Diversity & Inclusion: Let’s Be Clear!

Delphia Howze is the CEO and Founder of D. Howze Solutions, LLC, a D&I consultancy. She is a forward-thinking Human Resources and Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) leader with more than 20 years of successful experience in helping organizations leverage human capital and diversity to create and strengthen inclusive environments. She is often referred to as the Inclusion Strategist!  Her areas of experience and expertise include developing and implementing HR and D&I strategies, training, talent development, mentoring and coaching, leadership development, AAP programs, and immigration petitions.  

As the Chief Inclusion Strategy Officer for the University of Tennessee System, Howze consults and partners with UT’s campuses and institutes to advance efforts to identify and remove social, financial and health disparities that impede diversity, equity, and inclusion. In collaboration with university leadership, Howze works to prioritize diversity and inclusion initiatives. She also serves as a resource to campuses and as a statewide advocate. An HR and D&I leader, Howze has consistently maintained responsibility for working in partnership with senior leaders, key stakeholders, and HR colleagues to shape, develop and deliver HR and D&I strategic plans aligned with organizational priorities. Throughout her career, Howze has enhanced her skills as an HR professional and D&I leader through roles of responsibility held in industries such as retail, banking, energy, trucking and logistics, consulting, and higher education. She serves a Diversity & Inclusion Expertise Panel Member for the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) as well as the President for SHRM of Tompkins County. Howze consistently demonstrates her commitment to HR and D&I by serving as a board and trustee member to a variety of organizations. She also works closely with college students as Adjunct Professor teaching HR, D&I, and Business principles. Howze holds a BA from the University of Pittsburgh, an MBA from Point Park University, and Project Management Certification from Villanova University. She maintains PHR certification through HRCI and holds SHRM-CP certification through the Society of Human Resources Management.