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 own blogs.
Follow this page to make and maintain connections to 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
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
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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
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
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 who 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.
