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
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
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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.
Elizabeth “Liz” Hill (she/her) is an experienced leader, educator, and entrepreneur with proven organizational management and business development strategies.
Liz received a bachelor’s degree in marketing with University Honors and was named the Outstanding Marketing Graduate for the 2013 academic year. She also earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Weber State University. She belongs to the Golden Key Honor Society and Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society, to which only the top students in a class are recognized.
After graduating, Liz decided to remain at Weber State University as a full-time employee to focus on her work as an advocate for women and underserved communities. Her passion for being a fierce advocate has been amplified as she served on the Ogden Weber Chamber, Women in Business Executive Board, and the Utah Women in Higher Education Network, WSU Chapter Executive Board, since its inception in 2018. She is passionate about working in diversity, equity, and inclusion within IAAP.
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 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 (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 for the Medical College of Wisconsin as an Administrative Coordinator. 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 (she/her) is an experienced, self-motivated, and dedicated C-Suite-level administrative professional with a proven track record and is a passionate advocate for administrative professionals. She is a fierce ally for all people who may feel unheard, un-respected, and undervalued. Juanita strives to help create and advance a culture where all backgrounds, experiences, interests, viewpoints, and skills are respected, appreciated, and encouraged in her everyday life, with her employer, and as a member of the IAAP Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
Juanita has been an active member of IAAP since 2004 and has served in several leadership positions at all levels of the association, including serving as the 2019-2020 Board Chair.
She was elected as the Technology Officer for the World Administrators Alliance (WAA) in November 2023. Juanita is also the winner of the Admin Awards, Mid-Atlantic Region, 2024 Leadership Award.
She is currently the Administrative Coordinator to the CIO and Vice President in the Office of Information Technology and Learning Experience at HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, where she has worked since 2010. Prior to joining HACC, Juanita worked for a large auto dealership group as the Executive Assistant to the President/CEO and Corporate Secretary.
Juanita holds an Applied Science degree in computer information systems from HACC and a Bachelor of Science in business management from Norfolk State University. She holds Microsoft Office Specialist Master Certifications in Microsoft Office 2013, 2016, and 2019.
Juanita has a passion for training and development. As a HACC Staff Trainer, she delivers engaging training sessions on leadership, soft skills, and MS Office applications to enhance employee productivity and effectiveness. As an adjunct instructor, she provides adult learners with practical knowledge of MS Office and computer basics in small group settings. Juanita is an expert speaker and trainer, delivering engaging training sessions focusing on leadership and Microsoft Office applications, and is geared for administrative professionals.
Juanita lives with her husband Jerry in Harrisburg, PA (just a few minutes from the “Sweetest Place on Earth” – Hershey, PA). Together they share four children, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren and love spending time with family.
Dexter K. Allen is an accomplished professional currently serving as the Executive Administrator & Special Assistant to the President/CEO at National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC). In this pivotal role, Dexter provides crucial administrative support to the President/CEO, oversees the Human Resources department, and plays a key role in managing the office. His contributions extend to team-building initiatives and fostering robust communications with both internal and external stakeholders, all aimed at advancing the impactful work of NAC.
Dexter brings a wealth of experience to his current role, having previously provided administrative support to executives at esteemed organizations such as the American Anthropological Association, Association of American Medical Colleges, the Potomac Electric Power Company, the National Association of Postal Supervisors, and The Library of Congress.
Educationally, Dexter holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration with honors from the American Intercontinental University, as well as a master’s degree in human resources management with honors from Claremont Lincoln University. He has demonstrated his commitment to professional development by obtaining certifications in the administrative field, including Certified Administrative Professional (CAP), Human Resources (HR), Organizational Management (OM), and Technology Applications (TA). As a testament to his dedication to the field, Dexter is a proud member of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). With over forty years of experience in administrative support, Dexter takes great pride in his role and achievements. His proficiency in executing administrative functions is complemented by his passion for the field. He currently serves as the Chair-Elect of the IAAP Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. In 2023, I was one of the five finalists for the Spirit Award for the Admin Awards – The Administrative Professional’s Highest Honor in DC and this year I have been nominated for the Achievers Award.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Dexter is a native Washingtonian who finds joy in various activities. He is an avid traveler, enjoys vacationing at the beach, exploring diverse restaurants, keeping up with the latest fashions through shopping, and cherishing quality moments with family and friends.
Summary
Kathy is an executive assistant with more than 25 years of experience, including serving in
supervisory roles. Kathy’s professional experience spans professional services/consulting,
finance, telecommunication, educational development, and not-for-profit organizations.
Experience
Specializes in event planning (organizing large seminars and workshops), managing
departmental budgets, and providing extensive support related to community outreach
programs.
Founding member of the global network for administrative professionals of WTW.
Coordinating with subject matter experts in specific systems, tools, and programs to
present workshops, host networking activities, and mentoring. Directly responsible for
increasing the awareness of administrative professionals’ professional development
needs and wants across the North American region.
DEI leader promoting network and engagement opportunities, fostering growth, and
connecting Black, African-American, and Latinx colleagues.
Education and Credentials
Kathy volunteers as an Admin Awards Ambassador, a Dallas Branch Director, and a DEI
Committee member for the International Association of Administrative Professionals
(IAAP). Kathy also has an MBA from American Intercontinental University
Personal Life
Kathy is a proud mom of her one and only adult son. They moved to Dallas from Chicago in 2011 to
provide him an opportunity for a different life experience. Kathy’s favorite hobbies are dancing, speed walking, Zumba, travelling, and sitting by the water.