Fernando A. Serpa will put his nearly 20 years’ experience in Diversity and Inclusion strategy, education, outreach and training to work for Legacy Business Cultures where he will lead the Diversity and Inclusion Practice, President and CEO Paul Meshanko announced.
Fernando has led diversity strategy at such companies as JCPenney, Symantec, Agilent Technologies and most recently as Global Director, Diversity and Inclusion at Johnson Controls, a Fortune 100 company with 160,000 employees in 130 countries around the world. In this role, he developed and launched a business-aligned diversity and inclusion strategy.
Fernando holds a JD from George Washington University Law School and began his career serving in the White House, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U. S. Commission on Civil Rights.
Serpa’s experience also includes strengthening diversity councils and employee resource groups to engage them as business resources and talent pipelines. He has spoken on diversity and inclusion around the world, including delivering speeches for The Conference Board, the European Society for Cross-Cultural Communication, Stanford University, and the National Urban League.
Serpa said: “Today, best in class companies understand that valuing differences and leveraging diversity and inclusion are keys to tapping into new markets, improving customer service, increasing innovation, and attracting and retaining the best talent available. Diversity is no longer just about numbers. Diversity and inclusion is about improving performance at all levels, including total enterprise return.”
Meshanko said: “Successful diversity and inclusion initiatives begin with support from the top. Fernando brings a high level of political savvy and business acumen to partner with C-level executives on highly complex issues. He deftly navigates organizational culture and easily builds rapport.”
“We’re thrilled to have someone of Fernando’s caliber join the firm,” said Meshanko.
Learn more about Diversity & Inclusion consulting with Legacy Business Cultures.
