As a distinguished expert in Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) and Social Impact, Katy Rodriguez-Botello has carved a remarkable path in both the nonprofit and private sectors. Holding a Master’s Degree in Public and Social Policy from Universitat Pompeu Fabra and a LEAD Program Certificate from Stanford University, Katy currently serves as the Global Social Impact Senior Manager at Marsh McLennan, a Fortune 200 company. Her work spans 130 countries and influences over 90,000 colleagues. With over 15 years of dedication, Katy has received numerous accolades for her award-winning strategies, reflecting her deep commitment to addressing inequalities and fostering change within disadvantaged communities.
Katy’s journey has seen her thrive in various roles, from her early days as Programs Associate at the Women’s Institute in Mexico to creating the first-ever Corporate Social Responsibility Manual and Policies at Siemens Group and eventually leading Social Impact strategies globally for Marsh McLennan. In this interview, we delve into her ability to navigate diverse cultural contexts, her pioneering D&I and Social Impact strategies, and how her unique background has shaped her approach to making a tangible difference in our world.
Hi Katy, thank you for joining us today. Can you share a specific example of a D&I or Social Impact initiative that you successfully implemented across multiple countries? What strategies did you use to ensure its success in diverse cultural contexts?
In my current role, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to implement our Global Volunteer Month across 75+ countries and more than 350 offices worldwide, engaging over 15,000 colleagues. This year, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of this initiative, which has been a tremendous success. What sets our Global Volunteer Month apart is our commitment to understanding and respecting diverse cultural contexts. It not only makes a positive social impact but also strengthens our commitment to diversity and inclusion across the organization.
To ensure the success of this initiative, I employ several strategies. First and foremost, extensive research and engagement with local stakeholders in each country are crucial. This allows us to understand the unique cultural nuances and social needs, enabling us to tailor the initiative to align with the specific values and priorities of each community.
Additionally, establishing strong partnerships with local nonprofit organizations and community leaders is essential. These partnerships provide invaluable insights into the local challenges and help us identify meaningful volunteer opportunities that will have a lasting impact.
How has your unique background and experiences influenced your approach to D&I and Social Impact? Could you elaborate on some cultural nuances or challenges you’ve faced and how you strategically addressed them?
With a major in industrial design, a master’s degree in social and public policy, and participation in the LEAD program at Stanford Graduate School of Business, I bring a creative and innovative mindset, a deep understanding of policy impact on marginalized communities, and the ability to align social impact goals with business objectives. My diverse professional experiences at Siemens, Marsh McLennan, and Tec de Monterrey have further shaped my expertise. By integrating these experiences, I have developed multidisciplinary strategies that lead diverse teams and make a tangible difference in D&I and Social Impact initiatives.
When navigating cultural nuances, flexibility, adaptability, and cultural fluency are key. It is important to recognize that what works in one country may not necessarily translate to another, so I approach each context with humility and a willingness to learn.
Resource allocation and scalability can also be challenging in a global operation. For example, I’ve encountered challenges related to infrastructure in certain regions. In some cases, access to technology may be limited, which can impact the implementation of certain initiatives. In such instances, I strategize alternative approaches that leverage local resources, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all participants. It requires careful planning and coordination to ensure that resources are allocated effectively and that initiatives can be scaled up or down as needed.
In your role, how do you adapt your strategies to accommodate different cultural norms and values? Can you provide an example where cultural competence was crucial to the success of a project?
One challenge I’ve faced is the varying perceptions and attitudes toward diversity, inclusion, and social impact. Different regions may have different levels of awareness and acceptance of these principles. In some cases, cultural norms influence the way they are understood and embraced. I always prioritize collaboration and partnership with local organizations and community leaders.
One example was when we implemented a diversity and inclusion training program in a country with deeply ingrained cultural norms and practices. We recognized that a one-size-fits-all approach would not be effective in this context. Instead, we engaged local experts and community leaders to co-create the training program, ensuring it was culturally sensitive and respectful of local traditions. By incorporating local perspectives and adapting the content and delivery methods, we were able to overcome cultural barriers and foster meaningful dialogue around diversity and inclusion.
This collaborative approach fosters ownership and sustainability within the communities, leading to more impactful and long-lasting outcomes.
As a visionary leader, how do you push the boundaries of traditional social impact strategies? What innovative approaches have you integrated into your strategies to create more inclusive and impactful initiatives?
I believe in pushing the boundaries of traditional social impact strategies to create truly transformative change. It’s not just about launching programs; it’s about crafting a strategic vision that can make a lasting difference.
In my view, pioneering initiatives are not just effective; they’re revolutionary in their approach. They understand that addressing complex social issues requires collective action and collaboration with diverse stakeholders. By creating alliances and pooling resources, we can amplify our impact and create meaningful change.
Transparency and accountability are also non-negotiables. Inclusive initiatives operate with a commitment to openness, communicating their goals, progress, and challenges with honesty. They ensure that everyone is invested in the journey toward success.
But perhaps what truly sets impactful initiatives apart is their ripple effect. They inspire and influence others, serving as a model for other organizations and individuals to follow. They contribute to the broader movement of driving social change. In doing so, they don’t just make an impact; they shape a culture.
You hold several board and advisory roles, such as with the Center for Cyber Safety and Education. How do these positions influence your work in D&I and Social Impact, and what impact have you made through these roles?
My board leadership roles provide me with a powerful platform to influence and advocate for D&I and Social Impact at the highest level of decision-making. I’ve seized this opportunity by actively ensuring that these topics are consistently on the agenda and that they receive the attention they deserve. By elevating their importance, I can influence decisions and garner support and commitment from fellow board members for initiatives that prioritize social responsibility and inclusivity, driving tangible change from the top down.
By leveraging my expertise and networks, I have facilitated collaborations and partnerships that have resulted in meaningful initiatives and programs. The impact of these efforts can be seen in the positive changes within not just the organizations but also the broader communities they serve.
You’ve taught courses on D&I and feminism at the Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. How do you incorporate your professional experiences into your teaching, and how do you inspire the next generation of leaders?
In my teaching, I incorporate my professional experiences by sharing case studies and examples from my own work. This helps students connect theoretical concepts to real-life situations, enabling them to see the practical implications of D&I in various professional contexts. My goal is to make the subject matter more relatable and applicable to students’ future careers.
I believe in empowering students to become change agents and advocates for D&I. I encourage them to critically analyze societal norms and biases, challenge the status quo, and develop solutions to promote inclusivity. I also emphasize the importance of self-reflection and personal growth. By encouraging students to examine their own biases and privileges, I help them develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their role in creating a more equitable and inclusive society.
How do you align business priorities with D&I and Social Impact objectives on a global scale? Can you discuss a time when gaining executive endorsement was pivotal for a project’s success?
This alignment requires emphasizing the value and benefits of Diversity and Social Impact to the organization’s overall goals. For example, I once led an initiative aimed at increasing the number of underrepresented groups in the insurance sector, such as women and Black and Latino professionals.
To achieve this, I prepared a comprehensive business case that outlined the potential benefits of a more diverse workforce, such as improved employee engagement, enhanced talent acquisition and retention, and increased market competitiveness. I also highlighted the social impact aspect, showcasing how our organization’s commitment to diversity aligns with our values and strengthens our reputation as a socially responsible company.
Once executive endorsement was obtained, the project gained significant momentum and support throughout the organization. The executive team’s endorsement provided the necessary visibility and credibility to engage other stakeholders. It allowed us to allocate the necessary resources and create a supportive and inclusive work environment. The project’s success was evident in the increased representation of women and Black and Latino professionals in new positions and the positive impact on the organization’s reputation.
Could you discuss your commitment to amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities? What initiatives have you led that have created platforms for marginalized individuals, and what impact have they had?
One initiative I’m incredibly proud of is a recent collaboration I spearheaded with the Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management (I-DIEM). Our shared mission was to uplift and amplify the voices of underrepresented communities, particularly in times of crisis. Through this collaboration, we crafted a strategic capacity-building plan—an actionable roadmap aimed at bolstering I-DIEM’s organizational strength and impact.
From enhancing sponsorship support to expanding their fundraising efforts, the plan was tailored to empower I-DIEM to better serve the communities they represent. By providing strategic guidance and support, we enabled them to not only amplify their voice but also extend their reach to thousands of families and individuals, many of whom hail from underserved communities disproportionately affected by disasters.
The impact of this collaboration goes beyond the concrete outcomes achieved. It ignited a sense of social awareness and engagement among all those involved This initiative was even nominated for the 2024 U.S. Business Insurance Awards as part of the Community Outreach Project of the Year Award, further highlighting its impact and recognition within the industry.
Katy exemplifies how cultural competence, strategic adaptability, and visionary leadership can drive impactful D&I and Social Impact initiatives on a global scale. Her commitment to elevating underrepresented voices and her ability to navigate diverse cultural contexts demonstrate that positive change is not only possible but achievable.
As you reflect on Katy’s journey, consider how you can inspire and implement change within your own organization or community. Let’s strive to create a more inclusive, equitable world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
