2023 Chicago Virtual NDC Certification Program
Faculty
Cecilia Orellana-Rojas serves as the chief of learning and consulting for the National Diversity Council. In this role, she oversees the execution of the organization’s strategic goals to generate new revenue streams. She leads the consulting function as well as innovative, high-quality educational and research initiatives in diversity and inclusion. She is the creator of the NDC Certification Program curriculum, which prepares professionals for successful careers in the DEIB space. She is also the developer of the NDC Toolkit, a unique diversity reference portal and research consolidator. Cecilia brings 15 years of experience at AT&T, where she started as a manager in diversity marketing. She spent most of her career at the telecommunications giant as associate director and lead consultant of corporate diversity. In this role, she offered support in the formulation, implementation and direction of AT&T’s diversity and inclusion strategy including metrics, communications, and training. She also provided consulting in all aspects of workforce diversity. Prior to her corporate role, she worked as a journalist and later taught in academia for more than 10 years in the area of sociology, with emphasis on U.S. race relations, gender, Latin America, and research methods. Cecilia is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She was instrumental in the launch of the Texas Diversity Council and served as the first president of the San Antonio Advisory Board. As a founding member of the Texas Hispanic/Latino Summit, she played a leadership role in establishing the mission of the summit as a venue for Latino/a voices within the Texas Leadership and Diversity Conference. She has been recognized numerous times with the Diversity Champion Award and Diversity Leadership Award for her commitment and dedication to diversity business practices. Cecilia has served on the Emeritus Board of Directors for the Masters Leadership Program of Greater San Antonio and as an external member of the Workforce and Diversity Committee for the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA). In addition, she has served on the Immigration and Refugees Action Team for the City of San Antonio’s Faith-Based Initiative. A native of Chile, Cecilia earned a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s degree in Latin American studies from the University of New Mexico. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of North Dakota. She resides in San Antonio, Texas, with her husband, Henry, and their son, Rodrigo.
Speaker
Wendy Holmes stands as a beacon of leadership in the world of diversity and inclusion. Currently holding the esteemed position of Assistant Vice President, Diversity Consultant at Comerica Bank, Wendy's journey is characterized by over a decade and a half of dedication, innovation, and tireless advocacy for inclusive practices in the corporate sphere. An alumna of Oakland University, Wendy holds a B.A. in Communications, a foundation that has equipped her to navigate and excel in the nuanced world of corporate communication and marketing. For the past four years at Comerica Bank, Wendy's role has been pivotal. She oversees an expansive portfolio that includes DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) employee engagement, DEI strategic partnerships, High School Talent Pathways, and DEI benchmarking. Her commitment to fostering an inclusive environment is not just about ticking boxes; it's about creating tangible change and establishing pathways for diverse talent to thrive. Wendy's professional evolution reflects a diverse array of experiences. Before venturing into the DEI space, she spent over 15 years immersed in the dynamic world of Experiential Marketing and Events. From working with global giants like Sony Music and Vitamin Water to partnering with Jack Morton Agency on the Buick Brand, Wendy's multifaceted career showcases her versatility and ability to drive excellence across various sectors. Her commitment to professional development is evident in her current enrollment in the HACE Multicultural Leadership Program. This initiative further amplifies her dedication to fostering multiculturalism and understanding in corporate America. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Wendy's heart for service shines brightly. She actively volunteers with organizations like the Salvation Army and Focus Hope, ensuring she gives back to the community that has given her so much. Her expertise and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion haven't gone unnoticed. Wendy is a revered member of the Advisory Board of the Michigan Diversity Council, reflecting her influence in shaping diversity practices within the state. Additionally, her passion for education and health is evident as she serves on the board of the Oakland University School of Health Sciences. In her role as Board Secretary of El Olam Cares, Wendy contributes her organizational acumen and passion for community welfare, ensuring the organization's objectives are met with precision and care. Wendy Holmes is more than her titles and her resume; she is a symbol of what it means to blend passion with profession. Whether it's in a boardroom strategizing DEI initiatives for a banking giant, crafting marketing campaigns for top-tier brands, or volunteering at a local community center, Wendy's impact is felt, and her legacy of leadership, inclusion, and community service continues to grow.
Bleuzette Marshall, Ph.D.
Bleuzette Marshall is the Vice President for Equity, Inclusion and Community Impact at the University of Cincinnati. In this role, she manages the offices of Equal Opportunity & Access, Title IX and Diversity & Inclusion; implements the University’s Diversity Plan; co-chairs the President’s Diversity Council; provides strategic leadership for the recruitment, retention, and advancement of diverse talent (students, faculty, and staff); assists with supplier diversity efforts; serves as a resource to benchmark trends and promote best practices; and builds partnerships in the broader community. She administers the university’s diversity incentive grant process to award colleges and units with funds to enhance innovative practices to build a more inclusive university. In addition, she created and is the convener of a chief diversity officers’ roundtable with corporations, community organizations, colleges, health systems, and legal firms to serve as a resource and think tank to advance diversity and inclusion efforts within the region. Previously, she was the Senior Director of Development for Provost & Student Affairs at the UC Foundation. Under her leadership, $20 million was raised for university-wide scholarships and programs, and she developed the Onyx & Ruby Society – an affinity based giving program for African American alumni. She has worked diligently to design and implement programs to promote diversity and aid in the retention of students. She co-created the Brothers And Sisters Excelling (BASE) Mentoring Program, organized the Tyehimba Graduation Celebration, facilitated a series of workshops on the freshman year experience, and served as the co-chair of the university-wide diversity conference. She was also an adjunct instructor for a diversity course at Miami University (Oxford). In addition, Bleuzette has served as an advisor to several student organizations including Latinos en Accion, Cincinnati Women in Excellence & Spirit Together (CWEST), and the Senior Class Officers. Currently, she is the advisor for Sigma Phi women’s honorary. Bleuzette is an alumna of the University of Cincinnati and its prestigious Darwin T. Turner Scholars Program. She earned a B.A. in Psychology, a M.Ed. in Educational Foundations, and a Ph.D. in Educational Studies. She is also the founding president of the UC African American Alumni Affiliate (4A). During her tenure, an All-Class Reunion was implemented in conjunction with Homecoming that reconnected eight decades of graduates. Within the community, she was the project manager for the Greater Cincinnati International Hall of Fame and an educational consultant to White Hat Management. Currently, she serves on the boards of the Public Media Connect and Project ArtReach. She is also a member of the Cincinnati Chapter of The Links, Incorporated; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; the Greater Cincinnati Hispanic Scholarship Fund Celebración Steering Committee; and St. James A.M.E. Church – Covington. Bleuzette has been recognized with the Cincinnati Human Relations Commission’s Champion for Connecting Cultures & Communities Award, the King Legacy Award, the National Diversity Council’s Glass Ceiling Award, and the Cincinnatus Association’s 2016 Donald & Marian Spencer Spirit of America Award.
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