Nationally recognized diversity and inclusion expert Damon A. Williams will deliver a keynote and host a Q&A today at 4 p.m. in Joyce Hergenhan Auditorium in Newhouse 3 as part of the Inclusive Excellence Tour. The nationwide tour brings communities together for discussion about diversity, equity, inclusion and change. Through this effort, Williams aims to empower one million leaders and 5,000 organizations to use more evidence-based diversity, equity and inclusion strategies to achieve meaningful change.
The keynote, “Diversity and Empowering Leaders: Renewing Hope through Inclusion Excellence,” is open to students, faculty and staff. Following the keynote, there will be a book signing until 5:30 p.m.
Williams is an award-winning scholar, leader and educator in diversity and inclusion. He is the author of the best-selling book “Strategic Diversity Leadership: Activating Change and Transformation in Higher Education” and co-author of “The Chief Diversity Officer: Strategy, Structure and Change Management.” He has a wealth of experience in higher education and advancing inclusion, including as associate vice chancellor, vice provost and chief diversity officer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
In addition to his experience in higher education, Williams served as the senior vice president for programs and chief education officer at the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. He earned a Ph.D. in organizational behavior and management from University of Michigan, a master’s in leadership and organizational development and a bachelor’s in sociology and black world studies, both from Miami University.
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