Undergraduate Commencement

		Michelle Gadsden-Williams Vice President and Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion at Novartis Pharma A.G. In this role, Michelle Gadsden-Williams provides strategic direction, leadership and champions the development of an inclusive environment by integrating diversity into all aspects of the business on a global scale. An exemplary role model, Michelle works tirelessly at refining
processes, policies and programs that support an inclusive work environment. Examples include the re-vitalization of the Global Pharma Diversity Council, the formation of the Executive Diversity Council in the US, the development of a comprehensive Diversity Training Curriculum and her role in the start-up of several active employee resource groups. Michelle has acquired a number of community service awards and accolades for her work in Diversity. She has been profiled in Black Enterprise Magazine in 2002, 2006 and 2007, DiversityInc, Ebony, Essence, Fortune, Jet, New Vision, Science Magazine, Sister to Sister, Target Market News, to name a few, and recognized as one of 40 Outstanding Executives Under 40 in America by the Network Journal in 2006. She was also one of 75 women honored for her accomplishments at the 2005 Tribute to Women in Industry (TWIN) Gala, Harvard’s 2008 BMF Businesswoman of the Year and more recently presented with the Rainbow Push Coalition’s Bridge Builder Award by the honorable Reverend Jesse L. Jackson. In addition to her impressive career as a diversity executive, her community service speaks volumes about her dedication and interest in equality and social justice. She currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the SLE Lupus Foundation of New York City where she advocates for research, patient awareness and education of system lupus erythematosus which disproportionately affects women of color. She also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Jackie Robinson Foundation of New York City where she actively raises scholarships for academically gifted minority college students in the US. Michelle is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. Michelle has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Kean College and an Master of Science in Organizational Dynamics from the University of Pennsylvania. Her permanent residence is in Somerset, New Jersey with her husband David J. Williams. Currently, Michelle and her husband are living in Basel, Switzerland on a 3-5 year international assignment as of January 2007.

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