Ashley Shepherd

About Ashley Shepherd

As a seasoned program management professional, I specialize in spearheading initiatives that promote inclusivity, belonging, and a vibrant organizational culture. With a track record of success in globally recognized organizations, I bring a unique blend of innovation, leadership, and strategic vision to every project. Proven Leadership in DE & I Initiatives: I have a passion for driving diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that make a tangible impact. From formulating comprehensive strategies to implementing targeted programs, I have consistently fostered environments where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. Expert Stakeholder Engagement: One of my key strengths lies in fostering meaningful stakeholder engagement. By building bridges across teams and departments, I ensure alignment and collective commitment to our shared goals of diversity and inclusion. Innovative Recruitment Strategies: I excel in the full life cycle of recruiting and talent acquisition, utilizing cutting-edge sourcing strategies and integrated recruitment solutions to attract top-tier talent from diverse backgrounds. My approach not only enriches our teams but also strengthens our organizational culture. Passionate Explorer of Diverse Cultures: Beyond my professional pursuits, I am deeply passionate about exploring diverse cultures through travel and continuous learning experiences. This curiosity fuels my commitment to fostering inclusive environments where diverse perspectives are celebrated and embraced. Some core areas where I really excel include- Program Management & Oversight - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiatives - Strategic Planning & Implementation - Talent Acquisition & Recruitment - Process Improvement/Optimization - Team Leadership & Supervision - Workforce Diversity Enhancement - Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)- New Hire Onboarding & Orientation - Organizational Cultural Change - Issue Identification & Resolution - Project Management/Supervision - Internal/External Communication - Cross-Functional Collaboration - Executive/Stakeholder Engagement

Experience

1. Senior Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program Specialist

   World Wildlife Fund

   Jul 2020 — Present

   As a Senior Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program Specialist at WWF-US, I am dedicated to fostering a diverse workforce and promoting an inclusive culture through the formulation of innovative programs, strategic plans, and best practices. My responsibilities include spearheading DE & I-focused initiatives, collaborating with communication and marketing departments to promote awareness, and facilitating meetings with stakeholders and leadership to garner support for implementation.Key Accomplishments:• Exceeded organization\'s diversity workforce goal of 30% by achieving an outstanding overall diversity rate of 30.5% through the development and execution of diverse strategic plans and enhanced talent pool outreach efforts.• Established effective pipelines with Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Indigenous communities, and Latin/Hispanic-serving institutions to enhance recruitment efforts and foster diversity within the organization.• Co-led the inception of WWF\'s inaugural Employee Resource Group (ERGs) program, serving as Program Manager for 10 ERGs and creating an ERG Implementation Guide to streamline program operations.• Managed the Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) program and directed a budget portfolio exceeding $100K per fiscal year.• Pioneered the establishment of WWF\'s Environmental Justice Committee, overseeing quarterly speaker series events to showcase environmental justice pioneers and activists, thereby educating staff and fostering enduring partnerships for the organization.• Conducted monthly DE & I New Employee Orientation sessions and collaboratively authored quarterly DE & I Newsletter.• Developed and facilitated engagement efforts and workshop content focused on diversity best practices.

Education

• Cornell University

  Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Human Resources Professional Certification

• North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.)