Speakers
Kimel Hodges currently holds the administrative post of AVP of Diversity & Inclusion and Equal Opportunity at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas.
She joined UT Southwestern in September 2012. Her core focus areas are on staff in administrative and support areas, as well as in UT Southwestern University Hospitals and Clinics. She oversees the following areas:
- Diversity & Inclusion where she leads the strategic development and implementation of the organization’s diversity and inclusion strategy as a sustainable business practice.
- Equal Opportunity (includes investigations and Affirmative Action Planning) where she is responsible for formulating and implementing policies and procedures and for leading the internal processes for promoting and ensuring its compliance with laws, regulations, organizational policies and contracts;
- Supplier Diversity (Historically Underutilized Businesses – HUBs) where she drives strategies to achieve supplier diversity objectives. She provides strategic direction to management and organizational leaders in the development and implementation of policies, strategies, and programs related to the HUB Program and enterprise-wide MWSDVBE (Minority, Women, Service Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise);
Previously, Kimel worked with CHRISTUS Health as Director of Diversity & Inclusion where she also had oversight for Affirmative Action Planning and was instrumental in launching their supplier diversity program. Kimel began the work of diversity with the Kellogg Company in Battle Creek, Michigan in March of 1997. While at Kellogg, she held several positions within the company including Diversity Business Partner, EEO/AA Manager, and Human Resources Manager. In the various roles, she acted as a change agent who provided vision and direction by leading organizational design and effectiveness initiatives, team building processes, and leadership development. She was instrumental in the launch of the company’s first employee resource groups.
Kimel’s professional experience as a leader includes the areas of diversity, inclusion, equal opportunity, supplier diversity and human resources as well as experience in various industries, including consumer package goods manufacturing and distribution. Her strength includes assessing organizational needs, setting strategic direction, and implementing initiatives to enhance organizational performance.
Currently, a member of multiple university executive committees, she also represents UT Southwestern by supporting various community initiatives. She also serves as the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Coordinator, a key function in the university’s efforts to increase vendor diversity. She has received recognitions from one of the Texas State Senators for her work and support of his sponsored community program. She is also actively involved with the Youth Motivational Task Force (YMTF) sponsored by the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, where she serves on the planning committee as well as participates as a consultant annually. Kimel sits on the board of directors for the Faculty Club, a company that provides dining services to UT Southwestern’s faculty and staff.
Kimel began her studies as a business major at the University of Tennessee at Martin. She later received a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and a master’s degree in human resources management from Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. She received her CDE credentials from the Institute for Diversity Certifications.
Kimel is one of those people who believe in getting things done and driving results—through collaboration, partnerships, and relationships—it is what she is all about. With an enthusiastic and genuine attitude, she radiates a sincere passion for delivering value and benefits to her organization.
She is the proud mother of four.