HOUSTON, TX – Angeles Valenciano has been named chief executive officer of the National Diversity Council (NDC), becoming the first female CEO of this major nonprofit in the United States. Dennis Kennedy, current CEO and founder, will assume the role of founder and chairman of the board. Valenciano and Kennedy will begin their new roles on January 7.
“Angeles has a strong track record of leading the NDC by partnering with some of the organization’s top corporate members, launching new programs and initiatives, and working with CEOs and senior executives to advance our mission around diversity and inclusion in the workplace,” said Kennedy. “Her 15 years of experience in corporate America and 12 years in the nonprofit arena make her the ideal successor to take on the role of CEO for the National Diversity Council.”
Valenciano currently serves as president and executive vice president of the NDC. She has held a distinguished record of accomplishment since 2004, when the organization first launched in Texas as the Texas Diversity Council (TXDC).
“I’m deeply honored to assume this new role with the NDC,” said Valenciano. “I look forward to collaborating with our corporate partners and staff as we strive to promote an inclusive workplace for all people regardless of difference. Together, I am certain we can make an impact that matters every day for our partners, our communities, and our nation.”
Valenciano served as the TXDC’s first executive director, overseeing the organization’s operations and implementing policies as adopted by the Board of Directors. She also provided strategic direction for the four original Diversity Council Advisory Boards, formed by executives and other representatives of various member organizations, in Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston. Under her leadership, the annual Women in Leadership Symposium was created and is now a national event held in more than 24 states. This past November, the symposium launched in London. In 2016, it will launch in Mexico, Argentina, Canada, and Hawaii.
Prior to joining the TXDC, Valenciano managed the strategic direction and execution of organizational-wide development processes, diversity programs, and initiatives for JPMorgan Chase. As an assistant vice president, she served in the capacity of Leadership Development Consultant in Credit Card Services and Organizational Development Consultant to Customer Services’ clients. In this role, she served as subject matter expert on global diversity.
Valenciano graduated from the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de San Luis Potosí, Mexico, with a degree in business and computer information systems. She holds a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certificate from the University of Villanova and has completed various Leadership and Professional Development Programs from associations across the country and abroad.
Active in charitable and civic affairs, Valenciano serves on the board of Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET) at St. Mary’s University. She is a strong advocate for people with disabilities and veterans in the workplace, and chairs several committees. She is a proud ally to the LGBT community and is active with several chambers across the country. Fluent in English and Spanish, Valenciano resides in San Antonio, Texas, with her children Tony, Diego and Mario.
About the National Diversity Council
The National Diversity Council is a non-profit organization committed to fostering a learning environment for organizations to grow in their knowledge of diversity. The council affords opportunities for organizations to share best practices and learn from top corporate leaders in the areas of diversity and inclusion.
More information about the National Diversity Council is available at www.nationaldiversitycouncil.org.
Media Contact:
Michael Zamora
Communications Manager
National Diversity Council