Ryan Smith
Washington,DC
Summary
Passionate about driving diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, a results-driven professional seeking to utilize expertise in creating inclusive organizational cultures and promoting equitable practices. Goal is to contribute to an organization's mission by implementing data-driven strategies, leading impactful training programs, and building diverse teams. Aims to ensure that every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered within the organization.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington
01.2024 - Current
- As a member of the agency Leadership Team, I provide insights, assessments, and recommendations on diversity, equity, and inclusion during decision-making processes
- Develop and acquire professional development training to support diversity, equity, inclusion, and retention initiatives
- Research, analyze, and present trends in the field of diversity, serving as an expert in developing new initiatives
- Develop initiatives to promote knowledge and adoption of diversity, equity, and inclusion topics and best practices strategies to attract, develop, and retain members of underrepresented groups
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
Global Chair | D.I.S.C (Diversity Inclusion Steering Committee)
2U
04.2018 - 03.2024
- Developed comprehensive communication strategy with top executives.
- Collaborated with Student Engagement and 2U leadership to enhance DEI strategy.
- Continue to push global DEI proposals and partner with SE leadership to maintain accountability for progress
- Fostered relationships with stakeholders, promoting collaboration and partnership opportunities.
- Represented the organization at public events, advocating for its mission and values in the community.
Senior Admissions Counselor
2U
01.2018 - 01.2024
- Consistently demonstrated persistence, skill, and resilience in gathering appropriate information from relevant sources to solve challenging problems
- The ability to diagnose a problem, evaluate alternative solutions, and make recommendations
- Provides team members with appropriate guidance to reach goals using scaffolds that meet the Admissions Counselor where they are, respect individual differences, and can be measured as an attribute of their success
- Worked closely with managers to ensure the team was focused on the correct deliverables and strategies, adjusting as necessary to drive outcomes
- Proficient use of Salesforce, Confluence, & Tableau and an understanding of analytical tools and methodologies to successfully execute function
- Often leading by example and consistently offering to mentor peers and identifying opportunities for improvement that benefit the team
Assistant Director of Admissions
University of the Potomac
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Provided front-line customer service for the offices of combined (Admissions, Financial Assistance, Registrar, Student Employment), functioning primarily in Admissions
- Assisted and advised students with in-person inquiries pertaining to all offices and provided personal, professional, and confidential service to diverse populations, including prospective and enrolled students, families, alumni, University faculty, and administrators
- Discussed the individual's background, goals, and immediate needs and continued to monitor the individual's enrollment process from application to attendance in class
Education
Master of Art - Diversity Leadership
University of St. Thomas
08.2026
Creating a Culture of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
HCI Conference
01.2022
Master of Arts - Organizational Management
University of Arizona Global Campus
07.2018
Bachelors of Science - Psychology, Social Work
Florida A&M University
Tallahassee, FL01.2007
Skills
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- People management
- Creativity and innovation
- Team management
References
Available upon request
Certification
- edX Verified Certificate for Project Management Principles November 2023
- Mental Health First Aid Training October 2022
Timeline
Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington
01.2024 - Current
Global Chair | D.I.S.C (Diversity Inclusion Steering Committee)
2U
04.2018 - 03.2024
Senior Admissions Counselor
2U
01.2018 - 01.2024
Assistant Director of Admissions
University of the Potomac
01.2018 - 12.2018
Creating a Culture of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
HCI Conference
Master of Arts - Organizational Management
University of Arizona Global Campus
Bachelors of Science - Psychology, Social Work
Florida A&M University
- edX Verified Certificate for Project Management Principles November 2023
- Mental Health First Aid Training October 2022
Master of Art - Diversity Leadership
University of St. Thomas
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