Top 20 DEI Experts in the US in 2026
DEI experts in the US are shaping workplace culture in 2026 through inclusive leadership, equity frameworks, and organizational change. This list highlights 20 voices influencing diversity, equity, and inclusion across industries.
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Here’s the list of the Top 20 DEI Experts in the US in 2026:
20. Stefanie Fackrell
Stefanie Fackrell is a Global People Partner and Work Futurist focused on inclusive, psychologically safe workplaces. A corporate ethnographer and superconnector, she coaches leaders and jobseekers, builds talent programs, and champions diversity across tech, venture capital, hedge funds, and biotech. Active on LinkedIn, her posts cover recruiting, layoffs, onboarding, and people analytics, combining practical HR leadership with relationship-building and change management.
Favikon Authority Score: 6 342 pts
19. Daisy Auger-Domínguez
Daisy Auger-Domínguez is a prominent C-suite executive and author focused on transforming workplace culture through diversity, equity, and inclusion. With extensive experience at major companies like Google and Disney, she advocates for authentic leadership and employee well-being. Her books, 'Inclusion Revolution' and 'Burnt Out to Lit Up,' provide practical strategies for inclusive management. Daisy is also a sought-after speaker, sharing insights on leadership and personal growth, and serves on various boards, including Bucknell University.
Favikon Authority Score: 6 401 pts
18. Jennifer Brown
Jennifer Brown is a leadership innovator and global speaker specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). With over 20 years of experience, she empowers organizations to create inclusive workplaces. As a bestselling author of four influential books, including 'How to Be an Inclusive Leader,' she shares actionable insights on fostering belonging. Jennifer hosts 'The Will to Change' podcast, amplifying diverse voices and stories. Her advocacy extends to LGBTQ+ rights, and she actively participates in community initiatives, including organizing Pride events.
Favikon Authority Score: 6 581 pts
17. Crystle Johnson
Crystle Johnson is a global DEI executive and people & culture strategist dedicated to empowering Black women. With over a decade of experience across various industries, she focuses on creating inclusive cultures that prioritize psychological safety. Crystle curates experiences that foster sisterhood and self-care, advocating for Black women's well-being and joy. Her content emphasizes the importance of self-love, rest, and community support, often addressing the unique challenges faced by Black women in professional spaces.
Favikon Authority Score: 6 727 pts
16. Vernā Myers
Vernā Myers is a renowned DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) strategist, author, and speaker, recognized for her impactful work in fostering inclusive environments. She served as VP of Inclusion at Netflix from 2018 to 2023 and is the founder of The Vernā Myers Company. Her content focuses on leadership, cultural shifts, and overcoming biases, often shared through keynotes, her podcast 'Sundays with Vernā', and online courses. Vernā is also an advocate for women's empowerment and racial equity.
Favikon Authority Score: 6 755 pts
15. Nancy Levine Stearns
Nancy Levine Stearns is a prominent freelance journalist and author, recognized as the No. 1 ESG influencer on Twitter in 2020. Her work focuses on corporate social responsibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and impact investing. She has been cited by major publications like The New York Times and NBC News. Nancy is also a retired executive recruiter with 30 years of experience. Her social media presence is marked by advocacy for DEI and critical commentary on corporate governance.
Favikon Authority Score: 6 846 pts
14. Lara Abrash
Lara Abrash is the Chair of Deloitte US, leading a team of over 170,000 professionals. She focuses on modern leadership, the future of work, and emerging technologies. Lara is passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, often advocating for women's empowerment in business and sports. She shares insights from her extensive career, emphasizing mentorship and the importance of well-being. Her social media presence highlights her commitment to making a positive impact in the corporate world and beyond.
Favikon Authority Score: 6 851 pts
13. Dr. Tana M. Session
Dr. Tana M. Session is an Organizational Development and DEIB strategist, media contributor, and author, guiding culture transformation, psychological safety, and inclusive leadership in global organizations. She partners with CEOs and HR leaders to drive equity, belonging, and measurable business outcomes through strategy, advisory work, and executive engagement. She also delivers LinkedIn Learning courses, keynote talks, and leads the 92Percenters movement for inclusive leadership.
Favikon Authority Score: 6 857 pts
12. Melonie Parker
Melonie Parker is the Vice-President of Employee Engagement, with a progressive career in Human Resources across high-tech and aerospace industries. She focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), advocating for systemic change in workplaces. Her social media presence highlights her commitment to social justice, mentorship, and community empowerment, particularly for marginalized groups. She actively engages in discussions around colorism, racial equity, and women's leadership, often sharing insights from her experiences and initiatives at Google.
Favikon Authority Score: 6 863 pts
11. Anne Chow
Anne Chow is a transformative executive and servant leader with extensive experience guiding organizations through major transformations. As a former CEO and current board director, she champions inclusion, culture, and connection. Her bestselling book, Lead Bigger: The Transformative Power of Inclusion, reflects her deep commitment to leadership and empowerment. Anne actively engages in conversations about workplace diversity and the importance of meaningful relationships, making her a prominent voice in leadership and inclusion.
Favikon Authority Score: 6 871 pts
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10. Amira K.S. Barger
Amira K.S. Barger is a seasoned communications strategist and DEI practitioner with over 18 years of experience in government, nonprofit, and private sectors. As EVP/Head of Health Communications & DEI Advisory at Edelman, she advises on health equity and social justice. Amira is also an author, professor, and board member, focusing on creating inclusive, equitable environments. Her social media presence highlights her advocacy for DEI, health equity, and women's empowerment.
Favikon Authority Score: 7 039 pts
9. Alex Seiler
Alex Seiler is a seasoned Chief People Officer and startup advisor known for scaling teams, shaping people strategy, and leading global HR transformations across financial services, healthcare, media, tech, and consulting. A 20+ year thought leader, he blends business leadership with people-first thinking, offering practical frameworks and DEI-driven insights for modern organizations. He shares his expertise through LinkedIn, speaking engagements, and partnerships with HR tech and professional services brands.
Favikon Authority Score: 7 053 pts
8. Leah Goodridge
Leah Goodridge is a tenants' rights attorney and NYC Planning Commissioner focused on housing justice and workplace equity. With over a decade of experience, she advocates against gentrification and displacement, and has been featured in major publications like Forbes and Time Magazine. Leah's social media presence emphasizes the intersection of race, gender, and professionalism, often addressing systemic issues in the workplace and advocating for marginalized communities. She is also a speaker and author, known for her influential writings.
Favikon Authority Score: 7 270 pts
7. Daniela (Dani) Herrera
Hey there! 👋🏻 I'm dani (lowercase intentional, unless you're mad at me, then it's full "daniela" mode!), and I'm obsessed with making workplaces actually work for everyone, not just the lucky few. Over the past 18+ years, I've helped organizations from scrappy startups to Fortune 500 companies build more inclusive, equitable workplaces. I'm bilingual, a LinkedIn Top Voice, and apparently in the top 2% of creators in the US (still pinching myself about that one!). I've been featured in Forbes, BBC, Business Insider, and other publications because apparently people like when someone keeps it real about workplace culture without the corporate fluff. When I'm not consulting or creating content, you might find me speaking at conferences like SXSW, building community on LinkedIn with my 47K+ engaged followers, or hanging with my cats (who are excellent judges of character, by the way). I love collaborating with brands that are genuinely committed to making work better for everyone. If you're looking for authentic partnership with someone who walks the talk and has the receipts to prove it, let's chat!
Favikon Authority Score: 7 274 pts
6. Lily Zheng
Lily Zheng is a DEI strategist, author, and consultant who helps leaders build fair, inclusive, and data-driven workplaces. She advises on organizational design, accountability, and systemic change, and has authored bestsellers like Reconstructing DEI and DEI Deconstructed. She speaks on DEI strategy, leadership, and data-informed outcomes for executives and practitioners worldwide.
Favikon Authority Score: 7 374 pts
5. Tara Jaye Frank
Tara Jaye Frank is an award-winning author and human-centered workplace strategist, recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice. She specializes in leadership development, culture strategy, and public speaking, focusing on enhancing workplace environments through data-driven insights. Her content often addresses diversity, equity, and inclusion, advocating for the empowerment of marginalized voices, particularly Black women. Frank's work emphasizes the importance of human insight and strategic agility in leadership.
Favikon Authority Score: 7 478 pts
4. Fran Katsoudas
Fran Katsoudas is the Executive Vice President and Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer at Cisco, focusing on innovation, inclusivity, and social impact. She advocates for women in leadership, healthcare access, and youth homelessness. Her posts highlight Cisco's commitment to bridging the digital divide and promoting diversity in tech. Fran actively engages in discussions about AI's role in the workforce and the importance of community support. She emphasizes the need for equitable opportunities and the impact of technology on society.
Favikon Authority Score: 7 645 pts
3. Deepa Purushothaman
Deepa Purushothaman is a bestselling author and founder of the re.write, focusing on women's empowerment and leadership. With over 20 years at Deloitte, she became the first Indian-American woman partner. Her debut book, 'The First, The Few, The Only,' addresses diversity in leadership. Deepa is a TED speaker and has been featured in major publications. She advocates for women in business and challenges traditional narratives around success and ambition, emphasizing the importance of diverse voices in leadership roles.
Favikon Authority Score: 7 831 pts
2. Cynthia Barnes
Cynthia Barnes is the founder and CEO of Black Women’s Wealth Lab™, a movement to close the pay gap for Black women. She shares data-driven frameworks (PEARL, Magnetic Presence, Thank You; It’s True) and executive coaching to transform corporate erasure into equity, leadership, and wealth. She champions pay equity, representation, and practical, revenue‑based strategies for women in business.
Favikon Authority Score: 7 894 pts
1. Jalonni Weaver
Jalonni Weaver is an operations recruiter, DEI advocate, and podcast host dedicated to helping job seekers navigate the market through timely and respectful candidate experiences. She emphasizes transparency, empathy, employer branding, and inclusive hiring practices, with a strong focus on supporting neurodiverse candidates and candidates with employment gaps. She also hosts the Substack newsletter Chit Chats with Lonni, where she shares insights on recruitment, equity, and the human side of hiring.
Favikon Authority Score: 8 680 pts
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