Shifting from DEI to Intentional Inclusion with Kelli Lester

Shifting from DEI to Intentional Inclusion with Kelli Lester Episode 166

In this episode, we welcome Kelli Lester, co-founder and partner of Onyx Rising, a consultancy focused on transforming individual, team, and organizational behaviors. Kelly shares her deep commitment to inclusive leadership and innovation, which she refers to as “love in the workplace.” She emphasizes her journey in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space, highlighting her role as a voice for the voiceless and the importance of engaging with majority groups to foster understanding and effective leadership. Tune in to explore how Kelli’s passion and experience can inspire meaningful change in your organization.

Full episode notes: https://www.womenofcoloranintimateconversation.com/dei-to-intentional-inclusion/

About Guest

Kelli Lester is Co-founder and Partner of Onyx Rising, a change management consulting firm specializing in individual, team, and organizational behavior transformation. Her “occupassion” lies in fostering environments where inclusive leadership thrives, leveraging over two decades of experience to drive meaningful progress.

Kelli’s expertise includes leadership development and coaching, strategic consulting, organizational culture enhancement, change management, problem-solving, and employee engagement. She is adept at helping leaders cultivate cultures and environments that value alternative perspectives, foster equity in opportunities, and promote employee well-being.

With over 20 years of experience in driving leadership-focused initiatives within consumer goods and multi-media industries, Kelli is a dynamic leader and market analysis expert who supports organizations in vision creation, strategy development, and execution. Throughout her career, she has worn many hats: Consultant, Entrepreneur, Coach, Leader, Facilitator, Change Agent, and Community Advocate, and Ambassador to various local and national groups.

Kelli was named one of EBONY’s “30 Young Leaders of the Future” and has a proven record of implementing change that leads to long-term, sustainable impact. She continues to empower individuals and organizations to unlock their potential and create environments where everyone can excel.

Connect with Guest

Website: https://www.onyx2rise.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onyx2rise/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onyx2rise

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelli-lester-2302b9/

About the Podcast

Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation (An Intimate Conversation with Women of Color) is a podcast about women empowerment stories and for Women of Color who want more out of life. This show is for women who have had enough and want change, especially those who have been waiting to choose themselves and live boldly. 

In each inspiring episode, hear from women from different backgrounds, countries, and ages who have embarked on personal journeys, sharing their stories of empowerment, overcoming, and their path to living a dream life (style).

How to Live a Dream Lifestyle Series: 

• How to Live a Dream Lifestyle™: The Overview – Empowering Women of Color Through Podcasting
• How to Live a Dream Lifestyle™: Dream
• Dream Life: Living a Dream Lifestyle: Step 3 – Decide
• In Charge: Dream Series – Drive Towards Your Dream Lifestyle

Deneen is committed to elevating the voices of WOC and empowering them to Live a Dream Lifestyle™ NOW! 

Contact Deneen for coaching.