Global Diversity: Creating a Level Playing Field For Women

2007 Colloquium Presenters
Convener: Irene Natividad, President, Global Summit of Women. Ms. Natividad brings women corporate, government and non-profit leaders together annually for a global gathering which has come to be called the "Davos for Women", which focuses on accelerating the economic growth of women. She also Chairs Corporate Women Directors International, which promotes increased participation of women on corporate boards. Recognized for her work on behalf of women, she was named one of “21 Leaders for the 21^st Century” by Women’s e-news; one of the “25 Most Influential Working Mothers” by Working Mother magazine; one of “America’s 100 Most Important Women” by Ladies Home Journal, among others.
After growing healthcare revenues at a Fortune 500 from $40 to $200 million in seven years, Ms. Corbette Doyle redefined success by negotiating a three-day week and a four hundred mile commute—without sacrificing her role as a corporate change agent. As Aon Coporation’s first global Chief Diversity Officer she develops strategies that allow women and people of color to reach their full potential. Ms. Doyle is also Chair of the National Healthcare Practice at Aon. View Presentation
Ms. Maria Ferris has overall responsibility for IBM’s Global Workforce Diversity and Work/Life programs, managing staff in Europe, Middle-East, Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America and North America. During her 28 year career with IBM, Ms. Ferris has held a variety of staff and management positions within the HR organization in staffing, employee relations, management development, benefits and diversity. She currently serves as Director of Global Workforce Diversity Programs at IBM. View Presentation
Monika Ruehl has been the “Global Head of Change Management and Diversity” of the Deutsche Lufthansa Group since January 2001. Ms. Ruehl also teaches at the University of Magdeburg (Germany), and has published one book and many articles in her areas of expertise. View Presentation
Damayanti P. Vasudevan, is a management professional with 24 years of experience consulting, teaching and counseling in a variety of organizations. As Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion at RR Donnelley, Dr. Vasudevan is responsible for enabling workplace, marketplace and community outreach strategies that support RR Donnelley’s business and growth strategies. View Comments
With over twenty-three years experience in the financial services industry, Ms. Janan Youshia was appointed Director of Workforce Strategies at Scotiabank in December 2005 and is responsible for the development and execution of strategies, tools and programs to support the Bank's effectiveness in the recruitment, development and the advancement of women. View Presentation
Ms. Sylvia Chrominska began her career at Scotiabank in 1979 as a Credit Analyst, and has risen through the management ranks to become Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Public, Corporate and Government Affairs. Ms. Chrominska was recently recognized by Women’s Executive Network as One of the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada.
Appointed by President Bush as the 12th Chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Cari Dominguez was selected for her broad perspective and wealth of expertise in employment and workplace issues gained in a variety of settings: as a small business owner, as a consultant, and as a corporate executive.
In January 2007, Ms. Linda Gooden assumed the role of Executive Vice President of Lockheed Martin Information Systems and Global Services business area. She is also an officer of Lockheed Martin Corporation, the largest provider of federal technology services in the world.
In December 2006, Ms. Hélène Goulet was appointed Secretary General of the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Her career has spanned a number of roles in federal departments and agencies. She has held senior positions in the areas of public law, program delivery, policy development and transition management.
Founder and CEO of the Knowsys Group, a strategic IT and management consulting services firm, Mary-Ann Massad has 23 years of experience in management consulting, systems integration, and outsourcing working with government, financial services, and utilities industries. Under Ms. Massad’s leadership, the firm has grown and flourished under her leadership into a multi-million dollar organization with Fortune 100 clients in Canada, USA, and Europe.
Ms. Joanne M. McDonough, who has been with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for over a decade, now serves as Director of the Office of Diversity. She has primary responsibility for PwC’s strategy and premier initiatives aimed at the retention, development and advancement of women. Ms. McDonough is also the leader for PwC’s Women’s Networking Circles, where she provides strategic guidance, develops tools for networking and manages program metrics.
Nancy Millett, a partner with Deloitte Tax LLP in the Atlanta office, serves as the Southeast Region Manufacturing Industry leader. Since joining Deloitte & Touche LLP in 2002, Nancy has served many manufacturing and consumer products companies as the lead client service partner and/or advisory partner. Ms. Millet also serves as the Southeast Region Women’s Initiative leader, supporting geography leaders to further Deloitte & Touche USA LLP’s Women’s Initiative across the region and with its clients.
Ethel Taylor, Senior Vice-President & Officer, Sears Canada Inc., has over twenty-five years of experience in retail management. Ms. Taylor began her career with Sears and was appointed in 1984 as Canada’s first-ever female department store manager. In addition to her role at Sears, she now works as a management development consultant assisting other major Canadian companies and coaching their female executives. She was recognized as one of the 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada (1995 – 96).
As Vice President in Global Leadership and Diversity at Goldman, Sachs & Co., Elana J. Weinstein is responsible for the strategy and implementation of firmwide diversity initiatives, including training and curriculum, workplace flexibility programs, and women’s leadership development.
Ms. Icy Williams is Associate Director, Global Supplier Diversity, Procter and Gamble. Ms. Williams joined Procter and Gamble in 1980, and in 2001 was promoted to Associate Director of Corporate Supplier Diversity. During her tenure, the company's spending on minority and women-owned business has climbed to an impressive $1.8 billion (2005/06).