The “Spotlight” feature was created to foster a culture that recognizes outstanding work, encourages peer support and promotes Black excellence. Each month we will highlight a Black I/O professional or student on our social media platforms. During the month, current and future members will have the opportunity to engage with Spotlight Members about IO experiences and what they are currently doing.
2025
Dr. Alecia Bracy is an Industrial and Organizational Psychology Practitioner, business owner, and public speaker. She considers herself a woman with southern charm born and currently living in the Carolinas with Midwest grit having grown up in Detroit, Mi. She holds Bachelor, Master, and Doctorate degrees in Psychology, her PhD focused on IO Psychology and the impact of cognitive dissonance and the Black/African American experiences of unfairness in the corporate work environment. She is the principal for a global consulting firm (InterOrg, LLC), that specializes in the “Strategy Shark Boot-Camp”, which is an organizational assessment, strategic planning, board of director training, leadership development, and Diversity & Inclusion program customized for each client. She has held leadership roles in DEI, Learning and Development, non-profit management, and government relations for over 25 years. Dr. Bracy expertise includes the development and leadership of large-scale projects, programs, and initiatives for corporate, nonprofit, government, and higher education. Her skill set is in analyzing the workplace, identifying gaps, and implementing solution-oriented strategies with leadership that educate, communicate, engage, develop, and empower the workforce. Currently she is working what she considers her passion job, developing and shaping the vendor diversity program for Central Piedmont Community College in North Carolina. She is the President of the Black Alumni Association at Western Michigan University and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. where she has led committees for the Delta’s of Charlotte Foundation, has served on numerous non-profit boards, and received awards for assisting the homeless, racial justice, and the arts. She joined BIOP in 2022 and is currently a mentor to two BIOP members. |
2024
Dr. Reuben is a multi-talented, purpose-driven human shape-shifting across roles as a licensed psychologist, business consultant, facilitator, and speaker. He runs a boutique consulting firm that serves “high performers” (e.g., athletes, professionals, entertainers) and emerging leaders. Dr. Reuben specializes in teaching the skills needed to enhance psychological wellness/safety, manage conflict, and build high-performing, human-centric cultures of belonging. After finishing his collegiate football career at the University of Georgia (GO DAWGS!), he studied psychology at the University of Missouri where he gained national notoriety for his student activism. Following his formal training, Dr. Reuben continues to build his career as a much-sought-after change activator serving the people, teams, and leaders who will tackle humanity’s greatest challenges. For more information on services and updates on Dr. Reuben’s adventures, visit www.Dr-Reuben.com. | Corey Clay, Ph.D., is the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Officer for the Mechanical Engineering department at the University of Washington in Seattle. He earned his Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Adler University, an institution renowned for its commitment to social justice. Corey integrates DEI into the departments structure by leveraging Lewin’s Change Model to guide and drive transformative initiatives. He has successfully "Unfrozen" outdated perspectives through open dialogue, "Changed" the culture by implementing inclusive practices, and "Refrozen" these changes to ensure lasting impact. Corey’s efforts focus on increasing representation and fostering a more equitable environment for all. Corey is also an avid hiker and US Army veteran. |
Jennifer Rice is passionate about exploring more equitable work and societal models, such as employee-owned cooperatives and universal basic income, and reflecting on how to advocate for the field of I-O Psychology to question its assumptions and the paradigms it operates within and push harder for radical change. She started her consulting practice, People Science & Strategy, LLC, as she transitions to early retirement to live out her values of pursuing unconventional work paths. Jennifer is committed to helping and expanding the capacity of public and private sector companies or teams who are serious about holding up a mirror to their status quo and implementing real, practical change to improve equity and the employee experience. As a long-time leader and manager, she developed a love of being a resource and mentor to students and early career professionals, so for those groups and like-minded individuals, do not hesitate to reach out. Jennifer is focused on questioning and transforming U.S. work culture. She works to improve conditions for all workers, especially the most vulnerable, including people of color, women, neurodivergent individuals, the economically disadvantaged, and the LGBTQ+ community. With over a decade of experience, Jenny's expertise spans workforce planning, employee engagement and lifecycle survey programs, performance management, selection, DEIB & HR strategy, and managing one of the largest I-O Psychology internship programs in the U.S. She co-authored the San Francisco Public Utilities' landmark Racial Justice Resolution and Racial Equity Action Plan, and applies an internal equity lens throughout all projects and work. Jenny holds a Master's in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Xavier University, and certifications in Strategic Workforce Planning, Strategic HR Business Partner, and Prosci Change Management. | Jimez Ashby Jr. is a People and Organizational Potential Practitioner whose career spans over a decade of groundbreaking work. Originally from St. Thomas, USVI, and now influencing the Washington DC Metro Area, Jimez embodies the spirit of innovation and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His journey is not just a tale of professional progression but a testament to the transformative power of strategic insight combined with a human-centric approach. Jimez’s expertise spans the vast expanse of human capital and organizational effectiveness, weaving through the intricacies of change management, talent acquisition, and employee engagement and extending into the pioneering territories of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), digital transformation, and cultural metamorphosis. This broad spectrum of skills highlights his versatility and his foresight in recognizing and leading the charge toward holistic organizational evolution. His unparalleled proficiency in digital transformation initiatives is at the heart of Jimez’s success. He has steered organizations through significant change by harnessing innovative technologies and methodologies, enhancing operational efficiency, and paving the way for future growth. His command over human-centered design and appreciative inquiry allows him to architect projects that meet and exceed user expectations and organizational goals. Leadership, for Jimez, is about inspiring and mentoring. He has led agile teams across diverse geographical landscapes, championing collaboration and innovation to meet strategic objectives. His strategic acumen and ability to foster a collaborative environment have been crucial in navigating complex challenges, enabling organizations to thrive with agility and resilience. His leadership and mentoring experience instill confidence and reassurance in his abilities, making him a trusted guide in the professional landscape. Jimez’s dedication to societal advancement is a beacon of inspiration. His volunteer efforts, including his roles as a Social Science Advisor for the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine and a Human Rights Commissioner for the Commonwealth of Virginia, underscore his commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. His leadership as the Inclusion & Diversity for the Virgin Islands Chapter of the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) further underscores his dedication to fostering inclusivity and empowerment at all levels. Jimez Ashby Jr. is not just a strategist or consultant; he is a trailblazer for organizations aspiring to navigate the complexities of the modern world with grace, efficiency, and inclusivity. His work continues to inspire, influence, and ignite change, making him a pivotal figure in the realms of organizational development and strategic innovation, and a beacon of hope for the future. |