Meet Our National Board Member
Howard J. Ross!
Howard J. Ross is a builder of innovations in the field of diversity and inclusion and a unifier of people, organizations, and causes. He is founder & Chief Learning Officer of Cook Ross Inc. and an advisor to major global educational, corporate, philanthropic, and governmental organizations. Through his unique combination of a personal and system-focused approach, Howard is an advocate for high-performing organizational cultures that advance people, performance, and profits. He has served more than 25 years as an influential business consultant to hundreds of organizations across the globe, specializing in leadership, diversity, and organizational transformation.
A former teacher, school administrator, rock and roll musician, and college professor, Howard is a thought leader in building cultural competency and a vigorous advocate for personal and public renewal. He is the author of ReInventing Diversity: Transforming Organizational Community to Strengthen People, Purpose and Performance. Howard is also the past chairman of Leadership Washington and a former director of the Greater Washington Board of Trade. In addition, he was appointed the 2007-2008 Professor of Diversity in Residence at the Johnnetta B. Cole Global Diversity and Inclusion Institute at Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Currently residing in Silver Spring, MD, Howard received his undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland and pursued postgraduate studies in administration, management, and organizational development at Wheelock College in Boston. He is the proud father of four sons and grandfather of four granddaughters.
We asked Mr. Ross a few questions to get to know him better:
What made you get involved in Mentoring Women’s Network?
- I have worked on diversity and inclusion issues professionally for the past 30 years. It has always been clear to me, since my days of doing civil rights work, that true transformational change never occurs unless allies standup to partner with members of under-represented groups. Whenever we have worked on gender issues, the adaptation of men to new ways of being has been as important as the continued development of empowerment in women. That being the case, this is just another way of walking my talk. Also, I’ll do almost anything to spend more time with Dottie Gandy!
Why are you passionate about mentoring?
- I have had the blessing of so many mentors in my life, both “official” and unofficial. I fundamentally believe that we should give back that which we have received. There are lots of ways to learn, but a caring, committed teacher or mentor is tops on my list.
What mantra do you live by?
- Do well by doing good.
Who has been your greatest influencer or mentor?
- Far too many people to name, but some of the most memorable ones are: Nancy Neall, the Director of the school I first taught at when I was 22 years old, and Robert F. Allen, an extraordinary organizational development consultant who got me started with the skills to do the work I do now.
In one sentence, what advice would you give your younger self if given the opportunity?
- Try to always do what it takes to be smarter than anyone else (keep learning all the time), work harder than anyone else, and be nicer than anyone else. In addition, live with integrity, as if there was no way to hide anything you do.
We are honored to have Mr. Ross as part of our National board!
Want to get involved in Mentoring Women’s Network? Visit our website to learn more!
