Supporting organizational leaders
in cultivating diverse and inclusive
workplaces for optimal employee
performance.

Supporting organizational leaders
in cultivating diverse and inclusive
workplaces for optimal employee
performance.

Meet Kellie!

I am Kellie Sauls (she/her), a dedicated DEI leader proudly calling Austin, Texas, my home. My passion lies in guiding and supporting others on their unique journeys of growth and development and actively supporting current and future leaders of our dynamic community. 

 Beyond service on the Leadership Austin Board of Directors, I am deeply committed to mentoring others which includes workplace mentoring as well as serving as a Ceresa mentor.This role is close to my heart, as it enables me to support and encourage individuals to navigate their personal and professional paths in leadership development.

In the heart of Austin, I share my home with my partner, their mother, and my own parents. This living arrangement is more than just cohabitation; it’s a testament to the importance I place on building a close-knit and supportive family environment.
While my professional and community engagements are fulfilling, I also find joy in the quieter moments. Reading has always inspired me, and I relish engaging in brainstorming sessions with friends, where we exchange ideas and nurture creativity.
As I navigate my roles as a DEI leader and community member, I actively work to manifest values such as growth, inclusivity, and connection. My journey is a testament that by fostering these principles we contribute to the betterment of our communities and the individuals within them.
EDUCATION CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Arts - BA, Sociology at the University of Texas at Austin - Texas Achievement Honors Award
Cornell Certified Diversity Professional(CCDP)
Master of Science - Counseling and Clinical Programs at Columbus State University - Nationally Certified Counselor
Advanced Diversity Equity and Inclusion Certificate
Executive Education Certificate, Women Emerging in Leadership at University of Virginia, Darden School of Business
Certified Cultural Intelligence Trainer
Trauma-Informed Advocate and Implementation Specialist

Why DE&I?

Having traveled and lived in diverse corners of the world, I’ve met and developed relationships with people from all walks of life. These experiences provided an intimate understanding of the profound impact of discriminatory practices, the challenges that arise from being underestimated, and the very real threats to life based on difference in appearance and identity.

These personal encounters fuel my deep-seated commitment to fostering inclusion. My vision is rooted in the belief that individuals should have equal access to opportunities aligned with their goals and capabilities irrespective of their origins, physical appearance, who they love, or their faith. I aspire to be part of a transformative process that dismantles barriers and promotes inclusivity, ensuring everyone can thrive and succeed.

Why DEI?

Having traveled and lived in varied corners of the world, I’ve met and developed relationships with people from all walks of life. These experiences provided an intimate understanding of the profound positive impact diverse teams can have on decision outcomes and business success. They also provided additional insight to how discriminatory practices, the challenges that arise from being underestimated and subjected to inequitable systems as well as the very real threats to life based on differences in appearance and identity can have on an individual and communities broadly.

These personal encounters fuel my deep-seated commitment to fostering inclusion. My vision is rooted in the belief that individuals should have equal access to opportunities aligned with their goals and capabilities irrespective of their origins, physical appearance, who they love, or their faith. I aspire to be part of a transformative process that dismantles barriers and promotes inclusivity, ensuring everyone can thrive and succeed. This benefits people, organizations and communities.

Why DE&I?

Having traveled and lived in diverse corners of the world, I’ve met and developed relationships with people from all walks of life. These experiences provided an intimate understanding of the profound impact of discriminatory practices, the challenges that arise from being underestimated, and the very real threats to life based on difference in appearance
and identity.

These personal encounters fuel my deep-seated commitment to fostering inclusion. My vision is rooted in the belief that individuals should have equal access to opportunities aligned with their goals and capabilities irrespective of their origins, physical appearance, who they love, or their faith. I aspire to be part of a transformative process that dismantles barriers and promotes inclusivity,
ensuring everyone can thrive and succeed.

Organizational Partners

Power Series

June Partners

Dhana Mercury Group

Accomplishments as a Leader

Public Sector

I led DEI initiatives, established transformative programs and championed the establishment of resource groups, and integrated inclusive strategies across the organization, fostering trust.

Higher Education, Graduate Business Programs

Inspired leadership growth and development as well as cultural change by incorporating DEI into student programming. I also developed and implemented diversity learning programs for change, supported the Diversity Advisory Council and launched a Diversity Executive in Residence program to engage with top companies and enhance a talent pipeline.

Higher Education, Public Policy Programs

Incorporated DEI into recruiting, boosting program brand visibility and student admissions. I also enhanced diverse talent representation and progression through the creation of strategic, long-term plans for student recruitment, admissions, and scholarships.

My Goals as a DE&I
Leader

I enjoy collaborating with organizational leaders to shape workplaces marked by rich diversity. It requires supporting inclusive spaces where every individual, regardless of background, can bring their best selves to work. I strive to create a vibrant professional atmosphere where unique perspectives drive organizational success.

By promoting comprehensive DEI strategies, I aim to dismantle barriers to inclusion and support leaders in fostering cultures that go beyond mere representation.

My vision extends to workplaces that celebrate diversity and actively work to create a sense of belonging for all members. I believe this leads to enhanced creativity, productivity, and overall business success

My Goals as a DEI Leader

I enjoy collaborating with organizational leaders to shape workplaces marked by rich diversity. It requires supporting inclusive spaces where every individual, regardless of background, can bring their best selves to work.

I strive to create a vibrant professional atmosphere where unique perspectives drive organizational success.

By promoting comprehensive DEI strategies, I aim to dismantle barriers to inclusion and support leaders in fostering cultures that go beyond mere representation.

My vision extends to workplaces that celebrate diversity and actively work to create a sense of belonging for all members. I believe this leads to enhanced creativity, productivity, and overall business success

My Goals as a DE&I
Leader

I enjoy collaborating with organizational leaders to shape workplaces marked by rich diversity. It requires supporting inclusive spaces where every individual, regardless of background, can bring their best selves to work.

I strive to create a vibrant professional atmosphere where unique perspectives drive organizational success.

By promoting comprehensive DEI strategies, I aim to dismantle barriers to inclusion and support leaders in fostering cultures that go beyond mere representation.

My vision extends to workplaces that celebrate diversity and actively work to create a sense of belonging for all members. I believe this leads to enhanced creativity, productivity, and overall business success

Work with Kellie

Speaking Engagements

Engage audiences through specialized talks and presentations that delve into the critical aspects of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, fostering awareness, understanding, and actions for change.

Equity Consulting

Provide an equity lens through which organizations can identify policies, processes and practices that perpetuate or create inequities in the workplace. These services range from reviewing the employee life cycle to reviewing policies to ensure that they don't pose unintended barriers for employees, to planning for change as it relates to DEI social, political and legal changes

Trauma-Informed Implementation

As a certified Trauma-Informed Advocate and Implementation Specialist, I provide expertise in establishing trauma-informed workplaces. This service focuses on integrating trauma-informed practices to create environments that prioritize empathy and supportive structures for employees.

Training

Tailored workshop development to address the unique needs of organizations seeking to enhance their DE&I initiatives. These workshops are crafted to facilitate meaningful discussions, skill-building, and practical application.

Work with Kellie 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Speaking Engagements

Engage audiences through specialized talks and presentations that delve into the critical aspects of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, fostering awareness, understanding, and actions for change.

Trauma-Informed Implementation

As a certified Trauma-Informed Implementation Specialist, I provide expertise in establishing trauma-informed workplaces. This service focuses on integrating trauma-informed practices to create environments that prioritize empathy and supportive structures for employees.

Workshop
Development

Tailored workshop development to address the unique needs of organizations seeking to enhance their DE&I initiatives. These workshops are crafted to facilitate meaningful discussions, skill-building, and practical application.

Other Professional Accomplishments

Recognition

Nominated as a Rising Star sponsored by the Outstanding Women in Texas Government for exemplary contributions to state service in Texas.

Leadership Austin

Completed Leadership Austin in 2021 and was selected to join the Board of Directors

Restoring Trust in Higher Education

Contributing Author, Chapter 5 Diversity in Higher Education. Recognized for content via AACSB book review.

Award

Golden Apple Award recipient - Highest employee award made annually by current employer

Herdacity podcast Canadian Securities Exchange podcast TEDxCharlottesville Business Essentials Webcast Restoring Trust in Higher Education Book National Association of Public Pension Attorneys (NAPPA)
Speaking Engagements\Media

Herdacity podcast

Employee Resource Groups

Canadian Securities Exchange podcast

Kellie's investment group discussing how to invest

TEDxCharlottesville

Radio
Interview

Business Essentials
Webcast

The Evolution
of DE&I

Intentional Leadership Book

Provided a Business Case

National Association of Public Pension Attorneys (NAPPA)

Legal Education Conference 2022 - Panel on DEI at Public Pensions

Senior Executive DEI Think Tank

Featured Member

National Council on Teacher Retirement

Moderated Panel on
- DEI

Healing Beyond Borders

Keynote Speaker
- DEI

Power Conference Series

Keynote Speaker - Power of Your Dreams Conference 2023

TEDxCharlottesville

Featured Example in post on being a generous emcee

AIMA Global Investor Forum 2020

Served on Panel (Investing in talent - and crafting a culture of inclusion)

Canadian Securities Exchange podcast

TEDxCharlottesville

Restoring Trust in Higher Education Book

National Association of Public Pension Attorneys (NAPPA)

Healing Beyond Borders

National Council on Teacher Retirement

Senior Executive DEI Think Tank

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