Results-driven professional with over 20 years of leadership experience in corporate, nonprofit, and consulting environments at both local and national levels. Expertise in analytics, sales, consulting, research, technology, project management, and learning and development training positions as a trusted subject matter expert dedicated to helping organizations make informed decisions, improve outcomes, and advance sustainability goals. Proven track record of strengthening organizational performance, enhancing brand reputation, and driving bottom-line growth through a commitment to equity and inclusion. Strategic thinker focused on delivering impactful solutions that align with organizational objectives and foster long-term success.
Hi, I’m
Debra J. Byrd
Omaha,NE
Summary
Overview
21
years of professional experience
1
Certificate
Work History
BCT Partners Business Management Consultant, LLC.
Sr. Director of Culture, Inclusion, Learning and Development
12.2018 - 10.2024
Job overview
- Designed and implemented scalable learning and development services, achieving an 87% improvement in the efficiency and effectiveness of both internal and external delivery.
- Provided comprehensive virtual reality solutions encompassing content, services, and support to meet customers’ needs for technology skills training, learning & development, and validation.
- Led COE-CDI sales, expanding BCT’s market reach and increasing sales by 72% in 24 months.
- Built and sustained client relationships, identifying opportunities to upsell and close monthly deals.
- Directed the successful development and procurement of key business proposals and contracts, generating $8 million in revenue.
- Developed and sustained long-term relationships with a diverse client base, including 40% corporate entities, 30% government agencies, 10% academic institutions (colleges, universities, think tanks), 10% private firms, and 10% foundations, enhancing BCT’s visibility and positioning the company as an industry leader within target markets.
- Delivered a wide range of tech services that included application development, implement of test systems, virtual reality, training (VR) and information management support to our customers.
- Represented BCT at local, regional and national business sales conferences.
- Delivered Inclusive Leadership and Training Facilitation to organizations including Microsoft, KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers, RJ Reynolds, Johnson & Johnson, Union Pacific Railroad, DELL, Presidio, Macy’s, Mercedes-Benz, Raleigh-Durham Intl Airport Authority and DoDEA.
- Achieved targeted sales quota recognition in support of BCT’s overall sales target goals
- Eight years of experience working remotely and hybrid as directed by workplace requirements.
Empowerment Network
Director and Community Advisor Culture & Inclusion
03.2016 - 12.2018
Job overview
- Collaborated with clients to strategically identify and implement a range of training modalities—including self-study, online, classroom, and blended approaches—to enhance skill development and address distance learning requirements, diverse learning preferences, and cultural considerations.
- Provided budget responsibilities to ensure project management and profit margin alignment at year end.
- Cultivated and maintained relationships with prospective and existing customers.
- Managed several simultaneous projects related to culture, inclusion and community engagement.
- Experienced using workforce analytics, organizational modeling, and change management.
Conagra Brands
Senior Manager Diversity & Inclusion Community Engagement
05.2010 - 03.2016
Job overview
- Launched a cross-functional mentoring program for 1,500 corporate employees by designing scalable mentor match frameworks to improve internal mobility and leadership readiness by 30%.
- Managed multiple large scale community projects leveraging strategies, budgets, and leader engagement.
- Partnered with business division leaders and their teams to define and implement a DEI-L&D strategies that aligned with organizational goals and employee needs.
- Experience conducting comprehensive needs assessments and gap analyses to determine program needs.
- Designed scalable learning for manager development, and role-based learning journeys for employees.
- Strong people management experience, leading teams and employee solutions via HR advisory services.
Conagra Brands
Senior SAP Information Technology Trainer
02.2004 - 05.2010
Job overview
- Strong organizational development, time management, project planning and employee scheduling.
- Engineered high-impact inclusive leadership training program for corporate and plant facility leaders.
- Strong facilitation skills and ability to influence SAP strategic plans and training content for CAG.
- Excellent attention to detail, content delivery of employee training received 95% positive feedback.
- Experienced working with executive leadership to communicate and facilitate training requirements.
- Implemented and delivered new hire onboarding training employee experience content for HR corporate.
- Certified IT SAP Subject Matter Expert training and project execution delivery experience.
Education
Grambling State UniversityGrambling, Louisiana
Bachelor of Arts Degree from Public Relations Communication
University Overview
Skills
- Leadership
- Program Management
- Human Resources
- Performance Management
- Product Development
- Project Management
- Team Building
- Strategy Development
- Culture and Inclusion Initiatives
- Communication
- Data Analytics
- Portfolio Management
Certification
- Certified Diversity Professional | The Institute for Diversity Certifications | December 2015
- Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument | Herrmann International | May 2013 360 Feedback Assessment Certification
- Myers-Briggs Company 2013 Managing Diversity in the Workplace | Bellevue University | January 2012 Managing People Essential Leadership | HRCI Learning | February 2014
Timeline
Sr. Director of Culture, Inclusion, Learning and Development
BCT Partners Business Management Consultant, LLC.
12.2018 - 10.2024
Director and Community Advisor Culture & Inclusion
Empowerment Network
03.2016 - 12.2018
Senior Manager Diversity & Inclusion Community Engagement
Conagra Brands
05.2010 - 03.2016
Senior SAP Information Technology Trainer
Conagra Brands
02.2004 - 05.2010
Grambling State University
Bachelor of Arts Degree from Public Relations Communication
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