Empowering Social Impact Leadership and Driving Collective Solutions
At DiverseForce, we are dedicated to catalyzing change, breaking down barriers, and driving collective solutions that embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion as drivers of success and social impact. Through our range of innovative services, we empower excellence and drive transformative change.
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Our Services
Join us as we transform the social impact landscape and shape a future where excellence knows no boundaries.
Executive Search
Your personalized talent recruitment partner, attracting a diverse slate of exceptional candidates. Through brand association and exceptional candidate experience management, we enhance your employer brand within diverse talent communities and drive success through equity-driven and inclusive hiring practices.
Leadership Development
Our DiverseForce On Boards program prepares high-potential middle to senior-level leaders of color to be more effective leaders through our board training and matching program that also empowers them to improves the communities in which they live and work through inclusion, innovation and impact.
Clients Served
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"We had a terrific experience working with DiverseForce, through every stage of the process. We were delighted not only by the outcome, but also received positive feedback from applicants about their experience as well. That extra touch sets DiverseForce apart and conveys our values to everyone engaged in the application process."
Kate Houstoun, Chief Impact Officer at United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
"Despite having worked with other recruiters in the past, our experience with the DiverseForce team was nothing short of exceptional... Their expertise in sourcing candidates with relevant experience, incorporating assessments, and meticulously filtering candidates based on both skills and cultural fit set them apart. The DiverseForce team's efficiency in guiding us through team interviews and the final selection process was particularly noteworthy... I highly recommend their services for anyone looking to hire talented and productive executives and development professionals for their team. DiverseForce has proven to be a valuable partner in our recruitment process."
Kim Folsom, Founder, Chairperson and CEO, Founders First Capital Partners
"We could not have found a better partner than DiverseForce to source extraordinary talent, and we could not have worked with better, more committed people than the DiverseForce team. We are very grateful."
Matt Bergheiser, President at University City District
"I am so impressed by your work-you guided us through this process thoroughly and thoughtfully. I am so glad that we selected you as a search firm-you run your organization with tremendous integrity."
Paula Goldstein, CEO at Jewish Family and Children's Service of Greater Philadelphia
"DiverseForce provides replicable, affordable and impactful solutions to the nonprofit sector’s struggle to tackle systemic racism."
Nathan Boon, Senior Program Officer, William Penn Foundation
"I can’t express how much this DiverseForce has changed me, personally and professionally. Diverseforce gives like-minded people of color a platform and the skills to make an impact in Philadelphia. I’ve learned so much from their programming and from my fellow cohort members. The networking opportunities are priceless, opening doors I never knew existed. The skills I’ve learned are impactful and transferable in both the private and public sector."
Danielle Branch, Associate Director, Patient Affairs at Fulcrum Therapeutics
"I have evaluated a lot of programs over the years and DiverseForce’s offers far more than standard skills-building. I am excited for this next evolution at P4 Hub, where DiverseForce can scale its impact to even more people and more organizations."
Dr. Claire Robertson-Kraft, Executive Director at ImpactED, University of Pennsylvania
"When I first joined City Year, one of my immediate goals was to diversify its board. I started inviting CYP board chairs to DiverseForce events where they learned the importance of an inclusive board and creating a welcoming environment for diverse candidates. DiverseForce will continue to help us build our network and give us access that we didn’t have before."
Darryl Bundridge, Executive Director of City Year Philadelphia
"Following my DiverseForce On Boards training, I was matched with a nonprofit board chaired by David Cohen, senior advisor at Comcast, who appointed me as a committee chair. Connections like these can break down dividing lines. Shortly after, I was named President and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce. You never know exactly what doors can open up when you sit within proximity to power."
Regina Hairston, President and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce
"It wasn't an easy decision as any of them could have been a great addition to our team. Thank you very much for the work you did to bring the slate of candidates to us and the support to help evaluate each of them. The process was very smooth, and we enjoyed working with you!"
Kevin Rossi, VP, Human Resources at Jewish Family and Children's Service of Greater Philadelphia
"Thank you for investing your time in me. Thank you for preparing me and thank you for trusting me to represent your agency as a prospect for this client. I have received and accepted the Chief Financial Role for JFCS. Again, thank you for your part in this process of advancing my career and setting a path forward for my family."
Marques Storr, Chief Financial Officer at Jewish Family and Children's Service of Greater Philadelphia
"It was inspiring to connect with other community members, learn from leading experts in their fields, and tackle case studies and examples from a wide range of organizations. I'm excited to know that this community of well-informed and energetic professionals will not only be serving as leaders in the business and civic community, but will have DiverseForce and each other to provide lifelong support."
Brian Peterson, PhD, Director of University of Pennsylvania’s Maku Center; Author and University of Pennsylvania Lecturer
"The benefits of DiverseForce On Boards far exceed the opportunity to learn, grow and serve. It’s also connecting to other professionals and organizations. Through DiverseForce’s opportunity matching, I found both a nonprofit board position to serve my community, AND my next career move to serve as executive director of Compass Pro Bono."
Melinda Johnson, Executive Director, Compass Pro Bono
"DiverseForce On Boards has literally been life-changing for me! Through their programming, I have learned how I can make a difference in my community through board service. The leadership training has been invaluable, as I’ve been able to put these teachings into practice in real-time."
Stephanie Humphrey, Technology & Lifestyle Expert at ABC News; Author, Motivational Speaker
"The DiverseForce community is intentional about being a bridge for others. We’re family now."
Lauren Blevins, Strategic Marketing Projects Manager, Effectv
"After experiencing a terrible loss & situational depression that led to social anxiety, I went from walking the halls of Capital Hill to being stuck on my couch in Philly after the pandemic. I finally built my courage and attended the BBEx Network holiday mixer after years of receiving the emails. It was a delight and my torch has been reignited."
Kenyada Posey, Owner of Purposely Pen'd LLC
Sulaiman W. Rahman
President & CEO
As the CEO of DiverseForce, Sulaiman brings a track record as a social entrepreneur and a longstanding career of developing, engaging, and empowering cross-sector leadership pipelines.
He has cultivated a wide network of resourceful interpersonal relationships in addition to building the largest diverse professional network within the Greater Philadelphia region, now known as the Black and Brown Excellence Community (BBEx), consisting of 20,000+ members.
Sulaiman brings his governance expertise to his service on several prestigious boards including The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center of Performing Arts, Mastery Charter Schools, and The Lenfest Institute of Journalism. He is particularly active in building strategic partnerships with senior leaders, key staff,
He has cultivated a wide network of resourceful interpersonal relationships in addition to building the largest diverse professional network within the Greater Philadelphia region, now known as the Black and Brown Excellence Community (BBEx), consisting of 20,000+ members.
Sulaiman brings his governance expertise to his service on several prestigious boards including The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center of Performing Arts, Mastery Charter Schools, and The Lenfest Institute of Journalism. He is particularly active in building strategic partnerships with senior leaders, key staff,
and stakeholders.
Sulaiman leverages his network along with decades of leadership experience to drive impactful outcomes in the executive search and team building process.
Sulaiman leverages his network along with decades of leadership experience to drive impactful outcomes in the executive search and team building process.
Jessica Lili
Director of Operations
Jessica Lili is a seasoned leader in operations, sales, and communication. With a strategic mindset, she excels in developing and implementing plans that drive growth and support sales initiatives. Her expertise extends to deploying efficient operational systems through process design and assembling high-performing teams. Jessica has played a pivotal role in shaping and launching DiverseForce's network programming and events, fostering the growth, empowerment, and engagement of a diverse talent pool. Notably, she has spearheaded initiatives like the DiverseForce On Boards Program and Executive Search, creating opportunities for networking, professional development, and employment. With over 12 years of experience, Jessica is adept at cultivating both internal and external relationships, finding innovative solutions for workflow challenges, and executing recruitment strategies that enhance inclusivity throughout the candidate journey.
Monica York
Director of Recruitment Services
Monica York brings over 30 years of exceptional talent acquisition experience across diverse industries. As a Certified Diversity Sourcing Professional, she possesses a deep understanding of inclusive hiring practices as well as tactics to identify and engage diverse talent pools. Monica holds a B.A. in Communication from Rutgers University and received a certification in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace from the University of South Florida. In her role at DiverseForce, she oversees all aspects of client engagement, search strategy, and quality assurance, while providing valuable consultation and guidance on talent acquisition best practices. Monica's track record includes successfully managing start-up to enterprise-level teams and exceeding organizational goals throughout her career. Monica also brings expertise in creating tailor-made talent solutions for small to medium-sized minority-owned businesses and resume consultations for emerging C-Suite leaders.
Lucy Jimenez
Director of Marketing & Communications
Lucy is a results-driven leader that drives transformative change in nonprofit and social-impact organizations. Her expertise in program development, marketing and business operations fuels DiverseForce's sustainable growth in fundraising, reach and community impact. Since joining DiverseForce in 2020, Lucy has spearheaded the launch of the P4 Hub, revitalized the BBEx Network, introduced innovative programs like BBEx Partners, GameChangers Accelerator, and secured valuable funding partnerships. Lucy brings a successful track record in sports philanthropy, where she led Development and Operations for nonprofit organizations, including the Philadelphia Eagles Charitable Foundation, where she launched the highly successful 50/50 Raffle fundraiser which raised millions for the charity while also enhancing the fan experience.
Shane Nelson
Director of Workforce Development
Shane Nelson is a versatile workforce development professional with expertise in higher education, corporate, and nonprofit sectors. As a learning designer, he has created tailored programs for national corporations and developed initiatives promoting DEI understanding. At the Community College of Philadelphia, Shane established a talent development ecosystem for men of color. As the OneTen partnership manager at DiverseForce, Shane executes initiatives, connects organizations, and drives diversity, equity, and inclusion. Shane holds a B.S. in Psychology from Drexel University, an M.S.Ed. in Higher Education from Syracuse University, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Temple University. His research focuses on workforce policy, work-integrated social enterprises, and higher education access.
Greg Goldman
Sr. Talent Solutions Partner
Greg H. Goldman is an experienced leader with a 25-year track record in the nonprofit, private sectors, philanthropy, government, and academia. He has served as Executive Director of Audubon PA, VP of the National Audubon Society, Philadelphia Zoo's VP of Development, MANNA's Executive Director, CEO of Wireless Philadelphia, and VP at Korman Communities. At DiverseForce, he excels as a Senior Talent Solutions Partner, sourcing C-Suite and vital leadership for nonprofits and social enterprises. He's an Executive Coach and Senior Consultant, with past roles as a Senior Program Officer at The Philadelphia Foundation and a Federal Program Officer at the US Department of Commerce. Active on various boards like The Community Grocer and the Nonprofit Leadership Program at Penn, Greg was honored with an Eisenhower Fellowship and has degrees from the University of Chicago and Northwestern University.
James Peterson
Sr. Talent Solutions Partner
James Peterson, Ph.D. is a certified Racial Equity facilitator and has over a decade of experience in hiring and retention strategies in higher education. Dr. Peterson has a Ph.D. in English with a concentration in Black culture from the University of Pennsylvania. He has been consulting in the diversity, equity and inclusion space since 2004. Over the course of his career, he has worked with clients from a variety of organizations, including consumer product corporations, non-profit entities, educational institutions, and municipal organizations.
Dr. Peterson is the author of several books, including: The Hip Hop Underground and African American Culture, Prison Industrial Complex for Beginners and Hip-Hop Headphones: A Scholar’s Critical Playlist. He is a columnist for The Philadelphia Citizen, and has written for Fortune.com, Newsweek.com, The Guardian, The LA Times, Reuters, The Huffington Post, The Daily Beast and The Grio. Peterson is also a professional wordsmith who has ghostwritten and edited projects for a variety of individuals and corporate entities across a wide spectrum of professions.
Monica Wildes
Talent Solutions Partner
Monica Wildes, MHS is a seasoned talent solutions and career development expert with over two decades of experience in guiding individuals from various backgrounds towards their professional aspirations. With a rich history as a program director, educator, workshop facilitator, and career counselor, Monica has been instrumental in shaping the careers of both seasoned and entry-level professionals across diverse sectors, including correctional facilities, nonprofit organizations, and corporate environments. At DiverseForce, Monica stands out as an invaluable Talent Solutions Partner. Her deep-rooted commitment to fostering professional growth and her extensive industry knowledge positions her uniquely to connect individuals with significant career opportunities, ensuring their continued advancement. Monica's dedication to continuous learning is evident from her Masters of Human Services Degree from Lincoln University.
Kori Beaman
Talent Solutions Partner
Kori Beaman is a dedicated Talent Solutions Partner at DiverseForce, leveraging her extensive experience in prevention and education awareness training to advocate for equitable services and provide valuable consulting to executive management teams. With over 10 years of experience as a certified HIV Counselor and a graduate of West Chester University, Kori combines her diverse skill set with a deep understanding of the needs of nonprofit leadership organizations. Her passion for promoting diversity and inclusion is evident through her role as an NGO Ambassador for the Women's Missionary Society of the AME Church, where she has represented her organization and championed equity on a global scale.
Shaniqua Horton
Talent Solutions Partner
Shaniqua Horton is a seasoned Talent Solutions Partner at DiverseForce with over 7 years in human resources and talent management. Previously an Educational Specialist at the Jewish Board for Family and Children Services, she excels in candidate engagement and relationship management. Shaniqua earned her Bachelor's in Psychology from Virginia Union University and a Master's in Industrial Organizational Psychology from La Salle University. Collaborating closely with the recruiting team, she spearheads the development of a diverse talent pipeline, ensuring successful talent searches with a keen focus on inclusion. Shaniqua stands as a pivotal figure in DiverseForce's executive search and talent management endeavors.
Kenille Daniel
Talent Solutions Partner
Kenille is an accomplished Human Resources professional with 9 years of experience in the hospitality sector, complemented by a diverse background spanning multiple industries. In her role as a Talent Solutions Partner for DiverseForce, she plays a crucial role in screening talent for client job opportunities. With her people-first mindset and adeptness in HR methodologies, Kenille excels at cultivating relationships and building trust with recruitment candidates. She understands the importance of creating meaningful connections and establishing a rapport with individuals seeking employment opportunities. By leveraging her expertise and utilizing data-driven decision-making, she ensures that the right talent is matched with the right job opportunities, fostering shared success for both candidates and clients. Beyond her professional pursuits, Kenille finds joy in exploring new destinations, diving into reading, and cherishing quality time with loved ones.
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Tracy Reed
Sr. Talent Solutions Partner
Tracy Reed leverages her 15 years of expertise to steer recruitment and enrich organizational frameworks at DiverseForce. Her focus is on matching unique talents to the specific needs of organizations, thereby enhancing executive searches and selection processes. Her approach creates synergistic connections between clients and candidates, promoting successful and inclusive hiring outcomes. Tracy's proficiency in identifying essential competencies ensures that diverse talent is not just recognized but positioned to meet the strategic aims of each role. She possesses a Master's in Educational Leadership and certifications in key areas such as Emotional Intelligence and Racial Equity Literacy. At DiverseForce, Tracy's dedication to leadership development and diversity is a driving force in achieving innovative talent solutions.
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Unlock Your Potential: Join the DiverseForce GameChangers Info Session Webinar
🚀 Discover how the DiverseForce GameChangers Membership Program can empower you with the knowledge and tools to excel in today’s tech-driven world.
- Exclusive Insights: Get a first look at our transformative program designed to advance your AI and tech literacy.
- Program Benefits: Learn about the unique advantages of becoming a GameChanger, from continuous learning opportunities to a supportive community.
- Live Q&A: Have your questions answered directly by the program creators. This is your chance to dive deep into what GameChangers has to offer.
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, February 20, 2024
- Time: 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM EST
- Location: Online (Zoom)
Spaces are limited. Reserve your spot now to embark on a journey of growth and innovation.
Discover how the GameChangers program can help you harness the power of AI, boost your career, and become a leader in your field.
Discover how the GameChangers program can help you harness the power of AI, boost your career, and become a leader in your field.
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Adela Smith
Sr. Talent Solutions Partner
Adela Smith is a nonprofit strategist and social worker by training. For nearly 25 years she has partnered with executives, leadership teams, and boards to realize their aspiration to make Philadelphia a better place to live, work, and dream for everyone. Adela has deep experience in strategic planning, executive search, board development, and program design in human services, healthcare, higher education, and arts & culture. Her clients appreciate her humanity as much as they do her ideas and insight.
Before joining DiverseForce as a Senior Talent Solutions Partner, Adela was a consultant and partner with Fairmount Ventures and the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for the Urban Affairs Coalition. She has also been the Strategic Planning and Evaluation instructor for DiverseForce’s On Boards program. Adela has a BA in Modernist Literature & Culture and MSW from the University of Pennsylvania.