Donise Farmer serves as a Diversity and Inclusion Specialist for Genworth Financial. With over 2500 employees, Genworth Financial is a Fortune 500 insurance company that is committed to helping families achieve the dream of homeownership as well as addressing the financial challenges of aging through mortgage and long-term care insurances.

As a specialist, Donise maintains and promotes diversity and inclusion strategies by focusing on employee engagement, inclusion, communication, change management, and learning initiatives aligned with the corporate global strategy. Donise’s area of expertise spans throughout all the areas of diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility. Her level of commitment is exemplified through her effective ability to work with business leaders both internally and externally. Her work is geared toward making a difference in the workplace and in the community. Donise is a true influencer and “healthy disruptor” with an emphasis on culture change. Her sought-after voice, questions, and actions inspire others to think differently, see views from others’ perspectives and lean into uncomfortable conversations.

She is a HBCU graduate with a degree in Criminal Justice and minor in Pre-Law from Elizabeth City State University and holds a Master of Business Administration, Human Resource Management degree from Colorado Technical University. Donise constantly seeks continued learning with credentials such as a Certification in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University, SHRM: Inclusive Workplace Culture Specialty Certification, and Marcus Evans Group: Driving a Strong Diversity and Inclusion Culture Certification.

Donise has led many forward moving initiatives to push for equity in the community. She currently serves as a board member for Roads to Recovery Inc. where her diversity, inclusion, and equity knowledge is specifically utilized to broaden the perspectives of recovery options for all citizens. She also holds board membership with the HumanKind Lending organization. Her knowledge has transcended to partnerships with major community figures and organizations such as the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, and she holds memberships nationally, as well as locally with the Richmond and Lynchburg Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Organization. Donise is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and currently serves in a leadership capacity within her local chapter. She has acquired countless hours of community service and involvement where she positively impacts the lives of others. She is also a member of the Young Professionals of Central Virginia. You can find her sitting on a D&I panel or speaking at business engagements about the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Donise’s goal is simple; She believes in working to ensure that everyone is deserving of having a great place to work, having a great place to live, giving back to their communities, while being their true and authentic selves. She is dedicated to helping others improve and achieve success both personally and professionally. Donise is a wife and mother of 2 sons. When she is not doing the work for the greater good, Donise enjoys reading, shopping, and volunteering in the community while spending time with family and friends.

To choose Donise as a Sidekick simply click the button above to auto generate an email, or fill our the contact form below.