In today’s business world, diversity is more important than ever. As companies strive to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace, it’s essential to have leaders who are committed to diversity and representation. Meet Cameron Robb, Ashley Kelly, Shamia Lodge, and Dr. Velma Trayham, four multicultural women founders who are leading the way in diverse representation in the workforce, minority business ecosystems and supply chains.
Cameron Robb
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Cameron Robb, Senior Economic Development Consultant at Arizona Public Service, is a passionate advocate for economic development and clean energy. With almost a decade of experience in workforce and economic development, Cameron works closely with state, county, regional, and municipal economic development organizations to attract and stimulate business investment that creates jobs and supports a healthy economy in Arizona.
One of Cameron’s accomplishments is her commitment to giving back. She firmly believes in the importance of volunteering and making oneself available to others. Cameron is proud of the tradition of community impact that APS employees share, including volunteering thousands of hours each year. She sees volunteering as an opportunity to give back and make a positive impact on the world.
Cameron believes that diversity is an empowerment engine, and diverse representation in the workforce and supply chains is crucial for success. She believes that inclusion, not exclusion, is the key to achieving new ideas and lasting innovation. Cameron advocates for businesses, workforces, and teams to be reflective of the community they serve, bringing unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences for the highest impact.
Cameron is passionate about economic development and promoting clean energy. She is proud of APS’s public commitment to producing 100% clean, carbon-free electricity by 2050 and her team’s focus on working with the business community to incorporate renewable energy into their overall power portfolio. Cameron believes that her work facilitates growing the local economy, improving the workforce, and promoting individual prosperity for the people across the state of Arizona.
Ashley Kelly
Ashley V Kelly CSBC (Certified Small Business Consultant) | Vice President | Sr. Business Consultant | JPMorgan Chase
Ashley Kelly is a dedicated advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly in the small business world. As a mentor for small businesses, with a focus on minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses, Ashley offers complimentary one-on-one coaching to provide education and resources that they may not have access to. Through her work, Ashley strives to empower and uplift underserved groups, bridging the systemic gaps in access to information and capital.
As a woman of color who has faced adversity throughout her career and life, Ashley’s personal experiences have fueled her passion for change and being part of the solution. She takes pride in creating an impact in all that she does and fighting to amplify voices that have been silenced. Her commitment to helping others succeed and grow has made her a valuable player in her industry.
Ashley’s current role as a mentor for small businesses is one of her most impressive accomplishments. She provides education and resources that these businesses would otherwise not have access to, empowering them to grow and thrive. Her work in bridging the systemic gaps in access to information and capital for underserved groups has created change and opportunity for many.
Ashley’s passion for helping others and her belief in equal access to resources and opportunities drive her to do the work she does every day. She enjoys being able to help others and believes it is her purpose.
To Ashley, diversity means everyone having an equal opportunity to succeed. It allows for a different approach and thinking, promoting growth and innovation. Diverse representation in the workforce and supply chains inspires future generations and creates a more equitable society.
Shamia Lodge
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Shamia Lodge is an inspiring figure in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her work at CEO Action for Racial Equity and MassMutual is making a significant impact on society, and her passion and commitment to social justice serve as an inspiration to us all.
Shamia’s passion for social justice is evident through her involvement in nonprofit organizations and community programs. As the Interim Board President for ReInventing ReEntry, she helps educate and reshape society’s perception of formerly incarcerated people. She is a Board member of the Valedictorian Project Inc. and the Arizona state ambassador to the United States of Women.
Shamia believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just commitments or ancillary strategies, but true parts of a company’s business imperatives. At MassMutual, they believe that companies, particularly financial services institutions, play a vital role in eliminating systemic structures that exacerbate economic inequities. They strive to create a sustainable world where more people have equitable access to the broadest range of economic and career opportunities to help them achieve financial security.
Shamia’s ability to build and cultivate meaningful relationships with key stakeholders from different industries and professions is what makes her most effective and efficient in her work. She believes in solving root causes rather than just putting a band-aid on symptoms, and has a gift for seeing problems from different perspectives and approaching them with a creative and innovative mindset.
Shamia’s commitment to being a voice for the voiceless and advocating for their rights is what drives her to do the work she does each day. She remains hopeful and encouraged by the possibility that a more equitable and just society is within reach. Achieving this requires collective energy focused on supporting all people, regardless of how they identify or their socioeconomic status.
Dr. Velma Trayham
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Dr. Velma Trayham is a leading voice in diversity, equity, and inclusion in the business world. As the CEO of Thinkzilla Consulting Group LLC, she helps government entities and Fortune 500 companies connect with underserved and excluded communities, while also empowering individuals through economic empowerment programs.
One unique characteristic of Thinkzilla Consulting Group is that it is a certified Woman-Owned Small Business and a certified Minority-Owned Company. It has quickly become one of the fastest-growing program management companies in the US, building meaningful connections between brands and consumers.
Dr. Trayham’s personal story is also noteworthy, having been born and raised in extreme poverty. She has taken her own experiences and turned them into a successful career as a CEO and business influencer for national brands. Dr. Trayham is dedicated to making change happen around the world, with offices in Houston, Atlanta, Miami, and Scottsdale, Arizona.
Through her work, Dr. Trayham aims to create a more equitable world by helping corporations respond to important social needs, build competitive advantages, and address inequity through inclusive strategies for advancing supplier diversity. She wants readers to benefit from her expertise and know that by working with more diverse suppliers, they can make a positive impact on their communities while also achieving their business goals.
These women are breaking down barriers and driving change in their industries. They’re not only leading successful companies, but they’re also paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive business world. By highlighting their accomplishments, we hope to inspire other entrepreneurs to prioritize diverse representation in their own companies.
In conclusion, Cameron Robb, Ashley Kelly, Shamia Lodge, and Dr. Velma Trayham are just a few examples of the many multicultural women founders who are leading the way in diverse representation. By prioritizing diversity and inclusion, these women are driving positive change in their industries and beyond. We can all learn from their example and work towards a more equitable and inclusive future.
