Diversity Way-Maker

Yolanda Chase

In my professional journey of implementing and operationalizing change toward racial justice, I am grateful and honored to work alongside visionaries and strategic thinkers who prioritize the values of equity and inclusion in their work. Building upon more than 10 years’ experience in diversity and inclusion roles in healthcare, mental health and technology organizations, I’ve seen the evolution of the work from solely focusing on compliance with affirmative action and equal opportunity regulations to real and lasting cultural change.

Pragmatic, innovative approaches are much needed in the work, and that is where one of my mentors, Yolanda Chase, comes in. She has served as a leader of diversity, equity and inclusion in global Fortune 500 companies. She has successfully led the work in various sectors such as healthcare, technology supply chain, consumer marketing, among others. With 30 years’ experience in human resources management, Yolanda shares the breadth and depth of her expertise in helping organizations create and sustain inclusive work environments that welcomes diversity and honor the diversity of cultural backgrounds, identities, and perspectives.

“My passion for creating cultures where everyone can thrive when they bring their whole self to work in environments that provide a sense of belonging, is the driving force behind my work,” Yolanda says. Throughout her career, she has built a solid reputation as a trusted advisor and expert, spending many years consulting in leadership and board member capacities for a variety of industries within the public, private, nonprofit, and government sectors.

I was beyond elated for the opportunity to work with Yolanda in developing the website for her next great professional adventure: launching Diversity Way-Maker. Yolanda has a unique vision for creating the foundation for diversity and inclusion programs that align with business imperatives, while also advancing the principles of equity and justice.

"For difficult yet life-changing work, we need more leaders who are willing to offer their weird habit of expressing care for humanity, to provide a peculiar or quirky expression of how essential inclusion, diversity, belonging and equity is to all of us, our businesses, employees and the communities we serve. Someone who can be obedient to the call for uncomfortable conversations that sometimes lead to deafening silence at the executive meeting and in the boardroom. Actively choosing to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations, celebrate achievements, and expanding the definition of diversity to include and uplift the underrepresented and marginalized."

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