Message from the President

On November 14, 2006 I was named President and given the charge of moving the Institute to its next level. I'm excited about this opportunity, and I am looking forward to being a part of an important mission — to create, communicate and continuously support the compelling case for diversity and inclusion in the workplace and the “worldplace,” — through education, training, research and publications.

The mission of advancing the compelling case for diversity and inclusion in the workplace and the worldplace is an important and challenging one. When Dr. Cole first shared her vision with me about the Chief Diversity Officers Forum squeezed on a bus during on one of our many fundraising ventures, I knew it was an idea diversity professionals and practitioners would embrace. I didn't imagine it to the tune of the launch of the Johnnetta B. Cole Global Diversity & Inclusion institute — and I know that she would have put a halt to the idea if she had been privy to the information.

The Institute has caught on in a big way. We have have already secured two of our goal of six “founding partners” — Food Lion LLC made the commitment at the Clinton Dole Gala and DiversityInc in January 2006. Their support is a big win for Bennett College for Women as much of the $2 million represented by their pledge will support scholarships and academic programming at the College.

There will much more news to share with you in the future, but let me encourage you to become better acquainted with the programs and projects associated with the Institute. You should be a part of this expanding and engaging conversation on diversity and inclusion at Bennett College for Women and the Johnnetta B. Cole Global Diversity & Inclusion Institute.

Staff

Donata Nelson
Program Manager
Donata Nelson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies from Bluffton University, Bluffton, OH, and a Master of Arts Degree in Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She has had professional experience in corporate and educational settings, including teaching on the college level. Originally from Poland, Ms. Nelson is committed to the issues of diversity in the “worldplace.”