Cornell Verdeja-Woodson

Dr. Cornell Verdeja-Woodson (He/Him) is the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Headspace Health. In this role, he is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to foster an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and equity. His work involves integrating a DEI lens across various company programs, overseeing Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and collaborating with leadership to ensure accountability in diversity initiatives.123

Background and Expertise

Dr. Verdeja-Woodson has a strong background in social justice and mental health, which informs his approach to DEI at Headspace. He emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for employees to share their experiences and advocate for culturally responsive mental health care.56 His leadership aims not only to enhance workplace inclusivity but also to align Headspace's mission of improving mental health accessibility with its internal practices.

Initiatives and Impact

Under his guidance, Headspace has been recognized as a leader in disability inclusion and has implemented various initiatives aimed at enhancing employee engagement and community building within the organization. This includes the establishment of ERGs that empower employees from diverse backgrounds.34 Dr. Verdeja-Woodson also focuses on data-driven strategies to measure progress in DEI efforts, ensuring that these initiatives are effective and impactful.25

Online Presence

Dr. Verdeja-Woodson is active on LinkedIn, where he shares insights related to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. His username is cornellw.6