Inclusion Isn’t a Talking Point It’s a Practice Let’s Get to Work

Rocki Howard brings real-world experience, inclusive strategy, and powerful storytelling to every stage—whether it’s a DEI summit, ERG event, leadership retreat, or internal offsite.

About Rocki Howard

Rocki Howard is the Founder of Diversiology.IO, Chief People & Equity Officer at Textio, and a four-time podcast host known for amplifying historically excluded voices.

A 2022 & 2023 SIA Diversity Influencer and Global Power 150 Woman in Staffing, Rocki holds certifications in Lean, Project Management, and HR—blending business rigor with inclusive values. Her insights have been featured in Harvard Business Review, HR Executive, ERE, and on ABC News. She’s spoken at SIA Executive Forum, SourceCon, HR Tech, Hacking HR, TA Week, and more.

More than a speaker, Rocki is a practitioner-turned-platform builder who knows what it takes to lead DEI from inside—and now helps others do the same with real tools and support.

Speaking Topics

Each keynote blends lived experience with data, strategy, and action.

DEI Crisis, Evolution, or Transformation: A Practitioner’s Perspective

Grounded in Diversiology’s original research, this keynote brings real practitioner voices to the forefront. You’ll leave with clarity on how DEI is shifting inside organizations—and what your team can do to lead with courage, data, and direction.

Confessions of a DEI Practitioner

A candid, relatable session for anyone carrying the emotional and strategic weight of this work. Rocki shares lived insights and actionable strategies for leading DEI in today’s evolving landscape—so you can adapt, advocate, and sustain momentum without losing yourself.

Reflection Required

Using Diversiology’s REFLECT™ model, this talk turns self-awareness into a strategic DEI advantage. Learn how to connect personal insight to systemic change—and build inclusion that’s both meaningful and measurable.

Become a Changemaker Through Performance Optimization

This empowering session equips historically excluded professionals with a framework to navigate performance systems, increase visibility, and lead from every seat. Built to drive real results—both for individual growth and organizational equity.

Focus

These longer-form programs are where reflection becomes action, and intention becomes structure.

Sign up for Explore OS

Ready to kickstart your DEI efforts? Sign up for Explore OS – FREE today, and start building a more inclusive, high-performing work culture.

Workshops + Cohort Labs

Workshop / Lab

Reflection Required: Strategy Workshop

A hands-on planning session using the REFLECT™ model to help teams build meaningful, actionable DEI strategies. Participants leave with a draft strategy they can refine and activate inside their organization.

Inclusivity Aptitude Lab

A deep-dive session using assessment data to evaluate how inclusive your systems really are—from hiring to offboarding. You’ll identify your biggest gaps and walk away with a targeted plan to close them.

ERG Evolution Lab (12-Week Cohort)

A 12-week experience designed to help ERG leaders build strong, sustainable groups that support both their members and the business. Includes expert instruction, peer learning, and tools to strengthen structure, visibility, and impact.

Changemaker Coaching Cohort (12 Weeks)

A cohort built for professionals from historically excluded communities who haven’t had access to the coaching and support they deserve. This 12-week journey helps participants grow their performance, leadership voice, and influence inside their organization.

Who It’s For

Rocki regularly speaks to:

Whether you’re:

Company-wide DEI initiatives
ERG summits + recognition events
Executive retreats + leadership offsites
People leader + HR development days
Industry conferences + practitioner trainings
Coaching cohorts + culture campaigns

Whether you’re building buy-in, developing your leaders, or reenergizing your community—Rocki brings structure, credibility, and momentum.

What Attendees Are Saying

Rocki was inspiring, high energy and passionate about diversity and inclusion. She gave great advice on inclusive hiring, culture, and fair treatment across the employee lifecycle

Kathy Clem

Leadership Event Attendee

LOVE Rocki’s real-life experiences—they made the subject matter personal and created space for us to take action, even on the smallest level

Simon Bradberry

ERG Lead

Inspiring and incredibly educational. Rocki is engaging and knowledgeable, and this talk helped us understand how to lead inclusion throughout the entire talent lifecycle.”

Jenna Miller

People Leader, DEI Week

Excellent communicator! Loved her energy and clarity.

Lars Schmidt

HRBP

Why Partner With Rocki

This isn’t just another speaker slot. It’s your culture strategy in motion.

Bring Rocki In—And Bring Your DEI Vision To Life

Whether you’re building momentum, sparking change, or supporting your people—Rocki brings the energy, structure, and strategy to make it happen.