AARP Creates New Group To Expand DEI Commitment, Names Black Woman As Chief Diversity Officer

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) announced Wednesday it has tapped Edna Kane-Williams as its Chief Diversity Officer.

The appointment is part of its new Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) group. Kane-Williams has been with AARP for almost two decades and was most recently the company’s senior vice president of multicultural leadership. She also has more than 20 years of experience working in the nonprofit and for-profit sectors.

AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins, said Kane-Williams has the experience and drive needed to excel in the position.

“AARP’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion runs deep. Today’s announcement to fine tune our structure and expand our DEI work builds on our long and strong commitment to serve all Americans 50+, caregivers and families,” CEO Jo Ann Jenkins said. “Edna Kane-Williams has an extraordinary track record of championing equity and inclusion, and in her new role, she will be a key partner in helping AARP achieve its goals and lead with our values. I look forward to our expanded work together.”

Kane-Williams will be tasked with developing and managing AARP’s DEI workforce, workplace, and strategies. This includes the company’s strategies when it comes to age discrimination, disparities, and multicultural audiences. She will also manage the AARP’s Disrupt Aging Initiative. She will also serve on the DEI Advisory Council and the AARP’s Strategic Enterprise Employee Resource Group.

Kane-Williams is proud to work for a company taking an active role in expanding DEI and she’s more than happy to lead the group into the later 2020s and beyond.

“At a time of momentous change, AARP is broadening our work and deepening our commitment to our nearly 38 million members, our entire demographic, and our workforce. We are and will continue to be inclusive and equitable in how we fulfill our mission and carry out our work. I look forward to helping AARP achieve success.”