OUR TEAM
KELLI LESTER
Partner & DEI Executive Consultant
Kelli is Co-founder and Partner of Onyx Rising, a change management consulting firm that specializes in individual, team, and organizational behavior change.
Kelli’s occupassion is in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) where she has over two decades of experience. Her professional skills include, but are not limited to, DEI Leadership Development and Coaching, Change Management, Strategic Consulting, Problem Solving, Employee Engagement and Organizational Effectiveness.
Kelli is a dynamic executive leader with progressive experience in consulting, leading DEI initiatives in a CPG and multi-media company. A leader in strategic planning, leadership development, and market analysis. Kelli is an expert in helping organization’s define vision, develop strategies, and executing action plans with viable outcomes. She maintains collaborative relationships and is a strong analytical thinker, skilled in project management, career coaching, marketing, decision making and public speaking.
Kelli was also a partner of Infinite, Inc., a multi-service marketing firm specializing in reaching minority populations and was named as one of 30 Young Leaders of the Future, featured in EBONY. Kelli has a proven record in leading change that produces long-term sustainable results.
SNAPSHOT OF EXPERIENCE & AFFILIATIONS
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20+ Years’ Experience in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
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Owner & Partner of Onyx Rising 2016 to Present
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Engaging Solutions, Chief Strategy Officer 2021 - 2022
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The Kaleidoscope Group, SVP of Consulting 2012-2021
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Sara Lee Corporation, Director, Diversity and Inclusion 2005-2011
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Emmis Communications, Diversity and Staffing Director 2001-2005
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WTLC-FM Radio - Public & Community Affairs Director 2000 – 2001
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Public Information Officer, City of Indianapolis Mayor’s Office 1995 - 1999
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Member, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated – Since 1989
EDUCATION
Ball State University - Bachelor of Science,
Speech Communication/Telecommunications
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IRMA NEAL
Partner & Certified Financial Coach
A former Deputy Mayor of Indianapolis and former Director of Human Services in two large urban jurisdictions, Irma Neal has over 30 years’ experience in managing
human services programs in state and local government and the private sector. She possesses over 15 years’ experience as a private business owner, partner, and manager, offering training and consulting services to government human services agencies, educational institutions, and the private sector.
Ms. Neal is co-inventor of an electronic childcare system (currently called EBT) and a former member of Excellence in Government. Ms. Neal retired in October 2014 and immediately continued her education becoming a Certified Financial Coach in October 2014. An amazon best-selling author of the book Leading in Chaos: Insights to Lead through the Storms, Irma’s passion is to make a positive difference in the lives of everyone she encounters.
SNAPSHOT OF EXPERIENCE & AFFILIATIONS
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35+ years’ Experience in Government and Corporate America
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Owner & Partner of Onyx Rising 2016 to Present
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Center for Support of Families, VP for Strategic Initiatives, 2005-2014 (Retired)
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Affiliated Computer Services (ACS), VP Childcare Services, 2000-2005
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Deputy Mayor, Indianapolis Indiana - 1994-1996
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Business Owner 4 companies, Service Design Associates (1995-2000-Sold to ACS), Curves for Women (2000-2005-Sold at a profit), Fantastic Sam’s Hair Salon (2005-2010)
Meet Our Team
Sydney Johnson
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Project Manager
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Kelley Ferguson
Director, Financial Wellness & Business DevelopmentÂ
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Tecara Jones
Senior Instructional Designer
Isaiah Brown
Social Media Manager
The team at Onyx Rising represents the best in DEI and financial literacy expertise. Their leadership, knowledge, and compassion are the driving forces behind our mission to empower change and foster growth. Discover the difference our experts can make in your journey towards a more inclusive and financially literate future.
Irma is also the author of Leading in Chaos: Insights to Lead through the Storms an Amazon best-seller.
