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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Kenya L. Johnson (she/her), CAP, PMP, CPC is an active member of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) where she serves as the Branch Director of the Northern VA Branch, and Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. IAAP is also where she received her designation as a Certified Administrative Professional and is a graduate of IAAP’s Leadership Academy.
In her tenure at PhRMA, she serves as a Senior Manager for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) where she focuses primarily on managing the operational and administrative support for the law department and serves as the department’s resources manager. She oversees all administrative and temporary support staff, manages the day-to-day workflow while also supporting the Executive Vice President/General Counsel and six senior executive level staff. She serves on the leadership committee of the Change Agents Employee Resource Group and is a member of the DEI Council. She is sought-after for her insights and opinions on various corporate and staff initiatives and corporate hiring decisions.
Kenya loves to swim, cook, roller skate, produce abstract art, is an avid learner and make memories with her family and friends. She is also a native Washingtonian residing in Alexandria, Virginia with her two sons, Kai and Ricco.
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.
Alisa Wheeler has been an Administrative Professional for over 25 years. She has a passion for sharing her knowledge with other Administrative Professionals, especially things she’s learned through IAAP. Alisa received her Certification Administrative Professional in 2023. She loves onboarding new employees, because it gives her an opportunity to pour positive things into their lives. When unjust things happen in the world, her job is to make sure her coworkers are feeling at ease. Her coworkers tell her she brings the positive energy to the floor.
She lives in the Metro Atlanta area with her family. Alisa graduated from Kennesaw State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She loves to volunteer at work, church, and within her community.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and going to concerts.
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, dedicated C-Suite-level administrative professional with a proven track record and 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 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 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 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 resides in Washington, DC. He is a CAP certified member with specialties in Human Resources, Organizational Management, and Technology Applications. In addition, he holds two master’s degrees, one in business administration and one in human resource management. He currently works for the National Alliance for Caregiving, located in downtown DC, as the Executive Administrator & Special Assistant to the President/CEO.
He has over forty years of administrative experience. He has been a member of IAAP since 2004, served in various capacities, and currently serve as a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. In August 2023, I became one of the finalists for the Spirit Award for the top Admin Award in DC.
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, vacationing on the beach, and shopping, because looking and spelling good is a requirement for him.
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 a 25-year-old son. They moved to Dallas from Chicago in 2011 to
provide him an opportunity for a different life experience. Kathy’s