Speaker Series featuring Kendra Dodd

Our aim for this series is to provide an opportunity for individuals and organizations to engage diverse residents and employees from multiple sectors in the Quad Cities region, broaden their networks, and enhance their awareness of diversity issues.

D&I But Why? Creating a Diversity Strategy

Everyone agrees that D&I is the right thing to do, and it’s even profitable (we can prove it)! So how do you implement a D&I program into your organization? The “D” part is actually the easy part! The tougher part of the equation is the “I”, creating a culture of inclusion in your organization. A cultural shift of this magnitude is hard for everyone in an organization to get their arms around and embrace the concept. It takes a fundamental shift to get employees to realize that by including people with diverse backgrounds and ideas, you actually get more creative, innovative ideas that help an organization solve some of its toughest challenges. MRA has the experience to help organizations make this seismic transition and we will share with the audience how to do this.

Kendra understands the importance of development and has a strong passion for continuous learning. She loves researching and gaining new knowledge, often jesting that she never progressed out of the “curiosity stage” in life. This dynamic enthusiasm is evident in the training sessions she facilitates and in her interactions with colleagues and members.

Expertise

Kendra’s background includes human resources management, training and development, and labor/employee relations in manufacturing and nonmanufacturing environments. Her experience includes nearly 20 years in training and development as well as in design/implementation of policies and procedures.

Key Accomplishments

• Achieved certifications as a DDI trainer (Development Dimensions International), SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources), and Life/Career Coach.
• Developed and implemented a Human Resources Development Plan and Integrated Business Plan for multiple site and region integration, including human resource strategy, change management, staffing, inclusion, leadership, and functional ownership.
• Established staffing and training programs that decreased overtime by minimum 30 percent, increased recruiting placement by 75 percent, and improved retention rate by at least five percent.

Education

Kendra received a master’s degree in human resources development and a bachelor’s of science degree from Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina.

Professional and Community Activities

Kendra is the vice president of the board of directors for a nonprofit organization in the Twin Cities. She has also served as a board member with a local chapter of SHRM (Society of Human Resource Management). An adjunct instructor for St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, Kendra also volunteers time to conduct workshops for a nonprofit organization’s Employee Work Transition Program