Speaker | Inclusion Strategist | Author
Growing up in the highly-criticized, resilient, and soulful city of Detroit, I learned how to see opportunity everywhere: especially in people.
Whether adopting two teenagers in my twenties, juggling full-time employment alongside full-time college and grad school, or navigating through entry level jobs to grow a Fortune 500 company laden career, I am no stranger to unique or challenging circumstances. Through it all, I have always believed one thing: there is something good in just about all people. Life makes it easier for some of us to share our good than it does for others – and that is terribly unfair.
My friends like to say that I’ve “lived many lives,” but it has been just one dynamic life riddled with a myriad of experiences and relationships. These rich encounters have gifted me with the ability to share perspectives and stories that unpack complex human issues, simplify difficult information, and connect people from all walks of life in interesting, meaningful, and unexpected ways. I believe deeply in the opportunity in others and I live my life creating safe-spaces for people to prove me right.
Naturally curious about how people learn and think, I earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Masters in Organizational Leadership, focused on Adult Learning Theory, in Michigan. My passion for diversity and inclusion blossomed during my tenure at Blue Care Network of Michigan and grew with me for over a decade through my career until I found myself responsible for Culture, Inclusion and Diversity strategy for the largest employer in the history of the world; Walmart Stores, Inc.
Today, I combine big-corporate experience, motor city grit and my idea generation “super-power” to lead clients to challenge the bias in their narratives. Through my consulting practice, Cabral Co, I help large organizations and their leaders be more equitable and inclusive. That can mean executive coaching, designing strategy, or facilitating learning experiences that achieve sustainable and inclusive behavior shifts. I ignite people to live their most authentic and impactful lives while creating that same space for others.
Pouring into the lives of others is one of the cornerstones of my identity. I am proud to contribute my thought leadership and skills as Chairwoman of Brown Girls Do ™, an organization committed to diversity in the arts and empowering women and girls. I view mentorship as an essential part of personal and professional development. So I donate time and dollars to support inclusive programs and experiences that develop tomorrow’s future leaders. In addition to pouring into my mentees, I also encourage my proteges to seek opportunities to mentor others so they too can pay it forward.
I believe knowledge is one effective way to level the playing field so I strive to be both generous and useful in sharing what I have learned and creating spaces for others to do the same. Writing, speaking and teaching have proven to be valuable platforms to connect with thousands of professionals, college students, athletes and coaches. My books, Allies and Advocates (Wiley, 2020) and Say More About That (Wiley, 2022) are just one set of tools I’ve been able to share with others. I am known for relating to readers and event participants through compelling stories, interactive facilitation, and simple, practical approaches. My communication style is very genuine and inviting, allowing me to respectfully engage and educate a wide variety of audiences from students to executives. My TED talk will be available in 2024!
Personal time means I am deep into an audiobook or a podcast, enjoying social time with friends over a high-quality cocktail, or I am doing some solo international exploration. I also love sunsets, the sound of the ocean, and jumping out of the occasional airplane. This photo was taken at The Bayon temple in Angkor Thom, Cambodia. I believe fully in the opportunities hidden in new experiences, so I strive to live a life uncovering them.
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