Meet Janet

Janet M. Stovall, CDE is a global speaker, facilitator, writer and consultant who helps business dismantle systemic inequity -- especially where it intersects with race. A long history of driving change and building culture in large, complex organizations has given her deep expertise around DEI practices and principles, especially in the area of communications. In fact, she broke barriers as one of the few Black C-level speechwriters in the Fortune 100. Her three TED presentations challenging business to get serious about inclusion have millions of views. Her superpowers? Applying objective solutions to solve subjective DEI challenges, building actionable DEI frameworks and strategies, and brokering honest DEI conversations among top leaders.

A firm believer in action over aspiration, intent over impact and objectivity over subjectivity, Janet works with organizations and leaders that truly value diversity as an asset. Her consultancy, Pragmatic Diversity, helps them unlock that value through accountable inclusion and equity. Through direct consultation with leaders, teams and individuals, as well as keynote speeches and workshops, she helps business get real about DEI and dismantling systemic inequity.

Stovall holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Davidson College in Davidson, NC, a Master of Professional Studies in Integrated Marketing Communications from Georgetown University and graduate certificates in DEI from Cornell and Yale. She is a member of the Davidson College Board of Trustees.

Awards

  • Diversity and Inclusion Leaders 2023 list of Inspirational D&I Leaders

  • Ragan Communications, Top Women in Communications, DEI Champion

  • 2021 WEBBY Award nomination

  • CICERO Speechwriting Awards | 2020, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2014

  • W3 AWARDS | Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts

    • Best In Show: Branded Entertainment/Public Service & Activism

    • Silver: Best Copywriting for Video

    • Silver: Mini-series & Specials-Live Recording for Podcasts

  • 41ST ANNUAL TELLY AWARDS

    • Gold: Branded Content, Diversity & Inclusion

    • Bronze: Scriptwriting

  • ACE Award for speechwriting I RAGAN COMMUNICATIONS

  • Hoya Professional 30

TED Talks