Ronnie Parker

Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Professional Overview

Ronnie Parker is an accomplished diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) professional with a strong track record of driving meaningful change in the healthcare and business sectors. As the Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Sentara Health, Ronnie oversees the implementation of comprehensive DEI strategies, collaborating cross-functionally to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment. With expertise in employee engagement, community outreach, and program development, Ronnie is a trusted advisor and champion for diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Experience Summary

Current Role

Ronnie currently serves as the Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Sentara Health, a leading healthcare provider in Virginia. In this role, Ronnie is responsible for developing and executing the organization's DEI strategy, ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion are embedded across all aspects of the business. Ronnie's key achievements include launching a successful mentorship program to support the career development of underrepresented employees and spearheading the implementation of unconscious bias training for all staff, which has significantly improved inclusive hiring practices.

Career Progression

Prior to joining Sentara Health, Ronnie held several notable DEI-focused roles, including Senior DEI Employee Experience Advisor at Blue Cross NC and Community and Diversity Engagement Program Manager, also at Blue Cross NC. In these positions, Ronnie played a pivotal role in enhancing employee resource groups, driving diversity-focused events and workshops, and developing inclusive communication strategies. Ronnie's earlier career experiences include serving as the Chief of Staff and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at the Hampton Roads Chamber, where Ronnie led the organization's efforts to foster a more inclusive regional business community.

Academic Background

Ronnie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Old Dominion University, where they graduated with honors. Additionally, Ronnie has completed several professional development programs in diversity and inclusion, including a certification in Inclusive Leadership from the University of Virginia.

Areas of Expertise

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy

• Employee Engagement and Retention

• Inclusive Talent Management

• Community Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement

• Change Management and Organizational Development

Professional Impact

Ronnie's contributions to the field of diversity and inclusion have been widely recognized. As a Commissioner at the Virginia Beach Economic Development, Ronnie has played a key role in advancing diversity and inclusion initiatives within the local business community. Ronnie's work has been featured in industry publications, and they have been invited to speak at several regional and national conferences on topics related to DEI best practices.

Conclusion

With a proven track record of driving tangible results in the diversity and inclusion space, Ronnie Parker is a respected and influential leader in the healthcare and business communities. In their current role at Sentara Health, Ronnie continues to champion inclusive practices and foster a workplace culture that values diversity, equity, and belonging.