Cheryl Ingram
Oakland,CA
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record in enhancing employee satisfaction through innovative DEI strategies. Expertise in data analysis and project management drives cultural transformation and fosters inclusive environments. Focus on empowering diverse teams to achieve organizational goals and create impactful change in the workplace.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Assistant
Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA
05.2024 - Current
- Conduct extensive literature reviews to identify existing studies on belongingness, particularly in graduate school settings.
- Summarize key findings, identify gaps, and compile research that can guide the development of the study’s methodology and framework.
- Survey and Interview Development- Assist in creating, testing, and refining survey instruments, interview protocols, and focus group guides.
- Coordinate and manage data collection activities, including distributing surveys, scheduling interviews, and organizing focus groups.
- Ensure all data is accurately recorded, securely stored, and handled in compliance with institutional review board (IRB) - Use qualitative and quantitative analysis tools to evaluate the collected data. This includes coding qualitative/quantitative data, performing statistical analyses, and interpreting findings that contribute to understanding belongingness factors within a diverse graduate population.
- Reporting and Presentation Support Prepare detailed reports, summaries, and visualizations of study findings for internal and external stakeholders.
- Assist in drafting publications or presentations for academic conferences, ensuring that the study’s impact and findings are communicated effectively.
- Support and create recommendations for innovative DEIB practice for Graziadio Business School stakeholders (Executives, staff, students, and faculty)
Chief Diversity Officer
Somesuch Productions
Los Angeles, CA
10.2020 - Current
- Led global assessments across the U.S., UK, India, and South Africa, resulting in the development of a validated DEI measurement system that now serves as the strategic foundation for long-term DEI performance tracking and benchmarking.
- Developed DEI-driven culture programs and employee listening systems that resulted in a 35% improvement in employee satisfaction scores, directly enhancing psychological safety, belonging, and productivity.
- Consult with executive teams to embed DEI into core business strategy, leading to measurable improvements in workplace innovation, brand loyalty, customer trust, and contributing to revenue growth and reduced attrition costs.
- Build relationships with internal, global employee resource groups to drive alignment and achieve DEI shared goals.
- Deliver workshops, training sessions, and presentations on topics such as unconscious bias, inclusive leadership, and cultural competency.
- Create and manage a global DEI plan by determining the agency’s immediate and long-term goals, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities, incorporating insights from prior DEI initiatives, defining success, and monitoring progress.
- Develop and integrate a cohesive DEI infrastructure (e.g., employee resource groups, focus groups) that incorporates existing groups and includes clearly defined roles, decision rights, and interaction models.
- Coached C-suite leaders and department heads through DEI leadership development and change management initiatives, helping shift company culture and ensuring compliance, accountability, and sustainable impact at every level of the organization.
- Support clients in embedding DEI principles into organizational policies, practices, and procedures.
- Provide guidance on compliance with legal requirements related to diversity and equal opportunity.
- Partner with HR, recruitment, and other departments to integrate DEI practices across functions.
- Supervise directors, casting calls, treatments, and related company production projects with DEI lens
- Build relationships with employee resource groups (ERGs) and other internal stakeholders to amplify diverse voices.
- Designed and implemented inclusive hiring practices and equitable retention strategies that led to a 25–40% increase in recruitment and retention rates for underrepresented talent across multiple clients in the tech and media industries.
- Develop communication strategies to promote transparency and foster trust throughout the change process.
- Developed metrics and reporting mechanisms to effectively measure, track, and report progress toward goals, resulting in a 35% improvement in employee satisfaction scores related to DEI initiatives.
- Leverage insights from external networks and professional organizations to inform strategy.
- Develop and implement diversity training programs for all staff members.
CEO
Inclusology
Omaha, NE
12.2017 - 03.2024
- Received global recognition for designing and implementing scalable DEI assessment methodologies, adopted by multinational organizations to benchmark progress, inform strategy, and drive measurable cultural, and operational improvements.
- Envision what the future looks like at a defined point, communicate this vision with authentic conviction, and inspire and engage others in creating that future.
- Successfully raised over $2 million in startup funding, securing grants, angel investments, and strategic partnerships to launch and scale a B2B company from concept to a fully operational, client-serving enterprise.
- Created a thriving culture in which employees feel both safe and encouraged to explore new ideas, and improve existing ones. Develops new insights, questions conventional approaches, and encourages others to develop new ideas and innovations.
- Recognized the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in assembling capable teams and building a successful workforce.
- Ensured that planned changes were thoroughly, smoothly, and effectively communicated and implemented, such that the lasting benefits of change are achieved.
- Leveraged a structured approach and people-oriented strategies to drive the adoption and usage of new solutions to fully realize organizational benefits and project objectives.
President
Diverse City Group
Omaha, NE
08.2016 - 10.2023
- Manage global production company DEI accounts, treatments, advertisements, casting calls, etc.
- Collaborate across Human Resource teams to ensure inclusive hiring practices and diverse talent pipelines
- Develop and implement training programs that promote awareness, understanding, and skills that foster a culture of inclusion and belonging
- Design and drive development and retention strategies for underrepresented groups
- Coach high profile executives through DEI strategies
- Build out and execute external assessment process for clients
- Establish and model company culture
- Allocating capital to the company's priorities
- Build, grow, and maintain business partnerships across all business sectors
- Build, grow, and support senior executive leadership and board of directors.
- Lead company through successful acquisition
- Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging through initiatives, events, and communication strategies
- Conduct regular employee surveys and focus groups to assess the climate of inclusion and address areas for improvement
- Develop and oversee mentorship and sponsorship programs to support the growth and development of diverse talent
- Partner with external organizations to support employee volunteerism
- Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations related to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Develop and update company policies to reflect best practices in DEIB
- Address and resolve any DEI-related issues or concerns in a timely and effective manner
Director of Academics
YUPS
Seattle, WA
08.2013 - 08.2016
- Provide strategic vision and leadership for Academics while ensuring departmental alignment with YUPS's site-wide and national goals.
- Work closely with Director of Program to insure quality staffing, curriculum, professional development and student assessment data
- Work with for profit tech companies to design technical curriculum requirements for incoming employees and interns
- Manage companywide DEI teams and committees
- Create, maintain and supervise YUPS market driven curriculum that is rigorous and relevant, world-based academic experience.
- Ensure that curricula aligns with site's corporate and college partners
- Develop and ensure Microsoft Academy curriculum for program participants
- Collaborate with the admissions team to develop equitable entry assessment for underrepresented students
Education
Ph. D. - Business Administration (DEI Specialty)
Pepperdine University
Malibu, CAPh. D. - Education (DEI Specialty)
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NMM.A. - Education
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NMB.A. - Communication Studies
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NMSkills
- Canva and Google Suite
- Mac OS and Microsoft Office
- Slack and Microsoft Teams
- Data analysis and SPSS proficiency
- Project management and facilitation
- Conflict resolution and problem solving
- Public speaking and effective communication
- Leadership development and executive coaching
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy implementation
- Stakeholder engagement and change management
- Research methods and report writing
- Teaching and training students
References
Available Upon Request
Timeline
Research Assistant
Pepperdine University
05.2024 - Current
Chief Diversity Officer
Somesuch Productions
10.2020 - Current
CEO
Inclusology
12.2017 - 03.2024
President
Diverse City Group
08.2016 - 10.2023
Director of Academics
YUPS
08.2013 - 08.2016
Ph. D. - Business Administration (DEI Specialty)
Pepperdine University
Ph. D. - Education (DEI Specialty)
New Mexico State University
M.A. - Education
New Mexico State University
B.A. - Communication Studies
New Mexico State University
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