Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategist
Talent Attraction, Retention & Development Strategist
My Story
I was born and raised in Minneapolis to two social justice evangelists; a civil rights Attorney turned Law Professor and an Adoption and Foster Care Social Worker. Growing up a minority in the Midwest drove me East, to Washington, DC where I attended The George Washington University to study International Affairs and Modern Languages - I wanted to be a Diplomat. But the path diverged from Law School and the Foreign Service, and I found myself working in Social Services as a Diversity Strategist for the State of Minnesota.
25 years later, I am still entrenched in social equity work. For two decades, I've been grappling with solutions and developing strategies to attract, retain and advance underrepresented talent by creating inclusive and equitable environments and processes, building systems that disable biases, empowering the disenfranchised, and prompting paradigm shifts. In other words, I am a Talent and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion subject matter expert. I also write - I strategize DEIB while I write about it. I write for myself, ghostwrite for others, and work out my thoughts, strategies, and beliefs through words on the page.
My Journey to DEIB
The Quest For Identity
The quest for identity and belonging is an inescapable part of the human experience. It is common to all of us. We all need a clan to thrive; we need to know the rules and boundaries of our community so that we can embody them or reject, evolve, and transcend them. A clan, or a community, is essential to survival. The clan protects us, supports us, gives us identity and belonging. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are about belonging to many clans. Ideally it is about belonging to all clans.
I learned quickly as a brown little girl in the Midwest of America, that there were some clans that I couldn't join. I would not benefit from the support and protection of some communities. So I began to look for the communities that would offer me a sense of belonging - and that began my quest for identity.
Decades later, I've settled into many clans and communities, stratified and intersectional; I take a multifaceted view of my identity. But it was a long and difficult journey fraught with missteps, pitfalls, and many rejections. There was confusion and there still is at times, because identity evolves and changes with the culture around it. The collective acceptance and inclusion of new and old communities, inform my identity. I am included and rejected by new clans and communities more frequently than my mind can keep pace with. While I've come a long way, the quest for identity continues.
The journey and exploration of these experiences have led me to find passion in helping others find their clans, create new clans, and kick open the doors of the communities that exclude. I want to blur the lines that separate communities, while simultaneously strengthening those communities. I don’t mean the one-way blurring of lines that is cultural appropriation, but mutual inclusion. Equitable amalgamation.
I keep driving toward a clan of humanity, where we are all supported, welcomed, and protected; while acknowledging the beauty and value of difference within a billion micro-communities, that are intersecting with inclusivity as the core value. Where we each belong in any clan and community, and therein our imperfect idea of identity becomes increasingly meaningless because we have blurred the artificial lines, labels and boundaries into nonexistence.
What I Do
My expertise is DEI strategy, and talent attraction, development & retention strategy.
I build inclusive and equitable spaces. I build COE's, programs, and strategic initiatives.
I build diversity, equity & inclusion measurement strategies and data dashboards.
I view the terrain from 30,000 feet and map the best route to our destination.
I pave detours when roadblocked, and create systems and processes to overcome hurdles.
I build platforms and amplify voices; I advocate for the underserved and underrepresented.
What I've Built
Measurement Strategies & Data Dashboards
We measure what is important. Diversity & inclusion efforts of the last 30 years have largely failed because of an absence of intentionality and measurement. I develop DEI measurements strategies and DEI dashboards. I build and align programming directly to those metrics. And I measure inclusion and belonging
I build measurement strategies and DEI data dashboards
CoEs
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion consultation is critical to the success of DEI efforts. Business functions, business leaders, and even HR departments need the guidance and expertise of individuals versed in the latest research and best practices to ensure that programming, processes, and strategies are intentional and founded in research, and not just good intention
I build DEI CoEs that guide and support a workforce
Sponsorship Programs
Research shows that no matter how many resources or good intentions you allocate to DEI programs, if you don’t actively facilitate promotional pathways for those in underrepresented groups, those efforts tend to fail. Advocacy from an influential leader/champion can create opportunities and remove obstacles to career progress
I build Sponsorship Programs that close disparity gaps
Employee Resource Groups
ERGs are critical to creating equitable and safe cultures. As advocates for marginalized and underrepresented employees, they ensure policies and practices are inclusive and facilitate employee engagement through support and educational programming. ERGs create belonging
I create frameworks, build & manage ERGs
Inclusive Cultures
Storytelling is critical to empathy building. Empathy is critical to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is through learning about the experiences and challenges of others that we build empathy. It is through empathy that we mitigate biases and out-grouping
I create cultures that center on empathy & foster belonging
DEI Education Programs
Diversity, equity & inclusion efforts cannot succeed without awareness of the issues and systems that marginalize and exclude. All of us need a deeper understanding of privilege, power, race, gender, sex, religion, culture, and the planks that uphold disparate treatment
I build progressive and innovative learning programs
DEI Talent Attraction Strategies
Mapping and implementing recruiting & sourcing models; TA process improvement; development of compliant and inclusive interview processes; interviewer training development; DEI sourcing strategy; building sourcing functions; diversity recruiting process audits; campus and university recruiting program builds and DEI partnership development
I build inclusive attraction programs & selection processes
DEI Talent Retention & Development Strategies
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion program development; Sponsorship program development; engagement & retention program development; Employee Resource Group development & management; development of DEI data reporting and measurement strategy; development of DEI awareness and education programs
I build strategies that retain, develop and engage talent
DEI Search Services
Built and managed a human resources consulting firm; contingent and retained search; full-cycle embedded talent acquisition; representing, managing, and embedding TA consultants with clients; diversity recruiting; campus and university recruiting; confidential & sensitive search, DEI, technical recruiting, and most industry
I find underrepresented talent
What They're Saying
Click Names for Profile Pages
Testimonials & References
Kali was an amazing partner to work with. She helped the organization and executive team by establishing a DEI function that accelerated Rally's DEI efforts. She spearheaded cross-company initiatives, supported employee resource groups, and created a framework of DEI metrics for the business, culture, and our products. She also helped Rally executive leadership navigate supporting employees, balancing business and personal perspectives, through some very challenges times in our society
Sue Singer
Product Management Leader
Kali has been a tremendous partner in helping us shape and test inclusion and diversity learning resources. Her expertise in both the I&D and learning space allows her to view and influence this content from a variety of perspectives and assist with focusing on what can really work to help us shape a more inclusive culture.
Kali is exactly who you would hope to have in a role advocating for those who have been undervalued or marginalized in the work place - and strategizing how to make a company truly inclusive and equitable. She is a driven visionary who is a leader and a true teammate at the same time. She keeps her ear to the ground, and leverages her relationships to communicate and promote actionable strategies.
Glafira Marcon
Health Equity Product Development Leader
Kali is an incredibly talented, dedicated, loyal, and passionate person. Any challenge she takes on, she sees through to the end. Kali has demonstrated an aptitude for navigating difficult and complicated projects with more grace, care, and consideration than you can fathom. Kali's incredible compassion is her greatest strength, and I highly recommend you add that strength to your own team.
Adam Edwards,
Chief of Staff, Engineer,
Employee Resource Group Founder
Kali is one of the most diligent and educated HR professionals in the industry. Kali offers a consultative and strategic approach across a variety of HR verticals including Talent Acquisition, D&I, and Project Management. Kali is an extremely genuine, dedicated, and efficient professional who works with a level of integrity and class that is second to none. She would be an absolute asset to any Talent or HR department that would be lucky enough to tap into her experience and expertise.
Brian Skevington
Talent Acquisition Leader
Kali is well-connected, has a strong understanding of the marketplace, and was able to gain credibility with our leaders by sharing that knowledge and insight as she developed recruiting plans. Additionally, she quickly grasps and understands requirements and provided solid and succinct assessments. Secondly, Kali was very open in sharing her knowledge with other, less experienced recruiters and generalists and did so in a way that was not condescending. Finally, Kali has a great sense of humor, is a pleasure to have around, and can roll with the punches!
Lynn Overman, PHR, SHRM-SCP
Human Capital Leader
I find Kali to be creative, professional, straightforward, and sharp. She harnesses these attributes in her execution of strategy and also delivers the results. I would work with Kali again any time, any place. She has my highest endorsement.
Dr. Yvonne Catino,
Vice President, Leadership & OD
Kali's ability to build relationships and network drive her effectiveness. She is capable of managing the details as well as the conflicting priorities of stakeholders. Her ability to understand the intricacies of the process, manage the personalities and maintain the ideal candidate experience makes her successful. In addition, Kali has a passion for life that shows through the work she delivers.
Kristin Gaarder SPHR
Chief Human Resources Officer
I share this observation from one of your colleagues that is representative of many, "Kali is a bright shining light who has the ability to drive real change inside our organization. Her deep and wide knowledge and experience are critical to our organization meeting with short and long-term goals around DEI. I am excited to have her in our broader team."
Lori Riley
Chief Human Resources Officer
Former Leader
li is an incredibly thoughtful and creative DEI practitioner that I am grateful to have leading our IDEA team. When I began working with Kali two years ago to build an inclusive leadership program at Rally, her vision for the program was so inspiring and motivating. As a direct report of Kali’s, I am particularly grateful for her servant leadership as she is dedicated to creating developmental opportunities for her team. Kali truly embodies the work she champions; she leads as an inclusive leader that ensures all voices are heard and promotes psychological safety amongst her peers. Kali has very much transformed the way we think about DEI at Rally. Her vision for using storytelling to create empathy has positively impacted the lives of many employees.
Adrianna Tomasello
DEI Program Manager
Former Direct Report
Thank you for your integral leadership abilities. Your deliberate method of establishing a foundation for Optum Operations has firmly positioned business segments to accelerate their DEI priorities. While consistently modeling inclusive leadership behaviors, you have effectively embodied a collaborative spirit, partnering with both senior leaders and HCP colleagues on DEI matters. Observing your strategic methods as we worked side by side, has strengthened my DEI expertise and set the roadmap to how we continue to drive progress and impact. Thank you for demonstrating true advocacy and how one walks the talk in everyday leadership actions. As a benefactor, I’ve been able to bring these actions forward in my new role. I value you and look forward to continuing our partnership!
LaChelle Drayton
Senior Director of Talent Management
Former Direct Report
Kali, thank you for the tremendous impact that you have made on me! Reflecting on the past year alone, our team has accomplished so much within DEI. Your leadership shows in your commitment to your team and your passion for the work that we do. Your love for this work is truly genuine. You are very thoughtful, empathetic, and the best at problem-solving. You have a heart of GOLD, and it shows in your approach and the way that you naturally care for others. I have a lot to be grateful for with having you as a leader, being someone that I can truly look up to, and am inspired by every day!
Cori Keene
Operations & Project Management
Former Direct Report
You can find no better leader in the realm of social justice than Kali. I have looked to her for logistical, professional, and emotional support as an ERG leader and female engineer of color at Rally Health. Her 25+ years of experience in DEI and social justice are evident in her wisdom and persistence, despite all the natural, unfortunate systemic difficulties and exhaustion that manifest in the DEI industry. Her personal struggles as an accomplished woman of color complement her professional wisdom and provide inspiration for and commonality among those from underrepresented backgrounds. She is an excellent motivational speaker, team organizer, project organizer, communications specialist, and TA expert. She is a compassionate mentor, she tells it like it is, no BS. She gets dirty in the trenches with the regular folks no matter how high her position is. If you have the fortune of gaining her as your ally, she will fight for you tooth and nail, especially if you are from a marginalized group. She will spotlight and uplift as well, as she has for me multiple times when my efforts were erased or misattributed. Any company would be blessed to have her.
Jasna Rodulfa-Blemberg
Engineering Leader
Employee Resource Group Founder
Opinions
My Writing
