meet the panel

Kurt Merriweather, CDE

Co-founder & VP of Innovation, The Diversity Movement

Kurt is an accomplished business strategist and marketing executive with a passion for helping organizations implement growth strategies. He is a Certified Diversity Executive and thought leader on building teams through the integration of DEI and technology. Kurt has worked for global brands like Discovery, AOL, and Procter & Gamble. With over 20 years of experience, Kurt's approach to advising clients and developing strategy blends creative thinking and data analysis. He is an avid speaker, a workshop leader, and a patent holder. Kurt holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from The Ohio State University and a MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He advises startups through Google for Startups Black Founders Exchange and mentors students at UNC and SKEMA Business School. Kurt also serves on NC TECH’s Board of Advisors.

Shelley Willingham, CDE

Chief Revenue Officer, The Diversity Movement

Shelley is a serial entrepreneur and business strategist with more than 20 years of corporate and small business experience. In 2003, Shelley founded the National Organization for Diversity in Sales and Marketing (NODSM), a company focused on helping corporate America recognize the increasing purchasing power of diverse segments and helping them market to these groups without using stereotypes or being offensive. In 2006 she partnered with FORTUNE magazine on a special diversity section highlighting her work in this space. Shelley speaks at various business events and conferences, coaches and consults aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners, and is a frequent on-air contributor to CNBC. Shelley is a Certified Diversity Executive and leads the client acquisition strategy and execution while supporting each of the TDM business units in the development of their respective strategies.

Donald Thompson, CDE

Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer, The Diversity Movement

Donald Thompson, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2023 Southeast Award winner, founded The Diversity Movement to change the world. As CEO, he has guided its work with hundreds of clients and through millions of data touch points. TDM’s global recognition centers on tying DEI initiatives to business objectives. Recognized by Inc., Fast Company, and Forbes, he is the author of Underestimated: A CEO’s Unlikely Path to Success and has published widely on leadership and the executive mindset. As a leadership and executive coach, Thompson has created a culture-centric ethos for winning in the marketplace by balancing empathy and economics. A budding bourbon connoisseur and former DI athlete, Thompson lives with his wife, Jackie, in Raleigh, North Carolina, and has four adult children. 

Jamie Ousterout, CDE

Chief Experience Officer, The Diversity Movement

Jamie is a Certified Diversity Executive and Chief Experience Officer at The Diversity Movement where she creates employee-first, inclusive workplaces for both clients and The Diversity Movement’s internal employees. Jamie graduated from Cornell University in 2009 with a bachelor of arts in English and history and has since worked in a variety of client service, project management, and operational roles. She is also founder and owner of Stabilimenta, an operational strategy consulting firm. She serves on the board for Raleigh City Farm and volunteers as an alumni admissions ambassador for Cornell University.