Bio
Delphia L. Howze serves as the Chief Inclusion Officer for the U.S Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and is also the CEO and Founder of D. Howze Solutions, LLC, a diversity and inclusion (D&I) consultancy. With over two decades of experience, she is recognized as a forward-thinking leader in Human Resources and D&I, adept at helping organizations harness human capital and diversity to cultivate inclusive environments. Known as the Inclusion Strategist, Delphia's expertise lies in developing and implementing HR and D&I strategies, facilitating talent development through training, mentorship, and leadership coaching, managing Affirmative Action Plans, and delivering impactful keynote presentations.
As a thought leader in the field, Delphia is often sought after for her insights and expertise on diversity and inclusion matters. She has served on panels, contributed to publications, and spoken at conferences and events, inspiring others to embrace inclusion as a strategic imperative. In her capacity as an HR and D&I leader, Delphia collaborates with senior executives, key stakeholders, and HR professionals to craft, refine, and implement HR and D&I strategic initiatives aligned with the organization's objectives.
As the Chief Inclusion Officer for ORNL, a prominent scientific and energy research facility, Delphia engages in consultation and collaboration with all research and operational units to drive initiatives aimed at recognizing and mitigating disparities hindering inclusion, diversity, engagement, and accessibility. Working closely with Laboratory leadership, she plays a pivotal role in prioritizing strategies and interventions that foster and sustain an inclusive work environment.
Throughout her professional journey, Delphia has honed her expertise as an executive leader, HR practitioner, and D&I advocate through a progression of roles across diverse industries including retail, banking, energy, transportation, logistics, consulting, and higher education. She contributed as a member of the Diversity & Inclusion Expertise Panel for the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and held the position of President for SHRM of Tompkins County, NY. Delphia consistently demonstrates her dedication to advancing HR and D&I initiatives by actively participating as a board member and trustee for various organizations. Additionally, she engages with college students as an Adjunct Instructor, imparting knowledge in HR, D&I, and business principles.
Delphia earned her BA from the University of Pittsburgh, followed by an MBA from Point Park University and a Project Management certification from Villanova University. Currently, she is working towards a doctoral degree and maintains a SHRM-CP certification. Additionally, she is emerging as a new author with her upcoming book, "Including You! Leading Inclusion From Where You Are."
With her unwavering commitment to valuing diversity and activating inclusion, Delphia is dedicated to driving meaningful change and creating inclusive environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.