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.

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.

Dr. Shaneka Parham is an Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychologist with over 10 years of experience in the field. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the Virginia Union University, a Master’s in I/O Psychology from the University of Baltimore, and a Ph.D. in I/O Psychology from the the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Washington, DC.

Dr. Parham helps to ensure person-to-organization fit by the use of data-driven and scientifically sound processes. She has primarily worked in assessment and selection for various industries (e.g., medical, military, real estate, electric, technology). She has helped to meet the employment needs of organizations by developing and maintaining rigorously validated employment tests. She works to provide the most effective pre-employment selection solutions possible by performing various tasks (e.g., item analyses, adverse impact analyses, test development consulting and assessment validation). She also has experience in Survey Development, Job Analyses, Standard Setting, and a host of other I/O related tasks.

Dr. Parham currently works for a federal agency but also has a wealth of experience working in the private sector. In addition to continuing work in the field, Dr. Parham also works as an adjunct professor in the I/O Psychology Ph.D. program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. In this role she fulfills her passion of helping to develop aspiring I/O Psychologists by bringing real life experiences to the classroom.

Dr. Melonie Boone is an author, business psychologist, and global executive leader boasting a rich tapestry of over 25 years of experience. Her unparalleled blend of expertise in international business management, strategy, human resources, and organizational development has consistently yielded exceptional results, driving high-impact growth across diverse industries. Known for her people-centric approach, Dr. Boone has garnered acclaim for her value-added leadership, spanning startups to large global enterprises. Her influence extends across a spectrum of sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and non-profit, where she has spearheaded transformative initiatives in culture transformation, change management, and mergers and acquisitions.

As a Partner at RHR International, Dr. Boone brings her wealth of knowledge to the forefront, offering strategic guidance to top-tier leadership within multinational organizations. Her dynamic career trajectory and impressive academic background underscores her dedication to advancing leadership excellence. She holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, a Master of Jurisprudence in Business Law and Corporate Governance from Loyola University Law School, an MBA from Florida Metropolitan University, and a BBA in HR Management from Loyola University of Chicago School of Business. With her recently published book, "HEROic Leadership: The Secret to Developing Stronger High-Performing Teams Using Psychological Capital," Dr. Boone continues to drive impact and inspire change in the global business landscape.

Dr. Stephanie Murphy is an experienced people analytics leader with 15 years in internal and external organizational consulting. She has been internationally recognized for her work in employee listening, research, assessments, and analytics, and she has been featured in several publications, podcasts, and conferences. Her experience expands the public and private sector, working with organizations such as UnitedHealth Group, University of Texas at Austin, Dell Technologies, and the U.S. Department of Treasury.

Stephanie has experience teaching MBA courses such as people analytics and diversity and inclusion, and also serves on several professional boards and committees. She holds her B.S. in psychology from the University of New Orleans and her Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology from Louisiana Tech University.

MJ (Maleeka Jihad) is the Founder and CEO of Emic Cultural Consultants Collective (EC3). EC3 is an agency composed of professional experts that specialize in human-centered (anti-racism) leadership building and coaching—providing support, empowerment, and prioritizing the healing of self and organizations through education, mentorship, and training in a culturally respectful way. As part of a community of diverse professional experts that practice in law, education, psychology, mental health, wellness, and conscience community building.

EC3 concentrates on evolving and cultivating a positive nurturing space to increase awareness of issues related to race, ethnicity, culture, equality, and identity.

Completing her PhD in Organizational Development and Leadership with a focus on therapeutic modalities to treat racial trauma for Black Americans, MJ specializes in providing education and support for those invested in healing from external and internal racism.

Veronica-Carol Brailsford is an experienced strategic management consultant with expertise in Human Capital Management and Workforce Development. Her experience spans several industries, including Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, tech start-ups, and the public sector. Veronica-Carol excels in advising organizational leaders in efforts to implement people and culture strategies that drive inclusion, engagement, retention, and high performance through the intentional design of meaningful connections and emphasis on creating a human-centered experience.

In her current role at Evans Consulting, Veronica-Carol leads end-to-end talent development programs for Federal clients. She supports large-scale change efforts to help organizations achieve increased employee engagement and performance through sustainable talent solutions. Her unique style of client partnership allows her to design program strategies and develop learning content that ensures DEIA practices are embedded in the agency’s leadership practices, talent management programs, and organizational culture.

Veronica-Carol attended Morgan State University and Liberty University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Communications and History. She earned a Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Adler University and holds various Human Resources Management and Talent Development certifications.

Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, Jaylynn is a trailblazer with a diverse background in industrial and organizational psychology, research methodologies, and human resources management. With a Master of Professional Studies in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from George Mason University and a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Old Dominion University, Jaylynn brings a strong academic foundation to her professional endeavors. She currently serves as a Human Resource professional at ncgCARE, one of the largest behavioral health agencies on the East Coast, supporting over 1000 employees and serving over 13,000 individuals with care.

Throughout her career, she has been committed to leveraging her expertise in research, statistical analysis, and policy to drive impactful change within organizations. Some of Jaylynn’s graduate research analyzed the effects of diversity climate and DEI initiatives among minority employees’ job satisfaction and work stress. In addition, she conducted a study on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on university students’ perceptions of threat and harm to their academic success. The research further examined how students’ employment status during enrollment mediated these perceptions, aiming to inform university policies and procedures.

Dedicated to improving workplace dynamics, Jaylynn plans to pursue her Juris Doctor to focus on advocacy and policy work within organizations and government agencies. Through her legal education, Jaylynn aims to become a catalyst for positive change, leveraging her expertise to address complex legal issues and drive meaningful reforms.

Anita has over 10 years of experience in diversity and inclusion, HR, and leadership development, and is currently the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (IIABA); a national trade association that supports nearly 25,000 independent agencies located nationwide.

She obtained her B.S. in Psychology from Upper Iowa University and an MBA from Colorado Technical University, specializing in HR Management. Anita is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Psychology with a focus on Consulting at The Chicago School.

Anita’s mission is to make an impact by helping people and organizations meet their potential and achieve their goals by leading the development and implementation of strategies and programs that promote a culture of belonging, respect, and equity. Her passion for creating positive and inclusive environments has allowed those around her to thrive!

Janiece, a Miami native deeply rooted in faith and community, embarked on a transformative journey in 2009. Embracing the powerful message of being the answer in every room, she founded The Answer Group Consulting, LLC (TAG Consulting), setting the stage for her impactful career as an Industrial-Organizational Psychology Practitioner.

Currently serving as the Board Chair of New Canon Chamber Collective, Board Secretary of Blacks in I/O Psychology (BIOP), and HR Consultant to AIRIE, Janiece exemplifies her commitment to community engagement and positive change. In her capacity as HR Program Manager at Jazwares, LLC, she plays a crucial role in crafting impactful programs that address opportunities for improvement

Beyond her corporate endeavors, Janiece is an Adjunct Professor at Florida International University (FIU) teaching "Women & Leadership" and "Intro to I/O Psych" in the College of Arts, Sciences & Education Psychology Department. She uses this opportunity to give back the lessons learned and impart wisdom to the next generation of leaders.

Eliza Gueye! Raised in Cleveland Ohio and now based in the DMV, Eliza is a seasoned human resource professional with over eight years of experience in full-cycle recruitment, business development, and talent strategy domestically and in emerging and developing economies. Over the years, she has gained experience in talent acquisition, succession planning, talent management, training, sourcing, compliance, reporting, gender equity and social inclusion (GESI), and diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) strategies for corporate offices and global programs funded by the USAID, Department of State and Department of Defense.

Dr. LaTasha Ireland, a retired decorated military veteran with 20 years of distinguished service, is dedicated to creating JIFEs (Joint Integrated Fulfillment Environments) through her unique approach to helping others transform struggles into strategies. Originating from Fort Worth, TX, she has transitioned from her military career to a provisional licensed psychologist specializing in Human Performance and Systems.

Educational and Professional Journey:
Dr. Ireland's academic credentials are diverse. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, specializing in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Additionally, she has a Master of Arts in Political Science (Public Policy), which complements her psychological expertise by providing a broader understanding of public policy and its intersection with human behavior and organizational dynamics.
Philosophy and Approach:
Dr. Ireland approaches psychology systemically, viewing human performance through systemic interactions. She emphasizes the importance of change management and evidence-based research, transforming challenges into strategic opportunities for growth.
Specializations and Services:
A true polymath, Dr. Ireland offers diverse services, including personal and professional development, transition coaching, consulting, philanthropy, group workshops, corporate training, speaking engagements, and research collaborations. Her work is characterized by a deep understanding of human interactions and the systems we operate within.
Community Involvement:
Dr. Ireland's commitment extends beyond her professional endeavors. She is actively involved in various organizations such as J.B Dondolo, Research to Policy Collaboration, Southside Hornets Athletic Association, United Nations Association-United States, and American Association University of Women. This involvement underscores her dedication to empowering individuals, families, and communities.
Intersection of Psychology and Technology:
Dr. Ireland is at the forefront of integrating psychology with technology to pioneer innovative mental health initiatives. Her work focuses on harnessing technological advancements to enhance psychological practices, particularly in preventive coaching and human performance. By leveraging digital tools and data analytics, she seeks to develop more accessible, efficient, and personalized mental health solutions. This intersection is crucial in today's digital age, where technology shapes mental health strategies and interventions.
Mission and Impact:
Her mission is to harness and amplify the innate potential in individuals, aiding them in navigating significant life changes for growth and fulfillment.
 
“The Most Teachable Moments Occur After Overcoming Struggles” – Dr. LaTasha Ireland

A California native, Danielle R. Baines, M.S. is an Organizational Development Consultant and Leadership Coach with over 12 years in training and organizational development. She is a trusted
consultant known for her leadership in organizational design, strategy, and effective training implementation in diverse work environments. Most recently, she was appointed to the Advisory Board for the Customer Experience Program at the University of California Santa Barbara and, in the past, served as the Director of Chapter Meetings and Board Member of the Association for Talent Development- Los Angeles (ATD-LA). ATD-LA is where she earned the President’s Award during her tenure. She was inducted into the National Society of Leadership & Success Honor Society for her hard work, dedication to leadership, and exemplary status as a doctoral student in the Industrial/ Organizational Psychology field.

Danielle is passionate about helping people gain insight into personal leadership styles and approaches. She thrives in environments where she can develop leadership skills that translate organizational strategies to business results. What excites Danielle the most is developing emotionally intelligent leaders to manage the human aspects of change. She encourages leaders to step outside their comfort zone by challenging the status quo. Her career goals are to continue to motivate people in their leadership journey, explore their authenticity and assist organizations in maintaining a competitive advantage through the development of their people through her company DB2 Consulting, LLC. Danielle holds three degrees in Merchandise Marketing (’04), Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing (’09), and Leadership in Management with an emphasis on Organizational Development (’15). She is a doctoral student at National University, studying toward a DBA in Industrial Organizational Psychology (’24). Danielle also holds Change Management and Project Management certifications for Learning Professionals from the Association for Talent Development (ATD) and E-Learning Design and Development from San Francisco State University.

A common theme throughout Lenz Bayas' career is the desire to help others be the best version of themselves. He has worked in numerous industries, including but not limited to: international development, K-12, and financial crime. As owner and founder of LKB Consulting, LLC, he’s on a mission to transform the way organizations approach people-related performance in the workplace. 

Lenz is passionate about partnering with senior leaders to bring about meaningful business results. He draws from a variety of disciplines and evidence-based approaches when addressing challenges or pursuing opportunities in today’s business environment. He believes that organizations and the people within them can dream, design, and achieve a just, sustainable future together. 

Lenz holds a B.A in psychology and philosophy from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a certificate in instructional technology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and an M.S. in Organizational Performance & Workplace Learning from Boise State University. He is also a member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. 

Beyond his professional life, Lenz is a bilingual (Haitian Creole/English) & bicultural citizen of the world who strongly values culture and community. During his free time you’ll most often find him cooking with his wife Rachel, playing piano, playing capoeira, or tapping out traditional Haitian rhythms on his hand drum.

Lawrence Cole, a visionary tech and BizDev General Manager with over 12 years of experience in the dynamic tech industry, is a true force of transformation and innovation. With a remarkable track record of leading global business and organizational changes, Lawrence has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive growth and impact on a massive scale. As a thought leader and entrepreneurial builder, he has excelled in diverse industries such as advertising, ad-tech, retail, logistics, and software, while mastering various functions including sales, operations, marketing, and strategy. Lawrence's passion lies in accelerating and scaling opportunities, fixing and reforming existing systems, and reimagining the future. His strategic approach is underpinned by a keen awareness of the triple bottom line, encompassing people, profits, and society. Lawrence Cole is the catalyst for success and a true pioneer in shaping the future of tech and business.

Courtney Bryant Shelby, Ph.D. is a science practitioner that believes everyone deserves a workplace where they can be themselves. She engages in work as a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) professional, organizational consultant, and active researcher. In her current role as a Senior Specialist of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at Ford Motor Company, she focuses on creating DEI learning and development strategies for the enterprise to continuously build a diverse and inclusive culture of belonging.

In April 2023 Courtney is launching Simply You Solutions, LLC., a firm that supports organizations to achieve a workplace where “you can simply be you!” She helps companies identify and eliminate barriers to equity and facilitates experiences that build DEI knowledge and skills. Her previous consulting focused on topics such as intersectionality and authenticity in the workplace.

Courtney earned her PhD in Organizational Psychology from Michigan State University in 2021 and is currently working with a team to expand the work in her dissertation, which was awarded the Michigan Psychological Association Foundation Dissertation Award and The Benjamin Schneider Scholarship from SIOP. It focused on the relationship between code switching, well-being and burnout for Black employees. Her work has been published in both peer-reviewed academic journals and practice focused publications such as the Harvard Business Review Online. 

Courtney is the 2022-2024 Chair for the SIOP Committee on Ethnic Minority Affairs (CEMA) and is always interested in supporting racial and ethnic minorities. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® where she serves the community as the Chair of the HBCU Committee. As a newlywed of 7 months, Courtney likes to binge watch tv with her husband and French bulldog puppy. She also loves to discover new places both in her metro area and with travel. 

As an energetic visionary, she is the owner and founder of the TruthSpeaksGroup LLC , a multimedia company that creates strategies and solutions for work-life integration/harmony (WLI/H). She is also the founder of I/O for Teens Inc., (a skill, confidence, and career building organization teaching teens how to achieve their dreams based on the science of human behavior.)MJA Notary Services LLC., MJA Publishing LLC., and JEMA Holdings LLC. 

Marla doesn’t believe in work-life balance as she believes all areas of our lives can be integrated and we can create harmony in our lives by means of I/O Psychology and Positive Psychology methodologies. 

Marla’s mantra is to #TeachTrainEducate working women who desire to understand their truth and live a life of success defined on their own terms. 

Marla is a certified professional career, executive, and life coach, trainer APTD (Associate Professional in Training and Development), Certified Chief Happiness Officer, Certified Positive Psychology Practitioner, Director of HR, Instructor, of Psychology, Amazon Best Selling author, and has over 25 years of business, coaching, and training experience. Marla holds a Master of Education in Adult Education, a Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management, and an Associate of Science in Financial Services. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology.

Ms. Zainab A. Aderinwale is an impact-driven, goal-oriented, visionary & and innovative young leader with great enthusiasm. She also believes in helping other young leaders thrive. The world needs young people who see themselves not as a victim of a failed nation but as a solution to the problems they face; I am one of them. She's a Nigerian who is currently an international student in the USA. She had her bachelor's degree in Psychology and she's an aspirant in the Industrial and Organizational Psychology field with a research interest in Diversity and Inclusion, Leadership Development, Organizational Culture, Recruitment and Selection Processes, and Gender Equality in the workplace. She's one of the world's leading champions of personal development. She published an inspirational book titled "BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE." The book is full of uplifting and inspirational messages intended to assist youth in rising to their full potential. It can be found on Amazon. (https://www.amazon.com/BE-THE-YOU-Fulfilled-ebook/dp/B08QZVJ183). She is a founder of Eartco Counseling and Consulting Limited (Eartco) a Nigeria-based company that focuses on the process of connecting with, assessing, and selecting a diversity of individuals when hiring for companies. The company aimed to build exclusivity and diversity in companies through recruitment and selection.

She will be submitting a proposal to present at the next SIOP Conference 2024 on Gender equality in terms of equal pay and looking forward to an I/O psychology graduate student who may be interested in the research. She looks forward to connecting and discussing the proposal at the SIOP conference in 2023 in Boston.

Nchopia Nwokoma is an I-O Psychology practitioner who uses assessments to help individuals and organizations understand who they currently are, clarify who they’d like to be in the future to achieve business goals/fulfill purpose, and what they’ll need to do to get there. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work, a master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in I-O Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is currently a Principal Assessment & Succession Consultant at Korn Ferry.

Having a broad curiosity, Nchopia enjoys a breadth of I-O related experience. Prior to joining Korn Ferry, Nchopia worked for boutique consulting firms focused on talent development and assessment while also serving as an adjunct psychology instructor at Salt Lake Community College. She facilitated leadership development programs, managed hi-potential programs, partnered with C-Suite leaders on annual strategic planning initiatives and goal cascade, defined leadership competencies, designed performance and recognition programs, designed and debriefed 360 assessments, designed and debriefed employee surveys, coached leaders on engaging employees, and helped students define career paths. 

Her research interests include exploring the intersection of personality and race on workplace authenticity, engagement, and performance. She co-authored “Investigating the Implications of Code-Switching and Assimilating at Work for African-American Professionals” published in the Journal of Business Diversity.

Today, Nchopia’s work is focused on assessing and developing executive leaders in the oil & gas, financial services, tech, and luxury goods space. She plays an active role in Korn Ferry leadership, serving as co-chair of the firm’s D.C Office Steering Committee. She is also chair of the Society of Industrial-Organizational Psychology Early Career Practitioner Forum.

Vanessa Blake has focused much of her career in consulting and coaching roles as an internal and external consultant. Vanessa sees herself as a part of the dream team for individuals, teams, and organizations to help identify success and help them achieve it. She ultimately views the work she does as one of the ways she derives a sense of purpose and fulfillment in her life.

As an IO practitioner, Vanessa has a positive psychology approach to business, human resources, change management, organizational development, leadership development, executive coaching, people analytics, and talent management in government, private sector, and nonprofits. She is also a certified personal stylist and ICF coach who helps individuals work on their work style, brand, image, and reputation. In her spare time, she supports research by directly engaging in efforts to replicate psychological studies in top journals.

Previously, Vanessa served as a military All-Source Intelligence Analyst for nearly five years in the United States Army.

Education/Certifications

 She holds an MS in Industrial Organizational Psychology from Walden University, an MBA from Nova Southeastern University, a Graduate Certificate in Organizational Leadership from Lewis University, a Graduate Certificate in Positive Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and a BA from Georgia Southern University. Her certifications include, being a certified ICF executive coach, Prosci Certified Change Practitioner, and Hogan Personality Assessments.

Brittney Brinkley is an I-O Psychology practitioner with a focus on promoting DEI in the workplace. Brittney received her Master of Science degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from St. Mary’s University and her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California, Riverside.

Kayla describes her journey to people operations and I/O psychology as a long winding road. At a crossroads in college, she was feeling conflicted about her major and a mentor of hers helped her realize she had a passion for psychology. Once she got into her major classes and started exploring the science it all clicked. She realized her mentor was right! As a chronically ill child, she made it her mission to help others like her get through this very rough journey that is living with diabetes. This experience led her down a path of clinical psychology. She was enamored with the thought of walking people through their health journey and being the resource that she needed in her youth for others. Her experience after college, like most other Psychology majors, was a mixed bag as working as a mental health worker, a case manager, behavior therapist, special education teacher for a mental health system, you name it , she has probably worked the mental health related job. As a teacher during the pandemic, Kayla started to feel burnt out and questioned if she still wanted to take the clinical path. Her heart and mind were not aligned in that direction anymore. Although she has a love for psychology and processing the human mind, she no longer wanted to follow the career path in a clinical capacity. Kayla started to explore other subject areas in psychology and found Industrial/ Organizational psychology and it was love at first read. The more she dug into the specialty, the more useful and important she found it, especially in her experience as an educator and how that experience related to organizational culture. During the pandemic, Kayla had the opportunity to work in a human resources position and recognized the relevance of change management and its correlation to employee retention, specifically educators. She is an extrovert who loves nothing more than connecting with people, helping where and if she can, a stimulating conversation, a good book, a concert, a new eatery in town, or just simply being surrounded by laughter and good people.  Kayla has been able to tie her job experiences and her passions together and make it all make sense, and she is excited to continue to explore the world of I/O psychology! 

Dawn Gates is a 2nd-year student in an I-O Psychology master’s program with a focus on and devotion to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) issues. She hopes to use her I-O education to help shape and lead organizations that want to honor the needs of its most vital asset, their employees. She is a retired veteran of the Virginia Army National Guard where she served as the senior diversity leader for her unit and has trained and led military personnel through 3 overseas deployments. She also has a background in communications and recently began her coaching business focusing on transformational leadership. 

Dawn is the chair for BIOP’s DEI Task Force and a member of SIOP’s External Relations committee. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and watching the world through her tiny giant son’s eyes. She hails from Fort Knox, KY, but presently resides in Maryland with her husband and son.

Dr. NaTasha Jordan, or Dr. J for short,  is an IO Psychologist who stands at the center of Marketing, Psychology, and Org Design.As an IO Psychologist, she is a budding expert on how organizations can grow during uncertain times through building the right team, providing the right direction, and embodying shared and lived values. She has been recognized as the first black woman to be awarded the Consulting Psychology Presidential Citation. Chosen by James Orsini, President of The Sasha Group to work alongside Gary Vaynerchuk's handpicked leaders, Dr. J advises SMB leaders on designing their organization for the now helping her clients operationalize their strategies and turning their visions into reality through strategic organizational transformation.

Alicia Kumar is currently a 2nd-year student in the I-O Psychology M.S program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). Her background in healthcare and I-O psychology helped shape her initial interest in the field of I-O. During her time at UTC, she has worked on projects that include organizing a food pantry for students and mentoring minority students as they prepared for higher education. Alicia also assisted with the development of inclusive teaching practices and facilitated discussions on student diversity within her department. She is currently working as a Manpower and Events intern for a manufacturing organization in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In her role, Alicia works on both the recruitment and DEI side to attract a diverse pool of talent and support employees during their time at the manufacturing organization. She is also a member of the PRIDE Employee Resource Group and the African-Americans Building Leadership Excellence (ABLE) Employee Resource Group, where she works to foster an inclusive work environment for employees from different backgrounds.

Her work and research interests include racial and gender equity initiatives, occupational health and safety, and mitigating organizational burnout.

Post-graduation, Alicia aims to work in the consulting field and guide various organizations in their efforts to implement DEI initiatives.

In her free time, Alicia likes to read, hike with friends, travel internationally, and spend time with her family.

Alexis Graham is an HR & Talent Operations manager for an Education Technology company. She is from the DMV area and has resided locally for all her life. She has a master’s degree in Psychology and is currently an I/O Psychology Ph.D. student with a concentration in Coaching. Working with corporations to assist in mitigating burnout and hiring biases is Alexis’ passion. Not only is she focusing her research on these topics, but she puts them in practice daily, volunteering for a Diversity Inclusion steering committee to ensure that interdepartmental policies remain equitable and fair for all. As a certified coach, Alexis recently started a growth coaching business and enjoys continuing to move the needle in the IO Psych space forward by helping clients see their full potential in the workspace.

In her free time, Alexis enjoys traveling and trying new restaurants. Whether throwing the ball with her pup Marley or enjoying an espresso martini on an international beach, Alexis truly takes pride in embodying work/life balance in everything she does.

Teresa "Terri" White is a lifelong resident of Central California with a small stint of time spent in beautiful Shreveport, Louisiana. She is a mother of three awesome children Isaiah, Ambiance, and Daniel. Teresa started her journey into I/O Psychology in my Master's program where she learned that psychology could do more than help better understand the mind but also help relationships in our everyday lives. She is passionate about helping professionals from all walks of life find and thrive in their God-given gifts and talents. Currently, Teresa is pursuing a Ph.D. in I/O Psychology from Northcentral University. Her goal is to offer I/O services to organizations such as non-profits and faith-based organizations and congregations that would not normally have access to these services.