Dr. Luisa Montoya - CEO of Diversity Matters
Professional Background and Experience
Dr. Luisa Montoya is a highly accomplished and visionary leader in the field of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). She serves as the CEO and founder of Diversity Matters, a consulting firm dedicated to promoting inclusivity in the business sector.
Previously, Dr. Montoya held the prestigious position of Senior Vice President, Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Engagement at Santander US. Her extensive background in the banking industry equipped her with the knowledge and skills to forge strong partnerships and implement effective DEI strategies within corporate structures.
Educational Background
Dr. Montoya's educational credentials include a degree from Northcentral University. Her academic background, coupled with her professional experience, makes her a leading authority on fostering inclusivity and bridging workforce gaps for visible minorities.
Contributions and Advocacy
Dr. Montoya has consistently made significant contributions to the field of DEI through her leadership at Diversity Matters. She actively promotes the message of inclusion through various initiatives and public engagements. For example, she is known for her passionate advocacy, as demonstrated by her LinkedIn post on May 29, 2024, which encouraged minority businesses to leverage the Diversity Supplier Program for larger contracts.
Key Initiatives at Diversity Matters
Under Dr. Montoya's leadership, Diversity Matters offers a range of services designed to support businesses in their DEI efforts:
- DEI Consulting: Tailored assessments and strategies to understand client needs and foster a culture of belonging.
- Training and Development: Customized programs including DEI training, business resource groups, and targeting unconscious bias.
- Research: Conducting surveys, focus groups, and studies to advance DEI scholarship and application in businesses.
- Lending & Funding Guidance: Financial consultation, including MBE certification and supplier diversity certification.
- Inclusive Marketing: Crafting marketing strategies that resonate with diverse audiences.
- Federal Contracting and Certifications: Guidance through the entire process of government contract procurement and certifications.
Public Engagement and Thought Leadership
Dr. Montoya frequently engages with the public through various media and events. Examples include:
- An interview on Inside South Florida where she discussed her mission to bridge the equity gap (April 7, 2024).
- Regular postings and interactions on LinkedIn where she shares insights and promotes DEI-related activities.
Contact Information
- Phone: 720-261-3820
- Email: luisa.montoya@thepowerofinclusionmatters.com
- Website: [www.thepowerofinclusionmatters.com](https://thepowerofinclusionmatters.com/)
- LinkedIn: [Dr. Luisa Montoya](https://www.linkedin.com/in/luisafmontoya)
Notable Achievements and Certifications
Dr. Montoya is DEI Certified and MBO Certified, marking her as a distinguished expert in managing and executing DEI initiatives effectively. Her work is aligned with global standards, contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
By leading Diversity Matters, Dr. Montoya exemplifies how businesses can thrive by embracing diversity and inclusion, ensuring that they cultivate a workplace culture that is both inclusive and high-performing. Her leadership continues to inspire positive changes in the realm of DEI.
