MY STORY
Waleska Lugo-DeJesús is the is the Chief Equity Officer (CEO) of Inclusive Strategies, an award-winning and nationally certified Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging facilitator dedicated to creating meaningful social change through a human-centered, racial healing approach. With over twenty years of experience, she has helped thousands of organizations in elevating consciousness about the causes and effects of racial divisiveness to build organizational capacity. She uses the four forms of racism: Internalized, interpersonal, institutional, and structural racism as the foundation to educate on the intersectionality of systems of oppression with the goal of enhancing the development of people and places.
Waleska’s commitment extends beyond her professional endeavors, she continues to inspire and empower individuals and organizations in their journey towards inclusivity and equity. She understands that healing is not only about addressing past traumas but also about creating spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. Uplifting black, brown and all communities in solidarity is a crucial aspect of Waleska’s mission.
Recognizing the shared experiences, she works to challenge institutions that have perpetuated division and inequity. By fostering collaboration, dialogue, and understanding, Waleska aims to build bridges and dismantle the barriers to create a strong collective voice that advocates and promotes reconciliation, paving the way for a more harmonious and united society.
Civic Engagement
- Springfield Art, Culture & Humanities Commissioner and Vice President
- contributing to the vitality of the Commonwealth.
- Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition - Founding Board member of the intergenerational advocacy group.
- Community Music School of Springfield
- Board Member and Chair of Governance.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisor to: Salsa Sal Pa Fuera, Springfield Puerto Rican Parade and Springfield Pride Parade.
Industry partners include:
Arts | Breweries | Corporate | Culture & Humanities | Disabilities support agencies | Education | Fine Arts | Foundation | Global Impact organization | Healthcare | Higher Education | Healthcare Education | Leadership Council | Libraries Media Membership agencies Municipal Government Non-profit Public Health | Social Justice Organizations | Societies | Speaker Bureaus | Workforce Development and more…
Waleska Lugo-DeJesús
Equalist | Activist | Social Impact Strategist (she/her/ella)
Pronunciation WAH-le-ska LOO-goh-DAY-hay-SOOS
Speaker, Conference, Panel and more...
Coming out in your youth is a very scary and sometimes challenging time in a child's life that can lead to bullying, discrimination and so many other frightening things. With our Safe Space Springfield initiative we are asking local businesses to commit to our safe space pledge where you vow to not allow any form of hate and/or discrimination within your establishment and also welcome all people, regardless of their race, gender, identity or preference.
By displaying our custom decal in your business, you are proudly showing your commitment to deeming your business a safe space and will stand by our pledge.
#SafeSpaceSpringfield
Honors & Achievements:
- 2023 Grand Marshal, Springfield Puerto Rican Parade.
- 2023 Women on the Vanguard for “Vision of Empowering People to Create their own Solutions to Conflict.”
- 2021 Latinx Amplifier for being a quiet disruptor of social change.
- 2019 Latinx Excellence on the Hill honoring distinguished career of Social Justice by the MA Black & Latino Legislative Caucus.
- 2019 Service Hero Award by Project 351 for helping build a just, inclusive, and united global community.
- 2018 Community Leadership Award by the Massachusetts Public Health Association.
- 2018 Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief Warrior Award by San Juan Mayor of Puerto Rico.
- 2018 100 Women of Color Award by music entertainment and tv executive June Archer.
- 2017 Ruth M. Batson Advocate of the Year Award by the Providers Council in Boston for excellence and advocacy.
- 2017 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Social Justice Award for Excellence in Race Relations.
- 2016 Outstanding Champion of Diversity, National Philanthropy Day by the Assoc. of Fundraising Professionals.
- 2016 Women Trailblazer and Trendsetters Award by Massachusetts Latino Chamber of Commerce.
- 2013 First One Awardee by uAspire.
- 2012 Love Thy Neighbor Lifetime Achievement Award by New Creation Discipleship Ministries.
- 2012 40 Under 40 Community Award by Business West.
- 2012 Visionary Women of Excellence Award by National online Digital Media Unity First.
- 2012 Biltmore’s Who’s Who in Higher Education for promoting Multicultural Affairs.
- 2009
Latina Women in Leadership Role
by Puerto Rico Cultural Center.
Inclusive Strategies, LLC.
Springfield, MA