Sheilesha Willis, Ph.D., Bcc
About Sheilesha Willis, Ph.D., Bcc
Sheilesha Willis, Ph.D., is the Director of DEIB and Talent Development at Aurora Solar and an Adjunct Professor at Claremont Graduate University, with extensive experience in human resources and organizational development.
Current Role: Director of DEIB and Talent Development at Aurora Solar
Sheilesha Willis is presently serving as the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) and Talent Development at Aurora Solar. In this role, she focuses on fostering an inclusive work environment and developing talent management strategies. Her responsibilities encompass spearheading DEIB initiatives and crafting programs that support organizational growth and employee development.
Previous Positions and Experience
Sheilesha Willis has held several leadership roles in various organizations. She was the Head of DEI&B at Gem for 4 months in 2022 and served as Director of Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging at Robinhood for nearly a year from 2021 to 2022. She also spent two years as Vice President of Employee Experience at Blue in the Greater Los Angeles Area. Additionally, she worked briefly as Assistant Vice President, Consultant at Lockton Companies in 2019. Before these roles, she held multiple positions at AECOM, including Global Human Resources Director and Senior Human Resources Manager. She has also worked in human resources roles at Yahoo and served as an Economic and Workforce Development Consultant at Centers for Excellence.
Academic Background and Teaching
Sheilesha obtained her Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior Studies from Claremont Graduate University, where she currently serves as an Adjunct Professor. She earned her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton. Additionally, she has participated in the Black Venture Institute at the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business, as part of Cohort 3 in 2021.
Expertise in Workforce Planning and Benefits Management
Sheilesha specializes in strategic workforce planning and project management, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. She has significant expertise in both domestic and international benefits management, and has developed and led global well-being and social impact programs. Her strong background in Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) also highlights her ability to manage complex organizational changes.
Focus on Change Management and Storytelling
Sheilesha is known for her focus on change management within organizations. She leverages her storytelling skills to drive organizational change, helping to communicate and implement new initiatives effectively. Her work often involves creating narratives that resonate with employees and stakeholders, making transitions smoother and more aligned with organizational goals.