About Us
OUR STORY
As the Founding Senior Partners of Diversity Equity Inclusion Group, we represent a broad spectrum of backgrounds and experiences. We have walked many different roads, and we’ve covered a lot of ground, from pro sports to the performing arts, and from fighting fires to many other areas of public service. And yet, as we tell our stories, commonalities continue to emerge. These commonalities demonstrate what we call “Together-Telling”, illustrating storytelling as an entry-point into an organic, authentic communications process.
OUR VOICES
OSCAR EDWARDS, B.A., M.B.A.
President, Founding Senior Partner
ENLIGHTENMENT STATEMENT
“In the flash of a microsecond, change resonated in my heart with the significance of each of our stories. Little did I know the symbol for microseconds is μs, which translated to us sharing an experience called True Storytelling (TSI). After I told my story, I heard the last story and a new together-telling understanding emerged. We found common ground for us to understand racial differences safely and sustainably. Now as a certified True Storytelling trainer and organizational development practitioner, my action is to apply the principled methods that allow others to summon collective wisdom to mutually change our personal behavior, externalize the characterization of structural racism, and rewrite or “re-story” the ethical narrative toward affirmative intercultural relations”.
About Oscar: CEO and Founder of Higher Growth Strategies, LLC and has proven executive experience in strategic planning, finance, organizational development, and change management. He has led major corporate change initiatives associated with media properties, infrastructure, and energy-efficiency firms. He is a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that integrate and contribute significant human and social capital to organizational performance. Oscar’s professional memberships include • California Association of Nonprofits (CAN) • Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)• International Council of Small Business (ICSB) • Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) • United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE).
RICO L. SMITH, Sr., B.A., M.P.A.
Vice President, Founding Senior Partner
ENLIGHTENMENT STATEMENT
“Last summer, 2020, I was invited by a dear friend and business associate to attend my first True Storytelling level I module, “True Storytelling Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 2.0 Module”. My first exposure took me on a journey that led me to a new universal space that gave me the tools to become more effective and efficient when communicating with others. I am certified in True Storytelling Level I and Level II courses. The knowledge and experience I received is invaluable. My vision is to utilize the True Storytelling process to make a positive, and objective difference within and among intercultural relationships that result in sustainable social growth, respect, and an improved quality of life within our society.”
About Rico: Former Fire Chief and Assistant City Manager in the City of Compton, California, with 37 years of municipal government and public service expertise. Before retiring, Rico specialized in fire service public safety, strategic emergency and non-emergency planning, as well as change management and organizational development within the fire service and local municipal government.
ERNEST DILLIHAY, B.A., M.F.A.
Founding Senior Partner, Secretary
ENLIGHTENMENT STATEMENT
“If one is seeking to achieve a higher level of participation broadening and expanding upon a more inclusive mindset, I think the True Storytelling methodology offers the best opportunity to provide a safe space for sharing individual and collective experiences which might well serve to advance a more unified and effective sense of identity, purpose, and direction both individually and collectively in the workplace, communities or even within organizations.”
About Ernest: Proven experience in theater operations, cultural facilities management, and administration, along with expertise in theatre, dance, music, festival, special events, and video production. He is an award-winning cable television and theater producer. He thrives on the creative and innovative program and product development related to utilizing arts infrastructure as a tool for community economic development. As Performing Arts Director for the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs Ernest created the first-ever citywide marketing and promotions program for the arts, The Arts Card, and presented national and international programs such as the California State, County, and City August Wilson Day Celebration, the 6th World’s Shakespeare Congress and the California Pavilion at Midem in the Festival de Palais in Cannes, France. His work with the Inner City Cultural Center, the nation’s first multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-racial performing and visual arts institution in the nation, the California State Department of Corrections Arts-in-Corrections Program, the Department of Cultural Affairs in Los Angeles California, and the National Endowment for the Arts in Washington, DC has informed his work in federal, state, county, and municipal governments, as well as in the private sector.
BARBARA SULLIVAN, B.S., M.S.
Founding Senior Partner, Treasurer
ENLIGHTENMENT STATEMENT
“Embracing the True Storytelling 7-Principles into how I live my life has been a truly freeing experience. I automatically apply Principle One to daily situations, allowing me to understand the truth of this situation from each party’s individual perspective or story; upon this occurrence, the clear narrative is immediately revealed. It is my go-to, number one, new life-living process.”
About Barbara: CEO and Founder of Sullivan International, Barbara is a true advocate of small business development, and a champion community consensus-builder. Growing up in Birmingham, Alabama during the era of legal Jim Crow segregation, she participated from the front lines in the struggle for freedom and equal opportunity. She developed the first Human Resources Department for the LA City Attorney’s office, served as the Commissioner for the Long Beach Economic Development Commission, and held numerous management positions, including roles with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Children’s Hospital, and West Adams Community Hospital, and has served on numerous Boards, including her role as Vice Chairperson of the Black Business Association, Los Angeles. As Assistant Vice President for the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Organizing Committee, she skillfully placed over 70,000 volunteer staff into strategic locations. Her team developed and delivered best practices programs for that event and future Olympic Games.
OUR CREDENTIALS
True Storytelling Institute (TSI), Certifications I and II in Train-the-Trainer (TTT); Organizational Development and Change (ODC); Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DEI 2.0).
