People (Technical)

Dr. Diane Bergeron is a social-organizational psychologist and current Senior Research Scientist at the Center for Creative Leadership. She has consulted and worked with Fortune 500 companies. She earned her PhD at Columbia University. Her research and consulting areas include women’s leadership, workplace listening, and grief and bereavement in the workplace. Prior to graduate school, she spent two years volunteering in the Dominican Republic. Formerly, she was an associate professor in a business school at a research university. She took two years off work for a family sailing adventure. It was the best decision she ever made.

Dr. Michael Baran is the CEO of Iris Inclusion, a global diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) firm. Dr. Baran draws on his own social science research to inform his DEI speaking engagements, writings, consulting, leadership development, and eLearning. After teaching at Harvard University, he has been supporting DEI in organizations for 20 years. His work has been covered in the New York Times, BBC, Forbes, CNN, NPR, and more.

His recent book, Subtle Acts of Exclusion, was named by Forbes as one of “The 11 Books To Read To Be A More Inclusive Leader” and has won several awards.

Dr. Michael Baran is the CEO of Iris Inclusion, a global diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) firm. Dr. Baran draws on his own social science research to inform his DEI speaking engagements, writings, consulting, leadership development, and eLearning. After teaching at Harvard University, he has been supporting DEI in organizations for 20 years. His work has been covered in the New York Times, BBC, Forbes, CNN, NPR, and more.

His recent book, Subtle Acts of Exclusion, was named by Forbes as one of “The 11 Books To Read To Be A More Inclusive Leader” and has won several awards.

Barbara Aloni joined The Standard in 2002 and has over 27 years of experience in group disability insurance. In her current role as Workplace Possibilities Program Director, she champions the administration of The Standard’s Workplace Possibilities Program and ADAAA Accommodation Services while leading a team of consultants who implement and manage these solutions for employers. Beyond her insurance experience, Barbara has worked for a non-profit organization and in human resources. Barbara graduated from Tufts University with a BA in social psychology, holds an MS Ed. in counseling from Fordham University and is a Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS).

Barbara Aloni joined The Standard in 2002 and has over 27 years of experience in group disability insurance. In her current role as Workplace Possibilities Program Director, she champions the administration of The Standard’s Workplace Possibilities Program and ADAAA Accommodation Services while leading a team of consultants who implement and manage these solutions for employers. Beyond her insurance experience, Barbara has worked for a non-profit organization and in human resources. Barbara graduated from Tufts University with a BA in social psychology, holds an MS Ed. in counseling from Fordham University and is a Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS).

Dr. Jolene Church is a renowned expert in organizational leadership and human resources, with over 25 years of experience. As a sought-after speaker and founder of DJC Coaching, Consulting and Training, LLC, she specializes in cultivating workplace cultures that harmonize technology with human connection. Dr. Church holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and is recognized for her innovative strategies in integrating emotional intelligence and empathy into modern workplace practices. Her insights are pivotal for organizations navigating the challenges of digital transformation. Dr. Church combines real-world experience with a deep understanding of the dynamics of empathy and connection in the workplace.

Sharell Thomas-Hodge is a dynamic speaker, coach, and consultant.  As CEO of the Sharell Group, her mission is to help individuals connect purpose and passion leading to a career of meaning and profits.  She is a wife, bonus mom of four and woman of faith.  She enjoys reading, singing, traveling, and most importantly spending time with family.  Additionally, Sharell is the Total Rewards Director for the YMCA of Metro Atlanta.  She joined the company in 2020 and is responsible for formulating and executing a strategic approach to compensation, benefits, and incentives that attract and retain top talent.  Prior to joining the Y, Sharell was the Director of Total Rewards at Dekra North America. During her tenure at Dekra she played a significant role in the acquisition of 7 companies and was a key architect in the creation of a total rewards program designed for the newly established safety company. Sharell is a graduate of Devry University and holds an MBA. She is a SHRM Certified Senior Professional.  She has been a featured speaker with Wellspring Living, BLR, HR Jetpack, Quit Commuting Conference and PayScale, just to name a few.  She currently serves on the board of Friends of Refugees and the Atlanta Mission, where she provides human resources expertise.  She currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia but is a proud native of Nassau, Bahamas.

Joanna Colosimo, M.A., is the Vice President of Workforce Equity and Compliance Strategy at DCI Consulting Group, where she leads a division that consults on OFCCP compliance, pay equity, audit strategies, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. She also assists clients with defining their diversity, compliance, and pay equity programs. Joanna presents at conferences on pay equity, diversity, and OFCCP topics and writes for multiple publications. Joanna earned a M.A. degree in I/O Psychology from Radford University and a Bachelor of Business Administration and Psychology from Roanoke College. She holds a SHRM-SCP certification and serves on the Board of WMILG.

John Austin is the P.D. Merrill Endowed Chair and Dean of the newly formed Honors College at University of New England. He also works with organizations around the world to improve the foresight skills of their leaders and future proof strategies and initiatives. Dr. Austin holds a BA in economics from The Johns Hopkins University and a PhD in management from Boston College. He is the author of Unquestioned Brilliance: Navigating a Fundamental Leadership Trap and Leading Effective Change: A Primer for the HR Professional published as part of the SHRM Foundation’s Effective Practice Guidelines Series. 

John Austin is the P.D. Merrill Endowed Chair and Dean of the newly formed Honors College at University of New England. He also works with organizations around the world to improve the foresight skills of their leaders and future proof strategies and initiatives. Dr. Austin holds a BA in economics from The Johns Hopkins University and a PhD in management from Boston College. He is the author of Unquestioned Brilliance: Navigating a Fundamental Leadership Trap and Leading Effective Change: A Primer for the HR Professional published as part of the SHRM Foundation’s Effective Practice Guidelines Series.