Accenture, a worldwide professional business and technology services company, announced the hiring of Michelle Gadsden-Williams as its leader for diversity and inclusion for its North American division.
In a press release, CEO of Accenture’s North American division, Julie Sweet, commented on Gadsden-Williams’ new role; “The need for innovation to grow, compete, and transform has never been greater—and we believe diversity is essential to driving this innovation.”
“We remain laser-focused on speeding the pace of our progress, and we are excited to welcome Michelle to our business in North America. Her wealth of experience will ensure we continue creating an environment where everyone feels they belong and can be at their best every day, professionally and personally,” said Sweet.
Gadsden-Williams has two decades of advocating for equality in the workplace. She was the co-founder and chief operating officer of Ceiling Breakers L.L.C.—described as “a multi-faceted business focused on diversity consulting, media driven women’s empowerment initiatives and diverse entertainment investments, based in New York City.”
She has served in other corporate roles including the managing director and global head of diversity and inclusion at Credit Suisse AG. According to her LinkedIn page, during her tenure at Credit Suisse she “provided strategic direction and guidance to the chairman, executive board, HR executive committee, HR management committee and other key stakeholders to ensure that all divisional/regional diversity practices, strategies and change management initiatives are globally aligned and linked to the business strategy.”
In 2010, Gadsden-Williams was presented the Maya Way Award for Diversity Leadership by Dr. Maya Angelou. The new Accenture North America diversity lead has also sat on the board of Black Girls Rock! and served on the Global Advisory Council on Gender Parity for the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.