Diversity-Awareness-Center-Background

Meet Your DEI Committee

The DEI Committee is a standing committee of the IAAP Board of Directors tasked with establishing a diverse and inclusive culture within IAAP and the administrative profession at large.

Execute assigned board strategy and objectives supporting DEI initiatives

Monitor and oversee the Member Resource Groups

Monitor IAAP member experience, reporting concerns or needs to the board as needed in order to uphold an inclusive culture

Bio

Katherine Grady

Bio

Pamela Harris

Chair-Elect

Bio

Kharma Paige

CAP – IAAP Board Diversity Officer

Bio

Shawn Lee House

Bio

Rachel Tate

Bio

Juanita Mort

CAP M OSM

Bio

Dexter Allen

MHRM, MBA, CAP, OM, HR, TA
Chair DEI Committee

IAAP extends heartfelt gratitude and acknowledges the invaluable contributions of former DEI Committee members in fostering a diverse and inclusive community.

Halima Elsulayman

Heather Heinlein

Veronica Ingram

Kenya Johnson

Erica Rhodes

Shanterria Seward

Alisa Wheeler

Elizabeth Hill

Kathy A. Adams

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

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Katherine Grady

Katherine Grady is a seasoned professional with over ten years  of experience in the administrative field. Her expertise spans various administrative roles in healthcare, academia, and technology.

Katherine holds a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. She is currently dedicated to her studies, pursuing a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Physical Activity and Disability. Her passion for public health, ignited by her experiences and work with wounded soldiers at Fort Huachuca are a driving force in her life.

Katherine regularly volunteers with service dogs as part of Warrior Canine Connection, a non-profit organization that provides these dogs for veterans. She lives in Maryland, USA, by the water with her husband and daughter. She has two dogs, a Vizsla named “Alita” and a Weimaraner named “Huntress.” Her hobbies include playing the violin, spending time with her dogs, and hanging out with her family.

Pamela Harris
Owner & CEO of PLH Solutions LLC

Pamela Harris is the Owner & CEO of PLH Solutions LLC, a Virtual Executive Assistant company. With more than 30 years of experience supporting C-suite executives in global industries she specializes in Executive Administrative Support to Small Business owners, Entrepreneurs and Senior Managers.

In addition to her corporate and entrepreneurial leadership, Pamela is deeply committed to mentoring and coaching administrative professionals, helping them refine their skills, elevate their executive partnerships, and position themselves as strategic business partners. She also serves on the Advisory Board of The Admin Awards and is an active member of ASAP.

Kharma Paige
CAP- IAAP Board Diversity Officer

Kharma (she/her) is a proven and trusted Executive Assistant with a 24-year background of supporting organizational change and growth with a key focus on employee engagement and creating a culture of belonging in organizations. Kharma received her Bachelor’s degree from Trinity College and is a CAP (Certified Administrative Professional) designee from the International Association of Administrative Professionals. She previously co-founded the Administrative Professionals’ Forum, a group that continues to create space for all assistants at a renowned healthcare organization and currently leverages her experience in renewable energy to support administrative professionals’ career growth and achievements.

Kharma is a member of the International Association for Administrative Professionals and the IAAP Board of Directors first Diversity Officer. She is also a proud member and Energy Strategic Partner of Energy Industry Support International.

Shawn Lee House

Shawn House is a dedicated professional with a passion for administration and photography. Currently pursuing a Liberal Arts degree at the University of Kansas, Shawn is expected to graduate in 2025. Her administrative skills are honed through her current role at IAAO, where she serves as a valuable asset to the team.

Beyond her administrative duties, Shawn’s creative spirit shines through in her photography work. Her captivating images have been featured on television and showcased in various businesses, demonstrating her talent and dedication to the craft. Her ability to capture the essence of a moment and create visually stunning compositions has garnered recognition and admiration.

In addition to her professional responsibilities, Shawn is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. She currently serves as the Staff Liaison to IAAO’s DEI Task Force, actively contributing to initiatives that promote a more inclusive and equitable workplace. Shawn’s passion for photography, combined with her administrative expertise and dedication to social justice, make her a valuable and versatile professional.

Rachel Tate
(She/Her)

Rachel (she/her) has worked in the administrative field for over 20 years, but just became involved with IAAP within the last few years. She completed the IAAP Foundations of Leadership course, which had such a profound effect on her that she went on to be a mentor to a future cohort of the course. Through IAAP, she has learned so much and met many people who have become a great support for her! Rachel has a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services and currently works at a medical school as a Financial Analyst. Rachel’s passion for DEI awareness is what led her to apply to be on the IAAP DEI Committee. When she is not working, she can be found hanging out with her two adult children, or her two dogs. In her spare time, she loves to travel, watch movies, or lay in her hammock.

Juanita Mort
CAP MOSM(she/her/hers)

“Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance; belonging is dancing like no one is watching.”

Juanita (she/her) is a dedicated C-Suite–level administrative professional, advocate, and ally. An IAAP member since 2004, she served as 2019–2020 Board Chair and now contributes as a member of the IAAP DEI Committee. She also serves as the Technology Officer for the World Administrators Alliance, leading global initiatives such as the Technology Advisory Board/Technology Task Force.

She was also honored with the 2024 Admin Awards Leadership Award for her outstanding leadership in the profession.

Currently the Administrative Coordinator to the CIO/CISO, Vice President at HACC, Juanita is Microsoft Master certified and a sought-after speaker and trainer on leadership, technology, and productivity. She also brings prior C-Suite executive assistant experience in corporate leadership environments.

She lives in Harrisburg, PA, with her husband Jerry, cherishing time with their four children, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Dexter Allen

Dexter K. Allen is an accomplished administrative leader with over 40 years of experience supporting C-suite executives and managing organizational operations. He currently serves as the Executive Administrator & Special Assistant to the President/CEO at the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC), where he oversees executive and board support, human resources, office operations, and stakeholder communications.

A proud member of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) since 2004, Dexter is committed to advancing the profession and currently serves as Chair of IAAP’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, where he has been active for the past four to five years.

Dexter holds a master’s in business, a master’s in human resource management, and is a Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) with specialties in Human Resources, Organizational Management, Business Writing, Meeting & Event Planning, and Technology Applications.

Beyond his professional career, Dexter is a Minister-in-Training at Greater Tyson Temple Ministries, Inc. in Capitol Heights, Maryland. He enjoys traveling, shopping, time at the beach, and making memories with family and friends.