Veteran corporate executive Denielle Pemberton-Heard has been tapped to succeed Leslie Cruz as CEO of STEMconnector. Pemberton-Heard has served as a strategic advisor to STEMconnector since 2018 while working as General Counsel and Managing Director of the Diversified Search Group, a role she will retain. She brings decades of executive-level experience to STEMconnector through her roles at PBS, Thales, Time Warner/AOL and Discovery Communications, where she partnered with corporations, the Department of Education, foundations and on-air talent to elevate media commitment to news, public affairs, technology and the arts.
“With two college kids of my own, and coming from a family of dedicated entrepreneurs and educators, I can personally vouch for the importance of the work that STEMconnector has been doing over the past nine years,” said Pemberton-Heard, who has personal passion for investing in overlooked and underrepresented talent pools. “I am very excited about this new opportunity to build on the incredible impact that STEMconnector has had and to serve the robust network of leaders represented by this dynamic organization.”
The Washington, D.C.-based company has seen significant membership growth and built a significant research and resource library for industry leaders who are searching for the best STEM talent, strategies and investments. STEMconnector is thrilled that Pemberton-Heard will continue to grow the network while staying true to our mission that has served the organization and its members.
After nearly three years at the helm of STEMconnector, Cruz said she is “honored to have served as CEO of such an incredible organization. While I look forward to my next professional step, it is bittersweet to leave such a talented staff and the influential leaders in this incredible network.”
Despite current workplace challenges brought on by the COVID-19 crisis, STEMconnector remains committed to ensuring its members have the best tools and resources available to build a diverse and sustainable STEM workforce. Now more than ever, our company has a unique opportunity to showcase the importance of STEM careers and equity in the workforce. The Board looks forward to building on this mission with our new CEO, Denielle Pemberton-Heard.