader
June 27, 2023 – Liliahn Majeed was appointed the chief DEI officer, North America after serving as the first global diversity, inclusion, and belonging officer at Universal Music Group since 2020. Majeed says her mission is “to be a leader of the global belonging movement where we all believe that we are more alike than we are different and that even those differences could create tremendous value for the world.”
Source: PR Newswire
The University of New Haven Hires Former NYPD Officer as VP of DEI
June 26, 2023 – Barbara J. Laewrence was named the university’s vice president for diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging (DEIAB). She started her career in criminal justice before transitioning to DEI work and previously served as the VP for DEI and CDO at Rider University.
Source: University of New Haven
Disney’s CDO Leaves Her Position
June 20, 2023 – Latondra Newton left her position as the organization’s head of DEI after more than six years. Newton started her career with Toyota in 1991 and worked her way up to group VP of social innovation and CDO at Toyota Motor North America, Inc. and chief program officer for Toyota Mobility Foundation, Toyota Motor Corporation.
Source: Variety
University of Rochester Names VP for Equity and Inclusion and CDO
June 20, 2023 – Adrienne Morgan officially filled the position after serving as the interim VP and CDO since August 2022. Morgan will report to university president Sarah Mangelsdorf and direct the Institutional Office of Equity & Inclusion (IOEI).
Source: University of Rochester
The University of Wisconsin System Welcomes New DEI Leader
June 12, 2023 – Dr. Monica Smith will join the university system as the associate vice president for equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging, after previously serving as the first vice president for DEI at Augustana College. The announcement comes amid a call from assembly speaker Robin Vos to eliminate DEI staff across the school system’s 13 colleges in Wisconsin.
Source: Wisconsin Public Radio
New Global Head of DEI Joins Papa Johns
June 9, 2023 – Candace Barnes, Rockwell Automation’s former director of global diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, is now the new vice president and global head of DEI at Papa Johns. Barnes brings more than 15 years of experience in DEI initiatives and supplier diversity.
Source: Blue Rock Search press release
Bayer Welcomes New Head of DEI in North America
June 8, 2023 – In a shakeup across the life-sciences company’s U.S. leadership team, Bayer welcomed Asha Hope in the new role as the VP and head of North America DEI. Most recently, Hope served as the global head of DEI at Uber and has held prior leadership roles at Amazon, Macy’s, and Coca-Cola.
Source: Bayer press release
Southwire Promotes New Chief DEI Officer
June 8, 2023 – Cara Herzog has been promoted from VP of DEI to the chief DEI officer at Southwire, one of North America’s leading wire and cable manufacturing companies. She has been with the company since 2014 and will now report directly to the company’s president and CEO Rich Stinson.
Source: Southwire press release
Vizient Promotes New DEI Leader
June 6, 2023 – LeeMichael McLean recently stepped into a new role as associate vice president of member networks and performance improvement at Vizient, a health system management consulting company. Building on his 22 years of experience at the firm, in this position, he will be leading its diversity, health equity, and inclusion efforts and ESG initiatives.
Source: Vizient press release
New Chief People Officer to Lead DEI Efforts at Komodo Health
June 5, 2023 – Health tech company Komodo Health has brought on Sarah Shin as its new chief people officer, leading teams and initiatives across departments including people operations, talent acquisition, learning and development, and DEI. She previously served as CDO at software company Cloudera.
Source: Komodo Health press release
St. Mary’s University Names New DEI Leader
June 5, 2023 – Stella Silva will succeed Sheri King as associate vice president for inclusive excellence at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. Silva previously held several different DEI leadership roles over her 25 years at Texas State University. King is now happily retired.
Source: St. Mary’s University press release
New Commonwealth CDO Named for Pennsylvania
May 30, 2023 – Norman Bristol Colón was appointed to the post of commonwealth chief diversity officer to lead DEI programs across Pennsylvania state agencies. He currently serves as CDO for the Department of Community and Economic Development and is also chair and founder of the Pennsylvania Latino Convention.
Source: Pittsburgh Business Times
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Appoints New CDO
May 30, 2023 – Crystal Rodriguez-Dabney has been named chief diversity officer and senior vice president at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, a cancer research and treatment facility in Buffalo, New York. She is coming from her role as first deputy mayor and chief of staff for the city of Buffalo, where she served as its first CDO from 2016 to 2018. She was also CDO at Buffalo State College from 2020 to 2022.
Source: Roswell Park press release
Olympus Names New Chief Diversity Officer
May 29, 2023 – Olympus hires Wenlei Yang as its new chief diversity officer, who will oversee the medical technology company’s DEI initiatives.
Source: Olympus
Northern Illinois University Appoints New Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
May 25, 2023 – Carol A. Sumner was named as NIU’s new VP of DEI and chief diversity officer, pending approval from the board of trustees. She was previously Texas Tech University’s chief diversity officer.
Source: NIU Today
Securian Financial Hires New Chief Diversity Officer
May 23, 2023 – Securian Financial, a financial services mutual holding company, names Tariq Malik as the second vice president and chief diversity officer of the company. He has previously held DEI roles at Target.
Source: BusinessWire
Greenville City Council Names Its First Chief Diversity Officer
May 22, 2023 – Bryant Davis, former assistant director of government and community services for Richland County, was appointed as the first chief diversity officer for the city of Greenville, South Carolina.
Source: Fox Carolina
Cadence Bank Appoints New Chief Diversity Officer
May 17, 2023 – Cadence Bank hires Jerrell Moore, who has formerly held roles in human resources at Google, as its new executive vice president and chief diversity officer.
Source: Cadence Bank
Akerman LLP Names New Chief Diversity Officer
May 15, 2023 – National law firm Akerman LLP names Cassandra D. Caldwell its new chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer. Caldwell will provide strategic leadership in new DEI efforts.
Source: Akerman LLP website
Strassburger McKenna Gutnick & Gefsky Appoints New Chief Diversity Officer
May 12, 2023 – Legal services firm SMGG hires David A. Strassburger, a past president of the law practice, to become its new chief diversity officer, spearheading new DEI initiatives.
Source: SMGG Law website
Anne Arundel Community College Hires New Chief Diversity Officer
May 9, 2023 – Kellie McCants-Price, a psychology professor and interim DEI officer at Anne Arundel Community College, is appointed to a permanent position of chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer for the college.
Source: Campus Current
HP Hires New Chief Diversity Officer
May 9, 2023 – Former Qualcomm chief diversity officer Glenn Williams is hired as HP’s new chief diversity officer. The company’s goals are to achieve gender parity in HP leadership and meet labor market representation for minorities.
Source: CRN
Seattle Symphony Promotes Chief Diversity Officer
May 3, 2023 – The Seattle Symphony announces that its director of people and culture, Dr. Paul R. Johnson, has been promoted to vice president of people and culture and named the organization’s first chief diversity officer.
Source: Broadway World Seattle
Goodwill Promotes Lenesha Jones to Senior VP and Chief People Officer
May 2, 2023 – Goodwill Industries of Arkansas promoted Lenesha Jones, former vice president of human resources, to chief people officer. Jones also leads GIA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee.
Source: Arkansas Money & Politics
TBWA’s Aliah Berman Promoted to Global Chief Diversity Officer
April 25, 2023 – Media company TBWA\Worldwide promotes former North American chief diversity officer Aliah Berman to the role of global chief diversity officer as a way to expand the company’s DEI efforts.
Source: Branding in Asia
City of Columbia Hires Its First DEI Officer
April 24, 2023 – Columbia, Missouri, appoints D’Andre Thompson to lead DEI initiatives and policy as the first diversity, equity, and inclusion officer for the city.
Source: ABC-17
Elisabeth Moreno to Join Sanofi’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Board
April 17, 2023 – Global healthcare company Sanofi appointed Elisabeth Moreno, former French Minister for Gender Equality, Diversity and Equal Opportunities, to its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Board for the next three years.
Source: Sanofi company website
Bitly Promotes DEI VP to Chief Diversity Officer
April 13, 2023 – Tech company Bitly announced the promotion of Jackie Cureton to chief diversity officer. In her previous role, Cureton was the driving force behind the expansion of the firm’s employee resource groups.
Source: PR Newswire/Yahoo! Finance
L’Tonya Davis Joins U.S. Department of Agriculture as First Permanent Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer
March 2, 2023 – Davis comes to Agriculture from the Food and Drug Administration. She’ll oversee the implementation of DOA’s first-ever diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) Strategic Plan.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Jomil Guerrero Takes on CDO Role at New York Life
February 8, 2023 – New York Life appointed Jomil Guerroro as chief diversity officer. She will report to Kathleen Navarro, who oversees DEI as senior vice president and head of business enablement; Senior Executive DEI interviewed Navarro in April 2022 about New York Life’s DEI initiatives.
Source: New York Life/Business Wire
Shari Slate Steps Into Chief DEI Role at CVS Health
February 6, 2023 – CVS Health appointed Shari Slate as senior vice president and chief DEI officer at the company. She most recently served as chief inclusion and collaboration officer at Cisco..
Source: Healthcare Dive
DEI Leaders Making News
NFL DEI Leader Jonathan Beane Applauds New Leaders Program
December 11, 2023 – The NFL recently launched Leaders, its first retail program offering brands and artists from historically underrepresented communities the chance to use NFL licensing on their merchandise. Jonathan Beane has led the NFL’s DEI efforts since 2020. He says the NFL is “proud to partner with these four brands to ensure that diverse entrepreneurs get their fair share of the league’s resources and influence, and to ensure that the league’s brand reaches new audiences.”
Source: Boxscore News
Neiman Marcus Group’s Chief People and Belonging Officer Eric Severson Defends Remote Work
December 11, 2023 – Neiman Marcus Group went remote in 2019 because employees wanted more flexibility, and chief people and belonging officer Eric Severson says they have no plans to change their policy because the retailer has been able to hire talent more quickly with a “31% improvement in its time to hire”. Severson joined Neiman Marcus Group in 2019 and served as the CPO at DaVita Inc. for nearly three years prior.
Source: HR Brew
AT&T’s CDO Michelle Jordan Welcomes Newest Class of 2023 Rising Future Makers Showcase
December 4, 2023 – AT&T announced 25 new winners in its annual 2023 Rising Future Makers Showcase, an annual program that supports students from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) who are making a positive effect on their campuses and in their communities. Michelle Jordan, AT&T’s chief diversity officer, whom Senior Executive DEI featured in a recent Q&A, says of the 143% increase in submissions from 2022, “There is immense hunger for knowledge and opportunity among our youth, and we are humbled by the opportunity to empower the next generation with the support they need to reach their dreams.”
Source: AT&T
Dalila Wilson-Scott Hails Comcast’s Grant Toward Digital Equity
November 25, 2023 – Comcast is awarding a $110,000 grant to two Atlanta-based nonprofits that will assist residents in gaining access to the internet and digital skills training programs. Dalila Wilson-Scott, Comcast’s EVP and CDO who has been with the company since 2016, says of the initiatives, “Comcast is proud to partner with Raising Expectations and Inspiredu to launch the Connect 404 Digital Navigator program, and better ensure that underserved communities will be able to acquire the tools and training that will accelerate economic mobility and competition in the workforce of today and tomorrow.”
Source: Rough Draft Atlanta
Denise Fields and Anthony Scott Among DEI Leaders to Speak at the 2023 Global DEI Conference
November 22, 2023 – Denise Fields, global director of DEIB at TransUnion, and Anthony Scott, chief inclusion and belonging officer at Virginia Tech, will join more than 40 DEI leaders at 1BusinessWorld’s 2023 Global DEI Conference, taking place in London this week. Fields has led DEI efforts at several companies, including FINRA and Neustar, Inc. Scott has spent more than a decade with Virginia Tech and was promoted to his current position in 2021.
Source: News Direct
Tabbye Chavous Declares University of Michigan is “Doubling Down on DEI”
November 8, 2023 – Tabbye Chavous shared the University of Michigan’s five-year plan for DEI, labeled the “DEI 2.0 Plan.” In addition to outlining a plan to hire more diverse staff and tenured professors who value inclusion, the university is also doubling down on its sustainability commitments as it continues to make strides toward carbon neutrality.
Source: Campus Reform
Allspring’s CDO Sonya Rorie Collaborates with Wells Fargo on Initiative for Native Americans
November 6, 2023 – Through Allspring, a global asset management firm, Wells Fargo is exclusively offering its corporate clients a Tribal Inclusion share class “focused on benefiting tribal communities.” Allspring’s deputy CDO, Sonya Rorie, says of the initiative, “For Allspring, this collaboration is an incredible opportunity to educate ourselves on the specific needs of tribal communities especially pertaining to Native Forward’s objective to provide access to quality education for Native scholars via direct scholarships.”
Source: Wells Fargo news release
Nicole Hughey Represents SiriusXM, Pandora at Morehouse College’s Homecoming Celebration
October 25, 2023 – SiriusXM and Pandora brought college-branded swag, live music, and more to homecoming festivities for Morehouse College and the Atlanta University Center. Nicole Hughey, senior VP and head of DEI and social impact, at Pandora and SiriusXM says, “There’s homecoming at a lot of schools and then there’s homecoming at HBCUs, and we are so happy to be able to play a small part.”
Source: Black Enterprise
Glenn McIntosh Leads Oakland University to Most Diverse Incoming Class
October 18, 2023 – Oakland University closed the gap by 5% between underrepresented minority (URM) students and non-URM students, ushering in the most diverse incoming class in its 66-year history. In addition to improving diversity among students, staff, and faculty, the university’s senior VP for student affairs and CDO, Glenn McIntosh, says they’re also building more equitable policies and practices.
Source: The Oakland Post
Pamay M. Bassey Meets Kraft Heinz’s DEI Goals
October 16, 2023 – Kraft Heinz’s 2023 ESG report shows the food company achieved two diversity goals by “increasing representation of women in global management positions (41% vs. 39% in 2021) and people of color in U.S. salaried positions (28% vs. 26% in 2021).” Pamay M. Bassey has led the organization’s DEI efforts as its chief learning and development officer since October 2020.
Source: Kraft Heinz news release
Delta and Keyra Lynn Johnson Share Update on Close the Gap Strategy
October 16, 2023 – In its Q2 2023 Close the Gap update, Delta demonstrates its progress towards employee representation; the number of women, Black, and Latin and Hispanic employees across the company has increased. This is part of the airline’s initiative to track “the gap between the diversity of hourly wage earners, or frontline talent, and leadership within the company, a prescriptive approach to increase equitable access to career growth at every level of Delta’s workforce.” Keyra Lynn Johnson, Delta’s VP and chief DEI officer, has led Delta’s DEI efforts since March 2021.
Source: Delta news
Maceo Owens, ERG Manager, Spoke about ERGs at Zoomtopia
October 6, 2023 – Maceo Owens has spent the majority of her career expanding ERGs at companies like DoorDash, OpenTable, and, most recently, KAYAK. During this year’s Zoomtopia, Owens shared that if leaders want to create an inclusive work culture, they have to lead by example by showing up authentically.
Source: LinkedIn
AARP’s CDO Edna Kane Williams Will Speak at the Michigan Sisters and Friends Event
October 1, 2023 – Edna Kane Williams, who joined AARP in 2006 and has led as CDO since 2021, is set to speak at the third annual MI Sisters and Friends event in Detroit on October 27. The forum is hosted by AARP Michigan and aims to amplify women’s voices and influence public policy.
Source: AARP
Cornell Verdeja-Woodson of Zillow To Speak at Snapchat’s DEI Innovation Summit
September 28, 2023 – Zillow’s director of equity and belonging, Cornell Verdeja-Woodson, will join Rosanna Durruthy, VP of global diversity, inclusion, and belonging at LinkedIn, and others to kick off the first panel at Snapchat’s 2023 DEI Innovation Summit. The free virtual event will take place on October 26, starting at 12 p.m. EST.
Source: LinkedIn
Karen Jones on Reopening of Binghamton University’s UDiversity Educational Institute
September 10, 2023 – The UDiversity Educational Institute (UDiversity) provides diversity-centered training for students and faculty at Binghamton University in New York. Karen Jones, the university’s VP for DEI, adds, “The relaunch of UDiversity focuses on introducing the new staff team to our various campus constituents and the larger community and providing carefully curated training and workshops, creating new opportunities to meet the needs of the ever-changing landscape in higher education.”
Source: Pipe Dream
Google’s CDO Melonie Parker Joins Kanarys’ Board of Directors
August 30, 2023 – Melonie Parker, who has led Google’s DEI efforts since 2018, was recently appointed to Kanarys’ board of directors. The technology company offers DEI tools and was co-founded by Mandy Price, Star Carter, and Bennie King in 2018.
Source: AfroTech
PoliticsNY Recognizes DEI Efforts of Three Leaders at NYC Health + Hospitals
August 18, 2023 – Simran Kaur, chief people officer at MetroPlusHealth; Ivelesse Mendez-Justiniano VP and chief DEI officer at NYC Health + Hospitals; and Roger Milliner, chief growth officer at MetroPlusHealth, were named “Power Players in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” on the local news site’s inaugural list. The list includes professionals who work for the government, nonprofits, and corporations, working to address inequities and promote opportunities for people from all backgrounds.
Source: NYC Health + Hospitals press release
Google’s CDO to Speak at TEDWomen
August 14, 2023 – Melonie Parker will join other presenters, including the filmmaker Ava DuVernay, at TEDWomen’s ninth annual conference spotlighting female leaders. The conference will take place in Atlanta and organizers expect approximately 1,500 attendees.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Comerica Bank Named Top Noteworthy Company by DiversityInc
June 26, 2023 – For the third year in a row, DiversityInc recognized Comerica Bank as one of 50 “Top Noteworthy Companies” based on six metrics, including supplier diversity and talent programs. The bank’s chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer, Nate Bennett, said they were honored to be included on the list, adding, “DEI is embedded in our Core Value — A Force for Good — and is a constant business imperative.”
Source: Comerica Bank press release
Riverside’s Chief Diversity Officer Recognized as a DEI Leader to Know
June 22, 2023 – Toiya Sosa, the chief diversity officer at Riverside Health System, was included in Beckers Hospital Review’s 86 Hospital and Health System DEI officers to know list. Sosa said, “DEI is important in every workplace, but particularly in health care. We aim to create and foster a healthy and safe environment for our teams to live the mission — to care for others as we care for those we love.”
Source: Riverside press release
DEI Leader Includes Constructive Criticism in Resignation Letter
June 19, 2023 – Jonathan Phipps, the former equity coordinator for Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union, wrote he applauds the district for doubling down on diversity efforts but insisted the district needs to prioritize communicating with its communities. Phipps’s new role is the associate VP for DEI at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in N.Y.
Source: Bennington Banner
First State Department CDO Leaves Post
June 6, 2023 – Retired Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley is stepping down from her role as the State Department’s first chief diversity and inclusion officer, which she first took on in April 2021. In a statement, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken thanked her for playing “an integral role in developing our Department’s five-year strategic plan on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility.”
Source: HuffPo
Military College’s CDO Resigns Amid DEI Backlash
June 1, 2023 – Jamica Love is leaving her position as the Virginia Military Institute’s first chief diversity officer at the end of June. The role was created less than two years ago — just as a probe revealed institutional racism and sexism at the military college — and faced strong opposition from alumni, parents, and cadets since the beginning. Deputy CDO Briana Williams will serve as interim CDO after Love’s departure.
Source: The Washington Post
Out Leadership Hosts U.S. Summit for LGBTQ+ Leadership
May 16-23, 2023 – Out Leadership, an LGBTQ leadership think tank, is hosting its 13th annual U.S. summit for senior LGBTQ+ business leaders in New York City. One of its notable events is its Leaders in Tech Roundtable hosted by AlixPartners, a global consulting firm, to discuss tech’s social impact. After that, BlackRock’s global head of diversity, equity, and inclusion Michelle Gadsden-Williams will host a Chief Diversity Officer Dinner at the financial firm’s headquarters.
Source: Out Leadership’s CEO and founder Todd Sears’ LinkedIn post
DEI Leaders Sharing News and Insights
New Relic’s Chief People and Diversity Officer Tracy Williams Reflects on 2023
January 15, 2024 – Tracy Williams joined New Relic as its people operations business partner in June 2016. Today, she serves as its chief people and diversity officer, a position she has held since July 2021. In a recent interview, Williams shared the challenges she faced, learnings from 2023, and what she’s looking forward to in 2024 — including assessing the tech company’s employee compensation and reward structure to remain competitive in the industry.
Source: ETHRWorld
Mediaocean’s Chief HR Officer Nicole Brown Shares Her Vision for DEI, ESG
January 16, 2024 – Nicole Brown joined Mediaocean as a talent and staffing manager in 2012 before working her way up to chief HR officer in December 2023. In her expanded role, Brown plans to work concurrently on the software company’s ESG and DEI programs. She shares, “ESG adds an intersectional lens to the work we’re already doing in DEI to broaden the scope of impact and education we can have with employees for social impact awareness. In 2023, through our philanthropy matching program, we supported over 40 different charities with $20,000 in donations.”
Source: HR Grapevine
Baker Tilly’s CDO Shane Lloyd Talks DEI in Health Care
January 5, 2024 – Shane Lloyd recently appeared on Mark Ross’s podcast, “Healthy Outcomes”, to discuss DEI in health care. Together, they covered topics such as navigating DEI resistance and providing counsel as a DEI expert. Lloyd has worked at Baker Tilly, an international consulting firm, since 2021 when he served as the head of diversity, inclusion, and belonging and now leads as its CDO.
Source: Accesswire
New Report from Boston Consulting Group’s CDO Nadjia Yousif Highlights Importance of Psychological Safety
January 4, 2024 – In a new report from the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), “Psychological Safety Levels the Playing Field for Employees,” CDO Nadjia Yousif, who also co-authored the report, finds that companies in the top 30% of psychological safety are at a lesser risk of losing employees, at just 3%. Additionally, employees who feel psychologically safe to speak up at work feel “2.1 times more motivated, 2.7 times happier, and 3.3 times more enabled to reach their full potential.”
Source: Boston Consulting Group
Deloitte’s First Chief Well-Being Officer Jen Fisher on the Interconnectedness of Wellness, DEI
January 2, 2024 – In a recent Newsweek podcast appearance, Jen Fisher shares that part of wellness is being able to bring your authentic self to work; the inclusion piece of DEI. Fisher spent more than eight years leading as Deloitte’s well-being officer and now serves in an expanded role as its human sustainability leader.
Source: YouTube
Clorox’s DEI Leader Shanique Bonelli-Moore on Ethical Sourcing
December 8, 2023 – Shanique Bonelli-Moore has been at the helm of Clorox’s DEI strategy since joining the corporation as its chief diversity and social impact officer in July 2022. In a recent blog post, Bonelli-Moore discusses a work trip she took with Niki King, Clorox’s VP and head of sustainability, to Ghana to learn more about their partner, the Global Shea Alliance, and immerse themselves into the communities that provide high-quality shea and beeswax for their products. They write, “The experience left us with an exciting (if not daunting) question: How do we amplify and scale the learnings of these partnerships to other areas of our business?” Learn more about Bonelli-Moore’s DEI work in Senior Executive DEI’s October 2022 interview about Clorox’s allyship and pay equity efforts.
Source: Accesswire
3M’s Chief Talent and Diversity Officer Kathryn J. Coleman on Using AI in Hiring Process
December 4, 2023 – Kathryn J. Coleman joined 3M as its diversity recruitment manager in 2011 and has been embedding DEI into the organization since. As its chief talent and diversity officer, she’s also finding ways to optimize the hiring process by using an AI bot named Max to field candidates’ questions and send application updates. “Before Max, it took about 45 minutes to schedule an applicant interview; today, it takes just 19 seconds,” she shares.
Source: Society for Human Resource Management
CDOs Amy Johnson Hunter and Anson Sobers Speak at SMPHR DEI Discussion
November 13, 2023 – Amy Johnson Hunter, VP of DEI at footwear brand Caleres, and Anson Sobers, director of enterprise DEI talent strategy at Edward Jones, offered key insights during a panel discussion hosted by the Society of Multicultural Professionals in Human Resources (SMPHR). Sobers has held his DEI position for just over a year, and Hunter has been in her role for more than three years.
Source: LinkedIn
Jessica Madia Celebrates New DEI Certificate
November 11, 2023 – Jessica Madia, director of diversity and inclusion at J.D. Irving, shares that Skillsoft and J.D. Irving collaborated to create a DEI certificate program for J.D. Irving employees. Madia has led the company’s DEI efforts since November 2020 and spent more than 14 years leading similar efforts at Maple Leaf Foods Inc. before then.
Source: LinkedIn
CDOs Michelle Jordan and Melonie Parker Spoke at the First ForbesBLK Summit
November 9, 2023 – CDOs at AT&T and Google discussed strategies for bringing DEI to the forefront of business at the first ForbesBLK Summit in Atlanta on November 5. Melonie Parker has been the CDO at Google since 2019, and Michelle Jordan has been the CDO at AT&T since 2022.
Source: LinkedIn
Microsoft’s CDO Lindsay-Rae McIntyre Discusses DEI Courses
November 8, 2023 – Instead of cutting out the middle manager, Microsoft brought them into the fold by asking them to guide employees in accomplishing at least one DEI goal a year set during performance reviews. Lindsay-Rae McIntyre, Microsoft’s CDO since 2018, says there has been a 270% increase in employees taking optional DEI courses.
Source: Fortune
L’Oréal’s CEO Barbara Lavernos and Hitachi Vantara’s CDO Claire Thomas Partake in Panel Discussion at UNLEASH World
November 6, 2023 – During UNLEASH World’s two-day conference, L’Oréal deputy CEO Barbara Lavernos touted the company’s DEI stats, including 58% of women in management and leadership positions. L’Oréal continues expanding diversity efforts with new hire Liliahn Majeed, chief DEI officer, North America. Meanwhile, Hitachi Vantara’s CDO Claire Thomas acknowledges there’s progress to be made in DEI at the organization.
Source: UNLEASH
Lindsay-Rae McIntyre Imparts How She’s Integrating DEI, Talent Development
October 27, 2023 – Lindsay-Rae McIntyre, chief diversity officer at Microsoft since 2018, shares what’s next in a LinkedIn post. She writes: “Together with my team – Global Talent Development, Diversity, and Inclusion – I will integrate D&I even more intentionally into talent management, employee development, and careers, from interns through to the C-Suite.”
Source: LinkedIn
Lee Wills Discusses ASML’s DEI Goals
October 25, 2023 – Lee Wills has served as the global CDO at ASML, the world’s leading supplier for the semiconductor industry and the only supplier of extreme ultraviolet lithography, since January 2021. One DEI goal she set for ASML is increasing the sense of inclusion across the workforce. “It’s about identifying and reducing barriers, like adapting job profiles to entice highly qualified applicants. We’re only as effective as the systems we put in place to recruit, advance, and retain our employees.”
Source: ASML news
Stephanie Akunvabey Wants to Help Pace University Become an “Anti-Racist Institution”
October 25, 2023 – Stephanie Akunvabey joined Pace University as its associate VP for DEI and CDO just three months ago but she already has big plans. Akunvabey shares that one of her “primary goals is to help Pace fulfill its strategic priority of becoming an Anti-racist institution. It isn’t something I can do on my own, but I believe I can help build the infrastructure that makes it possible.”
Source: Pace news
Dept’s Inaugural DEI Leader Sandra Masiliso Shares Her Vision for the Media Company
October 20, 2023 – In her new role as the global DEI leader at Dept, a digital media agency, Sandra Masiliso looks forward to channeling employees’ creativity to drive internal change. Previously, Masiliso held DEI positions at BBC and Newton Europe.
Source: Adweek
Keisha Bell on DEI Programs Implementing Real Change in Finance
October 18, 2023 – Keisha Bell, who joined the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC) nearly 20 years ago, shares the many ways she’s baking DEI into the financial service company’s culture. In addition to partnering with the Girls Who Code program to help younger women break into the workforce, the company also created the DTCC Rising Stars program to mentor and train standout employees.
Source: Traders Magazine
Janice Underwood on Utilizing Technology in an Aging Workforce
October 9, 2023 – Janice Underwood has served as the director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (ODEIA) at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for the Biden-Harris Administration since May 2022. In this Q&A, Underwood reveals why technology in the workplace is top of mind.
Source: MeriTalk
Glyne Griffith Celebrates His One-Year Anniversary as Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s CDO
October 6, 2023 – Since joining the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Glyne Griffith, VP of equity, diversity, inclusion, and social impact, shares a roundup of his many accomplishments, including ERGs, speaker series, and lunch-and-learn opportunities. Griffith also received numerous awards and recognitions and was featured on Good Morning Texas.
Source: LinkedIn
AICPA and CIMA’s Director of DEI Crystal Cooke on the State of DEI in Accounting
October 1, 2023 – As the director of diversity and inclusion at The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for nearly four years, Crystal Cooke has her finger on the pulse when it comes to where DEI stands in the accounting industry. In a recent Q&A, Cooke offers tips for creating more inclusive environments at accounting firms and in finance departments and discloses her fears about the future of DEI due to legislation.
Source: Journal of Accountancy
Amira Barger, Head of DEI Advisory at Edelman, Divulges Her Fall Reads
September 22, 2023 – Amira Barger, who has served as the executive VP of health communications and head of DEI advisory at Edelman since 2021, shares her four fall book recommendations. They include “The Wake Up” by Michelle Mijung Kim and “Coleman Hill” by Kim Coleman Foote.
Source: MSNBC
DEI Leaders at Top Ad Agencies, Including BBDO’s Jason Rosario, on Hispanic Heritage Month
September 22, 2023 – Jason Rosario, chief DEI officer at BBDO Worldwide, shares the agency has a mentoring program through its ERG, AcentO, which provides guidance to support mid-level Hispanic and Latine talent. Other leaders in the field, including Jesse Perez, director of inclusion, people, and experience at Gale, and Anita Jack-Davies, global head of diversity, equity, and inclusion at R/GA, also share how their organizations are celebrating.
Source: HR Brew
Syracuse University’s Mary Grace Almandrez Discusses DEI in Academia
September 21, 2023 – Despite the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down affirmative action, Mary Grace Almandrez says she remains hopeful for the discipline, adding Syracuse has doubled down on its DEI efforts. Almandrez had leadership positions at Brown University and the University of Rhode Island before joining Syracuse in 2022.
Source: Syracuse University news
Governmentwide CDO Janice Underwood Celebrates Council’s One-Year Anniversary
September 21, 2023 – The U.S. Chief Diversity Officers Executive Council celebrated its first interagency meeting aimed at advancing a national strategy for DEI. “Like all diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility work, it takes time to engrain these practices within agencies, but the result is a government that is far more effective and responsive to what Americans need every day,” says Janice Underwood, director of the Office of Personnel Management’s Office of DEIA and governmentwide CDO.
Source: U.S. Office of Personnel Management news release
Michelle A. Banks Shares How Kohl’s is Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
September 21, 2023 – Michelle A. Banks, Kohl’s chief DEI officer since May 2021, says, “We are proud to showcase the vibrant history of Hispanic and Latino cultures through our product designs and look forward to celebrating all month long with our associates and communities.” In addition to selling products from Hispanic and Latine guest artists, the company’s Hispanic y Latino business resource group is hosting interactive events and volunteer opportunities.
Source: Kohl’s news
Armond Kinsey Explains How He’s Diversifying New Hires Post-Pandemic
September 11, 2023 – Armond Kinsey, who has been the VP and chief talent and diversity officer at Atlantic Health since 2019, says staffing amid the pandemic forced the healthcare system to rethink hiring. Hiring diverse talent has been a continuous priority; post-pandemic, Kinsey’s team is focused on developing talent within the organization.
Source: HR Brew
Cayetana Navarro of Yale School of Medicine on Diversity in Higher Education
September 8, 2023 – Cayetana Navarro is the diversity, equity, and inclusion program manager for the Yale School of Medicine. When asked why academia should be diverse and inclusive, she shares, “Discoveries that can be made here through the efforts of many different minds contributing the sum of their experience and knowledge can impact the lives of thousands, maybe millions. Why would we put up barriers or restrictions on that potential?”
Source: Yale School of Medicine news
Foley & Lardner’s Director of DEI Reiterates Diversity Isn’t Illegal
August 29, 2023 – Alexis Robertson, who has led the law firm’s diversity efforts since 2019, writes that, despite recent news and SCOTUS striking down affirmative action, it’s “the perfect time to elevate, or evolve, your organizational DEI efforts by integrating them into your broader people/talent efforts and by also focusing on systemic fixes.” She also makes the case for HR and DEI teams working together.
Source: LinkedIn
Mattel’s Global Head of DEI on Diversity and “Barbie”
August 28, 2023 – Mason Williams first joined Mattel more than 13 years ago and has since worked his way up to become its global head of DEI. In this interview, Williams shares how Mattel’s culture has shifted over the years to be more inclusive and how the “Barbie” movie is proof the toy company has changed for the better.
Source: HR Dive
Culture Amp DEI Leader on AI and Diversity
August 28, 2023 – Aubrey Blanche, senior director of people operations and strategic programs and a member of the Senior Executive DEI Think Tank, shared how bias and inequity are being built into AI as a result of the lack of diversity across the teams involved in building, marketing, and deploying AI products. In her post, she makes a case for why organizations need to recruit and retain diverse talent.
Source: LinkedIn
Samsung’s DEI Leader on Motherhood and Allyship
August 22, 2023 –Tami DeWeese has been with Samsung for more than 12 years, and has been leading its DEI efforts as the director of the people team, leading DEI initiatives, since 2020. In this Q&A, DeWeese shares the importance of DEI to innovation, the obstacles she overcame to break into tech as an Asian woman, and how allyship can be life-changing for marginalized groups, a lesson she further learned through motherhood.
Source: Samsung news
The Rockefeller University’s CDO on His DEI Vision
August 22, 2023 – Ashton Murray has served as the CDO and VP for DEI at the private medical university for nearly two years. In this Q&A, he shares how he’s integrating DEI into the school culture, using grants to create stronger communities, and the inspiration behind the university’s newly created DEI council.
Source: The Rockefeller University campus news
Nissan’s Executives Share Inside Look at Automobile Manufacturer’s DEI Strategy
August 10, 2023 – Chandra Vasser, the chief DEI officer and VP at Nissan, tells Essence the reason Black women have received the most promotions among minority workers across the organization is because of executives’ commitment to DEI. Part of Vasser’s role, which she filled in 2021, is holding the company accountable for its DEI strategy.
Source: Essence
Benevity’s DEI Leader on Integrating ERGs Into Your Business Plan
August 4, 2023 – The software company’s chief impact officer, Sona Khosla, outlines how organizations can utilize ERGs to conduct impactful DEI training. Khosla also shares how she prioritizes and supports ERGs within the organization.
Source: BenefitsPRO
Allstate’s CDO Offers Inside Look at Organization’s DEI Strategy
July 31, 2023 – Eloiza Domingo, the VP of HR and chief inclusive, diversity, and equity officer at Allstate since 2021, shares in an interview that diversity efforts help the nearly 100-year-old organization stay relevant. She adds the biggest mistake organizations make in regard to DEI is placing it “in human resources and only human resources.”
Source: S&P Global
Walmart’s Chief Belonging Officer on Disability Inclusion
July 25, 2023 – In a post recognizing the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Denise Malloy, senior VP and CBO at Walmart, outlines how the retail giant is making strides in inclusion for employees and customers. Malloy highlights Walmart’s back-to-school products, including over-the-counter hearing aids and sound amplifiers, and backpacks with straps that slide onto wheelchair handles.
Source: Walmart news
University of Phoenix DEI Leaders on Their Monthly Inclusive Café
July 19, 2023 – Tondra Richardson, director of student diversity and inclusion, and Saray Lopez, director, student diversity and inclusion with the Office of Educational Equity, host the Inclusive Café, a monthly virtual meeting for faculty and staff. The meetings are an opportunity “to foster community building and raise awareness and dialogue about social justice and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.”
Source: University of Phoenix press release
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia on DEI in Healthcare
July 19, 2023 – Gilbert Davis has worked at the hospital and research facility for more than 16 years, and he’s served as the chief diversity officer for three of those. Davis shares how the hospital is being more intentional with its multiyear DEI initiatives partly by partnering “with leaders and front-line staff to ensure that our programming and initiatives are tailored to meet the specific DEI needs that align with their work, patient populations and lived experiences.”
Source: Becker’s Hospital Review
Alkemy X’s People and Culture Manager Talks Diversity in Advertising
July 4, 2023 – Dawne Ballard joined global media company Alkemy X in November 2022 after holding several executive positions in human resources. In her interview, Ballard shares what’s holding back DEI leaders, her most meaningful projects, and why DEI shouldn’t be siloed.
Source: Little Black Book Online
Waste Management’s DEI Leader Shares How Employees’ Feedback Shapes Her Strategy
June 22, 2023 – Kelly Rooney, the chief HRO and chief DEI officer at WM, got her first job with the company when she was a teenager and worked her way up. She draws on her experience as a frontline worker and her employee conversations today to create inclusive job descriptions, holistic healthcare benefits, and fruitful learning and development opportunities.
Source: Waste Dive
University of Southern California’s DEI Leader for Faculty and Staff Success Speaks on Gender Equality
June 20, 2023 – Associate chief inclusion and diversity officer Karrie Kingsley shares how gender discrimination throughout their childhood led to advocating for gender-inclusive spaces at the university. Kingsley, who uses they/them pronouns, has launched affinity spaces for students with a variety of social identities and co-created a diversity, access, and equity committee for the USC Chan Division.
Source: USC News
Amazon’s VP of Global DEI Shares Progress Update, Goals
June 19, 2023 – In her post, Candi Castleberry shared a snapshot of Amazon’s DEI progress, including that the company is on track to hire 100,000 veterans and military spouses by 2024. She also wrote Amazon’s three main DEI priorities are expanding its global initiatives, utilizing Artificial Intelligence, and improving promotion and retention while expanding professional development programs.
Source: Amazon
Slone Partners’ Executive Director of DEI Shares How the Firm Embeds DEI into Their Talent Recruitment Process
June 12, 2023 – Candace Nortey, the executive director of DEI, at Slone Partners, a national recruitment firm, shares how they’ve made their recruiting and hiring process more diverse and inclusive. Three of those strategies include: pulling back on internal referrals, leveraging untapped networks, and striving for compensation consistency.
Source: Hunt Scanlon Media
New York State CDO Backs MWBE Regional Opportunities Expo Series
June 6, 2023 – With Governor Kathy Hochul’s announcement about a three-part expo series aimed at boosting contract opportunities for minority- and women-owned business enterprises, New York State chief diversity officer Julissa Gutierrez said, “We must foster an environment where every business, regardless of size or background, can stand shoulder to shoulder and compete for state contracts. The MWBE Regional Opportunities Expo Series will help MWBEs move towards a path of growth and prosperity.”
Source: New York State announcement
App State Recognizes Community Members for Their DEI Efforts
May 31, 2023 – Appalachian State University’s chief diversity officer Jamie Parson and director of intercultural student affairs Lamont Sellers recently presented the school’s 2023 Inclusive Excellence Awards. Established in 2020, these awards are meant to honor community members who demonstrate an “active, intentional, and ongoing commitment to inclusive excellence,” according to the Diversity and Inclusion at App State site.
Source: Appalachian Today
Verizon’s Chief Talent and Diversity Officer Opens Up About Her New Diversity Leadership Initiatives in New Unleash Interview
May 22, 2023 – Christina Schelling, chief talent and diversity officer at Verizon, opens up about the telecommunications company’s commitment to fostering inclusion at the leadership level, as well as efforts to implement DEI into their learning and development practices, in tech publication Unleash.
Source: Unleash
Penske Entertainment’s Chief Diversity Officer Discusses His Experiences With Diversity On Local Podcast
May 22, 2023 – Inside INdiana Business, an Indiana-based news company, features Jimmie McMillian, chief diversity officer and senior corporate counsel at Penske Entertainment, which owns the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, on the latest episode of their weekly podcast. He shares how his upbringing on the South Side of Chicago changed his life.
Source: Inside INdiana Business
Vantage Data Centers’ Chief People and Culture Office Speaks On Her First Year
May 2, 2023 – Patricia Elias, Vantage Data Centers’ chief people and culture officer, reflects on leadership development and other experiences she has learned since taking the role.
Source: Data Centers Today
Visa’s Chief Diversity Officer Tackles Income Inequality
April 7, 2023 – Michelle Gethers-Clark is Visa’s chief diversity officer and its head of corporate responsibility. In this interview for Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work for, she discusses the company’s move to Atlanta to attract more Black talent.
Source: Fortune (subscription required)
Outgoing Chief Diversity Officer at Boy Scouts of America Recounts DEI Progress
March 3, 2023 – Elizabeth Ramirez-Washka, the former vice president, deputy general counsel, and chief diversity officer at BSA, discusses the evolution of DEI initiatives during her six-year tenure in this interview with Scouting Magazine.
Source: Scouting Magazine
U.S. Department of Commerce DEI Leader Junish Arora Reflects on His First Year
February 27, 2023 – Junish Arora, chief diversity, equity and Inclusion officer at the U.S. Department of Commerce, sheds light on some of the challenges and lessons of his first year in that role.
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce blog
Comcast’s Dalila Wilson-Scott Showcased in Philadelphia Inquirer Article
February 27, 2023 – Comcast’s CDO Dalila Wilson-Scott reveals the company’s goals to achieve a more diverse workforce.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer (subscription required)
Home Depot CDO Derek Bottoms Shares DEI Progress – and What’s Next
February 1, 2023 – Home Depot CDO Derek Bottoms discusses Home Depot’s expanding associate resource groups, partnering with organizations to close the wealth gap, and advancing supplier diversity.
Source: The Home Depot
DEI Leaders Being Recognized
Lilian Vanvieldt-Gray Celebrates Alliant Insurance Services 5-Star DEI Award
January 16, 2024 – For the second year in a row, Alliant Insurance Services earned the 5-Star DEI Award from Insurance Business America for its efforts promoting DEI in the workplace. The organization’s EVP and chief diversity and inclusion officer Lilian Vanvieldt-Gray says the award “represents a significant endorsement of our practices and a recognition of the environment and culture we’ve fostered at Alliant.”
Source: Alliant news release
Nina Faber Named Chair for Manufacturers Alliance’s Diversity and Inclusion Council
January 10, 2024 – Manufacturers Alliance announced Nina Faber will lead as the chair of its diversity and inclusion council where she will “guide the direction of the council in coordination with her vice chair.” Faber is currently the chief DEI officer at MSA Safety, a safety equipment manufacturer and supplier. She joined the corporation as senior counsel in 2013 before taking over as CDO in 2022.
Source: LinkedIn
Allison Green Johnson Celebrates as Lincoln Financial Named One of America’s Most Responsible Companies
January 9, 2024 – Newsweek Magazine recently announced Lincoln Financial as one of the most responsible companies in America based on “a holistic view of corporate responsibility.” Allison Green Johnson, who has led as a diversity leader at Lincoln Financial since 2009, says in response to the award, “At Lincoln, we continuously explore innovative ways of thinking, tapping into diverse backgrounds and new ideas, to help enhance our CSR and ESG efforts to generate a real impact.”
Source: Lincoln Financial press release
Newsweek Recognizes UKG and Brian K. Reaves as Leaders in Diversity
January 8, 2024 – Brian K. Reaves, who has led as the chief belonging, equity, and impact officer at UKG since 2021, celebrated Newsweek naming the tech company one of “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity” for the second year in a row. Reaves credits the UKG’s “people-centric approach to developing HCM technology” and robust ERG program as two reasons for the honor. He adds, “We…have the technology to help ourselves and others continue to measure and improve their DEI&B and social impact outcomes. After all, what gets measured gets done.”
Source: UKG newsroom
Progress and Chief People Officer Katie Kulikoski Named DEI Champion
January 3, 2024 – Progress, a Massachusetts-based software company, was recognized by The Boston Globe as a 2023 DEI Champion in part for its Progress for Tomorrow project. Katie Kulikoski, who oversees Progress’ DEI efforts as its chief people officer, says, “Our culture thrives because our people are as committed to one other as they are to our customers, partners, and to the community around us. They continuously act according to our values, hold one another accountable, and identify new ways to support the global community – all while continuing to serve our customers.”
Source: Progress press release
Hormel Foods and Antoine Destin Named a Top Workplace for Diversity
December 31, 2023 – Hormel Foods, which employs more than 20,000 employees around the world, was named one of America’s greatest workplaces for diversity, according to Newsweek. Hormel Foods’ director of DEI, Antoine Destin, says of the distinction, “We take great pride in being acknowledged for our commitment to cultivating an inclusive and diverse workforce. This recognition celebrates the power of bringing together the talents of our diverse team members from across the globe.”
Source: Pork Business
AT&T and Michelle Jordan Recognized for Commitment to Diversity
December 22, 2023 – AT&T CDO Michelle Jordan announced several DEI recognitions from Comparably in a recent LinkedIn post. “I’m excited to see that AT&T is being recognized by Comparably for Best Company Culture (#16), Best Company for Diversity (#4), and Best Company for Women (#10)… I’m so proud to be part of a company, and community, that values the importance of an equitable and inclusive workplace,” shared Jordan. We recently discussed AT&T’s DEI mobile app with Jordan on Senior Executive DEI.
Source: LinkedIn
Children’s Mercy Kansas City and Michelle Wimes Receive Recognition for Workplace Diversity
December 22, 2023 – Michelle Wimes, chief equity and inclusion officer at Children’s Mercy Kansas City recently shared a LinkedIn post announcing the hospital system was named one of America’s greatest workplaces for diversity in Newsweek’s 2024 roundup. “Our Office of Equity and Diversity is the backbone of this work, but every team member has contributed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment for our colleagues and patients alike,” writes Wimes. She has served as CDO for more than three years and shared the DEI assessments her team has led in a Senior Executive DEI Q&A.
Source: LinkedIn
Experian CDO Wil Lewis Named 2023 DEIA Visionary by Los Angeles Times
December 22, 2023 – Wil Lewis, global chief DEI and talent acquisition officer at Experian was recognized among a selection of influential CDOs of 2023 in the Los Angeles Times’ DEIA magazine. Lewis led DEI efforts at Bank of America before joining Experian North America in 2020 as the organization’s inaugural global chief diversity, equity, inclusion, and talent acquisition officer. Senior Executive DEI spoke to Lewis about Experian’s approach to innovating with ERGs in a recent Q&A spotlight.
Source: LinkedIn
The Human Rights Campaign Recognizes Carolyn Tandy, Humana for DEI Efforts
December 13, 2023 – Humana received another perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s annual assessment of LGBTQ+ workplace equality for the 10th year in a row. Carolyn Tandy, who has served as the SVP and chief DEI officer at Humana since 2021, says of the recognition, “As Humana advances its culture of belonging for our LGBTQ+ teammates, members, patients, and communities; participation in benchmarking surveys like the Human Rights Campaign Foundation Corporate Equality Index helps us see our progress and opportunities from an important and inclusive perspective that helps us continue to grow.”
Source: LinkedIn
Lauren Young and Travelers Receives Perfect Score on the Corporate Equality Index
December 12, 2023 – Lauren Young has served as the VP and chief diversity and inclusion officer at Travelers, a New York-based insurance company, since 2021. Thanks in part to Young’s efforts, the Human Rights Campaign, which administers the Corporate Equality Index survey, awarded Travelers with the Equality 100 Award and named it a Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion.
Source: Travelers press release
Ebonee Davis Ifeobu, Eddie Alford, and Raquel Barlow are Among the Top DEI Leaders in Nashville
November 27, 2023 – Nashville Business Journal spotlighted 24 DEI titans across Atlanta. The industry leaders include Ebonee Davis Ifeobu, VP of DEI at Bridgestone Americas; Eddie Alford, director of DEI at Pinnacle Financial Partners; and Raquel Barlow, assistant VP of diversity partnerships and programs at AllianceBernstein, a global investment management firm. Andrea Blackman, who has led DEI for the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County since April 2021 was also among those included in the list.
Source: Nashville Business Journal
MetLife Global Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Dr. Cindy Pace Awarded for Efforts
November 21, 2023 – Dr. Cindy Pace, who has served as a global DEI leader at MetLife since 2013, was recently recognized by Seramount for a number of DEI initiatives, including talent development programs and workplace culture. “It’s an honor to be recognized by Seramount as we continue to cultivate a purpose-driven and inclusive culture,” says Pace.
Source: Business Wire
Dr. Anthony C. Hood Recognized as a Top DEI Leader
November 20, 2023 – Dr. Anthony C. Hood was recently included on COLOR Magazine’s POWERLIST of Top Chief Diversity Officers, which recognizes leaders who are not only thriving in DEI but shaping it. Hood has served as the EVP and chief DEI officer at First Horizon Bank since November 2020 and is a member of the board of directors for the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.
Source: First Horizon
Corporate Learning Network Names André Lessears Most Inclusive Leader of 2023
November 21, 2023 – UAB Health System’s CDO André Lessears was recognized as the Most Inclusive Leader of the Year award for 2023 by the Corporate Learning Network, a leading research firm. Lessears joined UAB Medicine in February 2021. He’s also one of the newest members of the DEI Think Tank.
Source: UAB Medicine
New York Women of ALPFA Honors Jomil Guerrero
November 14, 2023 – Jomil Guerrero was recently awarded the Making an Impact in DEI 2023 Award by the New York Women of ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals For America). She joined New York Life Insurance Company as CDO in February but served in executive positions at the organization for nearly 10 years of her career.
Source: LinkedIn
Marnita Harris Named Among Notable Leaders in DEI
November 13, 2023 – Marnita Harris has served as the VP of racial justice and economic equity at the Detroit Regional Chamber since July and was recently recognized as a powerhouse champion of DEI. Crain honored Harris by naming her one of the 2023 Crain’s Detroit Business Notable Leaders in DEI in part for her efforts in raising more than $3.8 million for the Chamber’s foundation programs.
Source: Detroit Chamber
Dawn-Marie Gray Named a Finalist in 2023 Pinnacle Awards
November 13, 2023 – Dawn-Marie Gray, who has served as the VP of DEIA at The Cadmus Group for nearly three years, is a finalist for the Pinnacle Awards’ DE&I Executive of the Year. The award winners will be named on November 16. Gray previously led DEI efforts at CVS Health as their director of strategic diversity management.
Source: WashingtonExec
Wiley’s CDO Rashida MacMurray-Abdullah Accepts AT&T Diversity Award
November 3, 2023 – Wiley Receives a 2023 Diversity Award from AT&T Diversity Awards, a nomination that acknowledges law firms pushing the envelope in DEI. Wiley is the 2023 winner of the Legal Department DEI Award for Diversity. Rashida MacMurray-Abdullah has held the CDO position for more than three years and was on-site to accept the award in Dallas.
Source: Wiley press release
Crowe and Rachael Gibson’s DEI Efforts Hailed by Fortune
October 24, 2023 – For the third time, Crowe, a public accounting, consulting, and technology firm based in New York, has been named a best place to work for women, according to Fortune and Great Place to Work. Rachael Gibson, Crowe’s chief DEI officer since April, says, “It’s imperative that we make these connections [with diverse colleagues] to inspire early-career females, allowing them to learn from the leadership journeys of others and see the career and leadership opportunities for them as women of color at Crowe.”
Source: Crowe news
Modern Healthcare Names Jennifer H. Mieres a Top Diversity Leader
October 23, 2023 – Jennifer H. Mieres, senior VP and chief diversity and inclusion officer at Northwell Health, New York’s largest healthcare provider, was named a Top Diversity Leader in Healthcare by Modern Healthcare. Mieres is the inaugural chief diversity and inclusion officer and joined Northwell Health in 2010.
Source: Northwell Health newsroom
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Gilbert Davis Recognized for Diversity Efforts
October 18, 2023 – Modern Healthcare named Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) one of the Top Diversity Leaders of 2023. “We are humbled and proud of this recognition and know that we cannot provide the best care to our patients, without diversity, equity, and inclusion at the center of all that we do,” says Gilbert Davis, VP and CDO at CHOP.
Source: Mirage News
Rashada Whitehead Hailed for DEI Efforts at Grant Thornton
October 18, 2023 – Crain’s Chicago Business designates Rashada Whitehead a “Notable Leader in DEI.” Since joining Grant Thornton as its national managing principal of culture, immersion, and inclusion in 2021, Whitehead designed and executed inclusive policies and released the accounting company’s inaugural DEI report.
Source: Grant Thornton press release
Kiwana McClung and University of Louisiana at Lafayette Secures Sixth Diversity Award
October 11, 2023 – INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine awarded the University of Louisiana at Lafayette the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award. Kiwana McClung, CDO at the university’s Office for Campus Diversity, says, “Continually implementing fresh, topical subjects is a primary reason our programs and initiatives flourish, and it’s essential to keep doing that for them to keep growing and evolving.”
Source: University of Louisiana at Lafayette news
Amanda Garcia-Williams Secures Mansfield Certification Plus Designation
October 10, 2023 – For the fifth time, Husch Blackwell received the Mansfield Certification Plus designation, given to law firms that have shown a scientifically and data-backed increase in diversity in leadership. Amanda Garcia-Williams has led the law firm’s diversity efforts as its chief DEI officer since June 2021.
Source: Husch Blackwell news
Council for Latino Workplace Equity Presents Top Award to Niki Tapia
October 6, 2023 – Niki Tapia has worked for the city of Chandler in Arizona for nearly 26 years and has served as its DEI officer since 2021. She was recently awarded the Top Latino Leader award by the Council for Latino Workplace Equity for her dedication to uplifting Latino employees.
Source: 12News
Morrison Foerster, Led by Natalie Kernisant, Recognized with Diversity Award
October 6, 2023 – The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) honored Morrison Foerster, an international law firm, with its annual Law Firm Diversity Award, which recognizes firms working to close the equity gap for Asian Pacific American lawyers. The firm’s DEI efforts are led by its chief diversity and inclusion officer, Natalie Kernisant, who joined the firm in 2013 as manager of attorney diversity recruiting.
Source: Morrison Foerster news
CDO Corliss V. Garner and Old National Bank Named a Leading Disability Employer
October 5, 2023 – The National Organization on Disability (NOD) recognized Old National Bank as one of 65 Leading Disability Employers for 2023. “Actively seeking and championing diversity within our workforce is critical to our success, and annually makes us an employer of choice. This and our internal Abilities First Impact Network promote an inclusive work environment that attracts talent and makes us stronger as an organization,” says Corliss V. Garner, who has held the position of chief DEI officer at Old National Bank since February 2022.
Source: Old National Bank press release
Erie Insurance, Led by CDO Christina Marsh, Receives Four Top DEI Awards
October 2, 2023 – Erie was recognized as one of The Global ERG Network’s (GEN) Top 25 ERG Diversity Impact Award recipients. Erie’s Dignity and Respect Affinity Network, Women’s Affinity Network, and Veterans Affinity Network all made the list.. The insurance company’s DEI efforts are led by its chief diversity and community development officer Christina Marsh, who has held the position since 2017. Erie’s VP and Wisconsin branch manager Fred Johnson also received the Diversity Impact Executive Sponsor of the Year award.
Source: Erie Insurance press release
Sady Alvarado-Fischer Wins DEI Leadership Award
September 15, 2023 – Sady Alvarado-Fischer, VP and DEI officer at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, was awarded the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce’s Colors of Success DEI Leadership Award. The award recognizes an individual who has shown results in advancing DEI in the greater Rochester community.
Source: Rochester Business Journal
Forbes Recognizes Cintas and Max Langenkamp for DEI Efforts
September 14, 2023 – Cintas was included in Forbes’ America’s Best-in-State Employers 2023 list for the second consecutive year. Its senior VP and CDO, Max Langenkamp, says, “We believe in treating our employee-partners well, providing both professional and personal support, and creating an environment where they are respected and confident so they can thrive and achieve success. Awards like this mean a lot to us since they reaffirm our belief that Cintas is an employer of choice.”
Source: Cintas news
Jerry Epps Named a 2023 Top 25 Diversity Change Leader
September 13, 2023 – DiversityPlus Magazine recognized Babson College’s inaugural director of vendor diversity, Jerry Epps, as a top diversity change leader in 2023. Epps, who joined Babson College in 2021, was also named one of four 2023 Shining Star Award Recipients by the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council.
Source: Babson College news
NJIT’s David Jones Honored as Top 15 Champion of Diversity
September 12, 2023 – David Jones joined the New Jersey Institute of Technology in December 2022 and has been named a champion of diversity by DiversityGlobal Magazine. One of Jones’s most notable accomplishments is creating and running DEIB workshops for faculty and staff.
Source: NJIT news
Dawn-Marie Gray Awarded DEI Champion of the Year
September 8, 2023 – HRO Today selected Dawn-Marie Gray, VP of DEIA at The Cadmus Group, to receive its DE&I Champion of the Year Award. “Dawn-Marie works tirelessly to enhance Cadmus’ existing operations and develop new offerings to ensure that we are advancing diversity and fostering a culture of equity in the workplace and across society. Her purposeful and creative approach inspires everyone at Cadmus to make DEIA a priority,” says Cadmus president and CEO Ian Kline.
Source: Business Wire
Ameriprise Financial, Led by Rudy Rodriguez, Named a Best Place to Work
September 8, 2023 – The American Association of People with Disabilities and Disability:IN named Ameriprise a Best Place to Work for the fourth year in a row. Rudy Rodriguez, VP of DEI at Ameriprise Financial, says, “Being named a ‘Top Scorer’ on the Disability Equality Index for a fourth year symbolizes our support for employees with seen and unseen disabilities, and we are proud to be recognized among the top companies that foster an inclusive and accessible workplace.”
Source: Ameriprise Financial news
First Horizon Bank Named a Veteran-Friendly Employer
August 28, 2023 – U.S. Veterans Magazine recognized the bank as a 2023 Top Veteran-Friendly Company. Anthony C. Hood, who leads the organization’s DEI efforts as its executive VP and chief DEI officer, says, “Providing professional opportunities to current and prospective associates who have proudly served our country is a top priority.”
Source: First Horizon Bank news
The Disability Equality Index Names Ericsson a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion”
August 15, 2023 – The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Disability:IN awarded the networking and telecommunications company for its efforts to create a more inclusive and accessible workplace. The accolade recognizes Emma Birchall’s work, who has served as the organization’s global head of diversity and inclusion since 2021.
Source: Ericsson news
Amtrak Recognized as a Premiere Employer for Women
August 15, 2023 – Forbes included the national railroad company on its 2023 list of “Best Employers for Women” for creating an inclusive workplace for women. Robert Grasty, who has been with the company since 2022, fronts the organization’s DEI efforts as its chief HR officer and executive VP.
Source: Amtrak media
Aramark Receives DEI Award
August 15, 2023 – Black Enterprise, a digital media brand and financial resource, named Aramark one of the “Best Companies for DEI.” The food service organization’s DEI efforts are led by its VP of DEI, Fenimore Fisher, who joined the organization in October 2021.
Source: Aramark news
Transwestern Spotlighted for its DEI Efforts
August 10, 2023 – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution partnered with Energage to survey 28 companies’ DEI initiatives and awarded Transwestern the best workplace for long-term success because of its DEI efforts. As the chief human resources officer, Allison Allen leads the organization’s talent, which encompasses its DEI strategy.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
NBA Earns Top Marks for DEI Strategy
August 8, 2023 – The University of Central Florida’s Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES) awarded the National Basketball Association (NBA) an A in the 2023 NBA Racial and Gender Report Card, among other top marks. Lesley Slaton Brown, who has led the organization’s DEI efforts since February says of the honor, “We’re encouraged that the data reflected in the TIDES Race and Gender Report Card signifies the NBA’s dedication to attracting and developing a diverse pool of talented employees. We will continue to focus on these efforts to drive progress across our global business.”
Source: The Associated Press
Bloomberg Law Acknowledges Husch Blackwell for DEI Efforts
August 3, 2023 – The firm is one of 55 across the U.S. that was recognized for its commitment to DEI across recruitment, retention, business innovation and strategy, and more. Husch Blackwell’s DEI efforts are led by its chief DEI officer, Amanda Garcia-Williams, who has been with the organization since 2021.
Source: Husch Blackwell news release
Unisys Receives Top DEI Award
July 27, 2023 – The global tech company received a perfect score in the 2023 Disability Equality Index for the third year in a row. Michelle Jones, Unisys’ deputy general counsel, chief compliance officer, and global head of litigation, has led its DEI efforts since December 2022.
Source: Unisys news release
NASA Selected as a Top Organization for Women
July 26, 2023 – Forbes and Statista named NASA one of America’s “Best Employers for Women.” Elaine Ho, who has served as NASA’s chief DEIA officer since April, says of the recognition, “NASA is proud to be recognized as a top employer for women. But we are most proud of the many amazing women who make invaluable contributions to our awe-inspiring missions day in and day out.”
Source: NASA news release
PPL Corporation Earns Top DEI Marks
July 26, 2023 – The energy company ranked fourth in the nation on DiversityInc’s Top Utilities list, which evaluates companies’ policies, practices, and procedures based on their industry. PPL Corporation’s diversity efforts are led by its VP and chief DEI officer, Angie Evans, who has served in the role since March 2022.
Source: PPL Corporation news release
Albertson’s Recognized for Disability Inclusion
July 26, 2023 – The grocery company was named a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion,” according to the 2023 Disability Equality Index. Monique Lanaux, general vice president and chief DEIB officer, has led Albertson’s DEI efforts, which include a diverseABILITY associate resource group for associates with diverse abilities, their caretakers, and allies, since February 2022.
Source: Albertsons news release
Sodexo Named Top Employer for Multicultural Women, People with Disabilities
July 21, 2023 – Sodexo was recently recognized by multiple organizations for its DEI initiatives, including a “Best Company for Multicultural Women” by Seramount and one of the “2023 Best Places to Work for People with Disabilities” for the ninth consecutive year by Disability:IN. The global food services and facilities management company’s DEI efforts are led by its chief DEI officer, North America, Tony Tenicela. Sodexo’s senior director of supplier diversity, Darlene Fuller, was also named the Mary Brougher Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year Award by Disability:IN.
Source: Sodexo news release
Pride Industries’ DEI Leader Receives Award
July 21, 2023 – The senior director of DEI at PRIDE Industries, Adrienne Lawson, was named one of Sacramento Business Journal’s Champions for DEI. Lawson said of the recognition: “There has been pushback on DEI efforts across the country, so I’m especially grateful that the Sacramento Business Journal sees DEI’s value. It’s wonderful that they are shining a light on the important DEI work that individuals and organizations are doing in the region.”
Source: PRIDE Industries press release
Bloomberg Law Commends Foley and Lardner LLP
July 20, 2023 – Bloomberg Law’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Framework, which recognizes law firms that meet or exceed a threshold of diversity, added Foley and Lardner LLP to its list. The firm’s efforts are led by its director of DEI, Alexis Robertson, who has been in the role since 2019.
Source: Foley and Lardner LLP press release
Wiley Rein LLP Named DEI Leader in Law
July 20, 2023 – Wiley Rein LLP is one of 55 U.S.-based law firms that was recognized by Bloomberg Law’s DEI Framework for its performance in the space. Rashida MacMurray-Abdullah has served as the firm’s chief diversity officer since 2020.
Source: Wiley press release
Forbes Recognizes Sevita for Diversity Efforts
July 18, 2023 – Home and community-based specialty health care company Sevita was named one of “America’s Best Employers for Diversity” in 2023, according to Forbes. Sevita’s DEI efforts are led by its VP of talent and CDO, Natasha Hudspeth, who joined the company in 2021.
Source: HomeCare
Bank of America Named World’s Best Bank for Diversity
July 13, 2023 – Euromoney Magazine recognized the bank during its Awards for Excellence gala, which celebrates outstanding leadership in financial services. Cynthia Bowman, Bank of America’s chief diversity and inclusion and corporate social responsibility officer, attributes the organization’s diversity strides to its “top-down approach” — in 2022, 26% of management-level employees in levels 1 to 3 are people of color compared to 15% in 2015.
Source: Bank of America press release
Eaton Scores Perfect Score from Disability Equality Index
July 13, 2023 – Power management company Eaton was named a “Top Scoring Business” and a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” for the third year in a row. Monica Jackson, VP of global inclusion and diversity at Eaton, says, “By completing the (Disability Equality Index), we are demonstrating our commitment to transparency and advancing disability inclusion and equity in our workplace.”
Source: Eaton news release
Kellogg Company Named One of the Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion
July 11, 2023 – Debra Quade, the supplier diversity manager at Kellogg Company, wrote on her LinkedIn page that the company “is on a journey to create a more inclusive workplace and supply chain. Proud to partner with Disability:IN and congratulations and thank you to all the other corporations being recognized.” Quade has been with the company since 2010.
Source: LinkedIn
2023 Disability Equality Index Recognizes American Airlines
July 11, 2023 – For the eighth year in a row, American Airlines was named a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” based on the Disability Equality Index. Cedric Rockamore, American Airlines’ chief diversity officer and VP of global people operations, has been with the organization since 2014 and took over as DEI lead in 2021.
Source: American Airlines press release
Fannie Mae Receives Two Recognitions
July 11, 2023 – The American Association of People with Disabilities and Disability:IN gave Fannie Mae a perfect score for the “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” while Black Enterprise included it on its list of “2023 Best Companies for DEI.” Before Sharifa Anderson joined Fannie Mae as its chief diversity and inclusion officer in 2022, she spent more than seven years at Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh.
Source: Fannie Mae press release
Franklin Templeton Makes Top Marks in the 2023 Disability Equality Index
July 11, 2023 – The benchmarking tool marked the investment firm one of the “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” for the fifth consecutive year. Franklin Templeton’s chief diversity officer, Regina Curry, says of their work, “We are committed to advancing a culture of inclusivity, in order to build strong teams that can deliver better outcomes for our employees, clients and shareholders.”
Source: Franklin Templeton press release
Logicalis’ Diversity Leader Receives Top Honor
July 10, 2023 – Logicalis’ global head of responsible business, Charissa Jaganath, was named a top DEIB practitioner in CRN Magazine’s first Inclusive Channel Leaders list for 2023. Jaganath worked in global corporations and nonprofits for more than 15 years before joining Logicalis in 2021.
Source: Logicalis press release
Pax8 Leader Gets Recognized for Inclusive Culture
July 10, 2023 – Lyndsey Hoffman, Pax8’s vice president of social impact, was also recognized by CRN Magazine in its Inclusive Channel Leaders list for 2023. Since joining Pax8 as the director of Microsoft programs, Hoffman has worked her way up to her current role leading the software company’s social impact strategies, forming partnerships, and advocating for employees from marginalized and underrepresented backgrounds.
Source: Pax8 press release
Diversity Global Magazine Honors Avantor’s DEI Leader
July 7, 2023 – Avantor’s VP of DEI, Noël France, who has been in the role for more than two years, was named one of the 15 most influential women in diversity. Diversity Global Magazine wrote of France: “In her role, she has focused on strengthening the DE&I commitment by elevating the voices of employees and establishing policies and processes that interrupt and prevent bias.”
Source: 3BL CSRwire
Chambers and Partners Names Morrison Foerster “Outstanding Firm for Diversity & Inclusion”
June 16, 2023 – Chambers, which determines international rankings for the legal industry, rated Morrison Foerster as the leading firm implementing an inclusive work environment in 2022. The firm’s DEI efforts are steered by its chief diversity and inclusion officer, Natalie Kernisant.
Source: Morrison Foerster press release
LinkedIn’s CDO Ranks 36 on Fast Company Queer 50 List
June 13, 2023 – Rosanna Durruthy, the VP of global diversity, inclusion and belonging at Linkedin, was recognized for following through on her commitment to DEI, which includes doubling Black representation at the company. She has also created a more inclusive platform with a name pronunciation feature, pronoun options, and professional skills training through LinkedIn Learning.
Source: Fast Company
DiversityInc Rankings Recognize 2023 Top Hospitals and Health Systems
June 5, 2023 – Fair360, a research firm focused on DEI in the workplace, announced its DiversityInc rankings of top hospitals and health systems for 2023. VSP Vision was among the recognized, selected for its “excellence in promoting workplace fairness through talent strategy, supplier diversity practices, and philanthropic engagement.” The vision care company’s CDO Marvin Davenport said in a statement, “I am extremely proud of VSP Vision’s commitment to the intentional work of diversity, equity, and inclusion, which puts people first — whether it’s our workforce or the communities we serve.”
Source: Invision magazine
Marlina Duncan Recognized Among Emerging Black Leaders in Massachusetts
June 4, 2023 – Leading up to Juneteenth, Massachusetts media brand MassLive is honoring Black leaders in the state whom readers and staff nominate for their work to inspire change. Among the recognized is Marlina Duncan, vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion and CDO at UMass Chan Medical School. Since taking the role in 2020, she has worked with leaders across the institution’s schools and business and administrative departments to meet their DEI goals. In January, she won the Diamond Award for Education, Leadership, Diversity, Equality, Inclusion, Humanitarian, Philanthropic, and Community Engagement from the Atlanta-based nonprofit Not Alone Foundation.
Source: MassLive
Becker’s Hospital Review Names 86 Healthcare Diversity Officers to Know in 2023
May 25, 2023 – “Becker’s Hospital Review,” a healthcare publication, names 86 DEI leaders to watch for this year. Among the recognized are Pamela Abner, vice president and chief diversity operations officer at Mount Sinai Health System; Adrienne Austin, director of diversity and inclusion at Jersey City Medical Center; and Dana Beckton, chief diversity officer at Sentara Healthcare.
Source: Becker’s Hospital Review
MOVES Magazine Diversity Awards Honors LKQ Executive
May 9, 2023 – Genevieve L. Dombrowski, senior vice president of human resources at LKQ Corporation, an auto parts provider, is honored with an award recognizing her achievements in DEI. This event celebrates women leaders.
Source: AfterMarket News
National Diversity Awards Power 50 Recognizes Insight Enterprises CIO
May 5, 2023 – Suma Nallapati, global chief information officer at Insight Enterprises, a global technology company, has been named one of the Power 50 at the 19th annual National Diversity and Leadership Conference. This award recognizes women in the C-suite who are making achievements in bridging the gender gap.
Source: Business Wire
Weber Shandwick DE&I Professional Wins an Innovation SABRE Award
May 2, 2023 – Judith Harrison, chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer at PR agency Weber Shandwick, wins DE&I Professional of the Year award at the PRovoke Media North America Summit.
Source: PRovoke Media
City & State New York Releases List of 2023 Power of Diversity: Asian 100
May 1, 2023 – The 2023 Power of Diversity: Asian 100, a list compiled by City & State highlighting elected officials and other local New York leaders in the Asian American community was released. Some notable people featured were Lila Benayoun, COO at New York insurance company MetroPlusHealth; S. David Wu, president of Baruch College and champion of diversity efforts at Baruch, and Margaret Fung, co-founder of Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund.
Source: City & State New York
Forbes Publishes Its 2023 List of America’s Best Employers for Diversity
April 25, 2023 – Forbes has published its 2023 update of America’s Best Employers for Diversity, a comprehensive list ranking 500 companies that advance diversity in the workplace. Included in the list were Clorox and Humana, ranked 5th and 6th, respectively. We spoke with Shanique Bonelli-Moore, the new chief diversity and social impact officer at Clorox, and Carolyn Tandy, the senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer at Humana, previously. See what Bonelli-Moore told us about Clorox’s Practices for Promoting Allyship and Pay Equity and what Tandy shared with us to help Build Your HBCU Recruitment Strategy.
Source: Forbes
Lincoln Financial Group’s Allison Green Johnson Named to Savoy Magazine Most Influential Executives in Diversity & Inclusion List for 2023
March 20, 2023 – Lincoln Financial Group announced that Allison Green Johnson, chief diversity officer and president of the Lincoln Financial Foundation, has been recognized by Savoy Magazine on its 2023 “Most Influential Executives in Diversity & Inclusion” list.
Source: Lincoln Financial Group News Room/Savoy Magazine
Crafting compelling messages about your DEI successes takes time, and finding and engaging the right audiences for your messages can be even more challenging. The DEI leaders featured here are models to follow for earning media coverage or search traffic to communicate progress on their respective DEI initiatives — and for holding themselves accountable by stepping into the spotlight.
Have some diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) news we should add here? Please share with Senior Executive DEI editors.
