Yemisi Oloruntola-Coates assumes the pivotal role of GBH’s inaugural Chief Inclusion and Equity Officer, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Leveraging a data-driven approach, she designs and implements strategies aimed at cultivating a culture of respect and inclusivity, both within GBH and in its broader sphere of influence.
In her tenure of just two years, Oloruntola-Coates has spearheaded transformative initiatives at GBH. These include the establishment of a participation model featuring three Employee Resource Groups and three councils, the development of a robust supplier diversity program, and the introduction of innovative methodologies such as the Dignity Model and Gentelligence.
Furthermore, she has identified and integrated the five key components of diversity into GBH’s content and led the Land Acknowledgment Committee in formulating a Commitment to Actions. Under her guidance, GBH successfully launched its first Self-ID campaign and conducted its inaugural Culture Assessment Survey.
While Oloruntola-Coates is deeply immersed in strategy and data analytics, her passion lies in nurturing relationships and supporting individuals. She collaborates extensively across GBH, engaging with members of the Executive Leadership Team and staff at all levels and departments. Describing herself as an inclusion architect, she brings over 15 years of experience in leading diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, fostering culturally responsive practices, and advocating for diversity within organizations and communities.
Oloruntola-Coates joined GBH in 2021 from Baystate Health in Springfield, MA, where she served as Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. Prior to this, she held the position of System Director of Diversity and Patient Care Civil Rights at Lee Health in Florida, which earned recognition from Forbes Magazine as the best employer for diversity and women during her tenure. Her diverse professional background includes international experience as a teacher and cultural ambassador in Japan, as well as a Fulbright Fellowship in West Africa.
A recognized authority in DEIA education and training, Oloruntola-Coates has authored white papers published in Nurse Leader magazine and the International Journal for Equity in Health. Her tireless advocacy efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic earned her recognition from Ebony magazine in 2021 for her work in vaccination efforts in Springfield, Massachusetts, focusing on marginalized communities.
Oloruntola-Coates has received numerous accolades for her exemplary leadership, including being named one of the 2021 Top 100 Diversity Officers by Diversity First, National Diversity Council.
She has also been honored in Color Magazine’s Power 50 CDO’s for 2022 and 2023 and was recognized as one of the 100 Women of Color Honorees in Western Mass/Connecticut in 2023. Notably, she was granted her own day on September 8th, 2023, in the city of Springfield, Massachusetts, in recognition of her impactful community work.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hofstra University and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Florida, further solidifying her expertise in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across various domains.
Congratulations!!
