Celeste Warren shares expertise, breakfast and books with students

On Oct. 13, CI alumna Celeste Warren (MAS/TEL, 1985) spoke to students, faculty and staff about her experiences in journalism, her work in corporate diversity, equity and inclusion and her journey from CI student to vice president of the Global Diversity and Inclusion Center of Excellence at Merck.

Warren shared breakfast and words of wisdom with a group of 20 CI students, faculty and staff. She provided advice to future professionals and detailed her experience as a person of color within journalism and the corporate world.

Currently, Warren serves as the vice president of the Global Diversity and Inclusion Center of Excellence at Merck. Additionally, she serves on the boards of the RWJBarnabas Health Systems and All in Together, a non-profit organization working to bring nonpartisan civic education to voting-age American women. She is also a member of CNBC’s Workforce Executive Council and World 50’s Inclusion and Diversity Impact Community.

“I learned from Celeste that if you stay true to who you are and what you're confident in, there will be a role made for you,” journalism senior Star Watts said.

She also provided signed copies of her book “How to be A Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador: Everyone's Role in Helping All Feel Accepted, Engaged and Valued” for attendees to continue exploring the topics discussed during the event

The breakfast was held ahead of the 2023 Lyman T. Johnson luncheon, where Warren received the Lyman T. Johnson Torch of Excellence, an award that highlights an African American alumnus whose faith, hard work and determination has positively affected the lives of people on the UK campus, city, state or nation.

Visit www.crwdiversity.com to learn more about Warren, her accomplishments and her book.