Leadership Team

IDC® Leadership and Staff

Meet the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility experts leading our research-driven programs

Research-driven strategies and education are essential for creating and sustaining effective Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) initiatives. By drawing on the latest research, organizations can develop strategies that are more likely to be successful. Education can help to raise awareness of DEIA issues and equip employees with the skills they need to be effective allies.

The Institute for Diversity Certification (IDC)® is committed to using research-driven strategies and education to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Our board members, leadership team, and staff are all accountable for our mission. They come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, but are united by a common goal: to create a more equitable and inclusive workplace for all.

We are grateful for the hard work and dedication of our team. They are the reason we're able to make a difference in the world.

IDC Leadership

Our leadership team is responsible for day-to-day operations of the Institute for Diversity Certification. They are passionate about our mission and dedicated to modeling the behaviors and skills exhibited in our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) courses and exams.

Leah Smiley, CDE®

Founder & President

Derwin Smiley, AMBP-L™️
Chief Executive Officer

Michele Williams
Global Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

D. I. Lee, PhD, CDE®

Global Vice President, DEI Education and Training

Certification Board

Our Certification Board is responsible for setting our strategic direction and ensuring that we're accountable to our stakeholders. The Board is composed of experienced executives, community leaders, diversity experts, and DEI-industry thought leaders.

The Certification Board consists of at least 9 members, managed by a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, a Secretary, and a minimum of 6 Board members. Additionally, the Board includes at least 1 member, with voting rights, that represents the public or non-employer consumer interest, as well as a minimum of 4 members who hold CDP® or CDE® credentials.

Are Board members involved in preparatory classes?

Board members may not be involved in facilitating preparatory courses in relation to the CDP® or CDE® certification examinations or creating any training materials for the CDP® or CDE® examinations related to preparatory courses.
What is a public member?
The public members are selected from individuals with experience and understanding of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles and practice. Public members have prior experience working with boards, associations, or groups. They have basic knowledge of certification best practice and the test development process. The IDC Board has at least 2 public members to ensure accreditation compliance.

The IDC public member should NOT be any of the following:

A current or previous member of the profession, occupation, role, or specialty area encompassed by the IDC certification program.
A supervisor, manager, direct co-worker, or an employee or subordinate of individuals in the profession encompassed by the IDC certification program.
An employee of an individual certified by the IDC or of an employer of individuals in the profession encompassed by the IDC certification program.
Currently deriving income from the profession encompassed by the IDC certification program.
Have derived in any of the five years preceding their appointment as a public member on the governing body of our total income from the profession encompassed by the IDC certification program.
What are the Board's term limits?

The term of office for each of the Elected Members shall be 3 years. Members who have not reached a term limit may seek re-election once their service date expires. Expiring terms of Elected Board Members shall be filled from a diverse slate of nominees prepared by the Nomination Committee. Newly elected or re-elected Board Members shall take office each year on January 1. If there are fewer than 9 Members on the Board, new Members shall be seated at the first meeting following the termination of the ninth Member. Members shall be eligible for election to the Board for not more than three (3) consecutive terms. Any vacancy on the Certification Board shall be filled by a majority vote by the Board. The successor shall serve the unexpired portion of the term of their predecessor. For the first few terms of the initial Board, IDC may provide an exception to maintain some Board Members to keep continuity. This would prevent all Board members from retiring at the same time. Exceptions to total consecutive years of service will be considered when there is a compelling case reviewed and approved by the IDC.