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Emba Ciara Lilly

Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion at Diversified Maintenance and Environmental Service Systems

Professional Background

Ciara Lilly is a notable executive renowned for her commitment to enhancing diversity and inclusion within corporate ecosystems. Serving as the Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion at Diverse Maintenance in Tampa, Florida, Ciara leads transformative initiatives that aim to bridge the opportunity gap between corporations and diverse-owned businesses. Her extensive experience in the facility services industry has equipped her with the insights necessary to develop robust supplier diversity strategies that resonate with Fortune-ranked companies, ultimately driving their engagement with underrepresented stakeholders.

Prior to her current role, Ciara spent eight fruitful years spearheading business development at Environmental Service Systems, a sister company of Diversified Maintenance. During her tenure, she generated an impressive $18 million in new business revenue, which underscores her effectiveness in establishing strategic partnerships and nurturing relationships with key decision-makers in the procurement and supplier diversity sectors.

In addition to her substantial corporate achievements, Ciara is a dedicated entrepreneur. She co-founded Cleaning Network Worldwide, an innovative online talent sourcing platform that caters specifically to the cleaning industry, bridging the gap between employers and potential employees. Her entrepreneurial spirit complements her corporate responsibilities, showcasing her versatility and passion for empowering others in the business landscape.

Education and Achievements

Ciara carries an impressive educational background with a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree from the esteemed Jack Welch Management Institute, where she focused on Business Administration and Management. Her foundational education includes a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, complemented by studies in English at Gardner-Webb University. Furthermore, Ciara has enriched her knowledge and skills through certificate programs at prestigious institutions such as Cornell University, the University of South Florida, and the University of Richmond, focusing on diversity and inclusion, MBE executive management, and women’s entrepreneurship.

Driven by a profound respect for education and community service, Ciara established the Priscilla Kersey Excellence Award in 2016 at her alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. This award, honoring her late grandmother, provides financial support for underrepresented and underserved students, thereby fostering opportunities for those who may otherwise face barriers to higher education.

Achievements

Ciara's unwavering dedication to her work and her community has not gone unnoticed. She has been honored with several prestigious awards, acknowledging her entrepreneurial spirit, exceptional leadership, and contributions to community betterment. Among the accolades she has received are Business Equality Pride Magazine’s 40 Leaders Under 40, recognizing influential young leaders; the Charlotte Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce’s 30 Under 30, celebrating emerging talent in the business community; and the Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s Recognition of Excellence and Emerging Entrepreneur Award, underscoring her impact as a trailblazer.

Throughout her career, Ciara has demonstrated a unique ability to merge her corporate expertise with her passion for social change, creating pathways for increased representation and engagement within the business sector. Her efforts have not only benefited the companies she works with but also the diverse communities they aim to support. As a thought leader in the field of diversity and inclusion, Ciara Lilly continues to inspire and lead initiatives that promote equitable business practices and empower those from diverse backgrounds.

Related Questions

How did Ciara Lilly develop her expertise in diversity and inclusion strategies?
What impact has Ciara Lilly made on corporate diversity efforts within Diversified Maintenance?
In what ways does Ciara Lilly balance her corporate role with her entrepreneurial ventures?
What inspired Ciara Lilly to create the Priscilla Kersey Excellence Award, and how has it impacted students at UNC Charlotte?
How does Ciara Lilly leverage her MBA education to advance her career in business development?
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Location

Charlotte, North Carolina, United States