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Ripa Rashid
Professional Background
Ripa Rashid is a distinguished subject matter expert, management consultant, and researcher specializing in diversity and inclusion (D&I) analytics, strategies, and solutions. With a focus on gender, race, and cultivating inclusive cultures, Ripa has established herself as a leading authority in her field. Her extensive experience includes working closely with C-Suite executives and senior management across a variety of industries, such as financial services, media and entertainment, and consumer products. Ripa's profound knowledge and insights into diversity and inclusion make her a highly sought-after keynote speaker and panelist at industry events, where she engages audiences to foster deeper understanding and commitment to equity and inclusion.
Education and Achievements
Ripa’s impressive academic background underpins her success in the realm of diversity and inclusion. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Astrophysics from Harvard University, where she honed her analytical skills and scientific thinking. Following this, she pursued further education in the social sciences by completing a Master of Arts degree and conducting doctoral work in Anthropology at New York University. Ripa also earned her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from INSEAD, further enriching her understanding of business dynamics and corporate culture. This diverse educational foundation allows Ripa to approach D&I through an evidence-based and anthropological lens, facilitating meaningful change in organizations.
Ripa Rashid is also an accomplished author, having penned several influential books and numerous articles that examine the intersections of gender, leadership, and global talent trends. Her published works include the impactful titles "Winning the War for Talent in Emerging Markets" (Harvard Business Press, 2011), "Growing Global Executives" (Rarebird, 2015), and "Disrupt Bias, Drive Value" (Rarebird, 2017), which explore the challenges and opportunities facing organizations in nurturing diverse talent. Additionally, her work, "What #MeToo Means for Corporate America" (2018), addresses the implications of social movements on corporate policies and practices, advocating for a proactive approach to fostering inclusive work environments.
Key Contributions and Roles
Ripa's career is characterized by a series of influential roles that have significantly advanced the D&I agenda within various organizations. Currently, she serves as the Head of Inclusion and Diversity and Managing Director at Cowen Inc., where she leads initiatives designed to enhance organizational climate and cultivate a culture of inclusion. Before this pivotal role, Ripa held several leadership positions across reputable organizations.
Her previous role as Managing Director at Culture At Work exemplified her commitment to harnessing the power of workplace culture to drive diversity and inclusion efforts. Ripa also served as Co-President at the Center for Talent Innovation, where she collaborated with industry leaders to promote innovative strategies for building inclusive workplaces. Moreover, her experience as Director of Research and Curriculum at the ICLIF Centre for Leadership and Corporate Governance allowed her to shape pivotal research efforts and develop curriculum enhancing leadership capabilities in a diverse context.
Ripa's past role as Vice President of Global Workforce Diversity and Inclusion at Time Warner Inc. is further testament to her ability to drive impactful D&I initiatives within large corporations. Before her tenure at Time Warner, she was Executive Vice President at the Center for Work Life Policy, where she contributed to expanding workplace practices that foster work-life balance and inclusion. Additionally, Ripa has made significant contributions as Director of the Office of Diversity at MetLife and as Diversity Transformation Manager at Booz Allen Hamilton, where she spearheaded efforts to embed diversity into the organizational DNA.
Ripa's extensive experience began with consulting roles at prominent firms such as Booz & Company and PricewaterhouseCoopers Management Consulting. She also honed her analytical skills as a Business Analyst at Mitchell Madison Group/AT Kearney Financial Services Practice, laying a solid foundation for her subsequent career in diversity and inclusion.
Conclusion
Throughout her career, Ripa Rashid has demonstrated unwavering dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion across various sectors. Her unique blend of academic expertise, leadership experience, and a passion for driving positive change has positioned her at the forefront of this critical field. As she continues to influence organizational strategies and shape dialogues on inclusivity, Ripa is not only a trailblazer in her own right but also an inspiring catalyst for change in organizations striving for a more equitable future. Ripa's work serves as a reminder that addressing issues of diversity and inclusion is not just beneficial for organizations but essential for societal progress as a whole.