CeLois Steele is a mission-driven leader in Corporate and Community Affairs and Philanthropy. She believes building collaborative partnerships and reputational trust among key influencers and decision-makers in government, business, and community are crucial to accomplishing a world where equity and inclusion thrive.

Steele brings over 25 years of experience in HR, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, multicultural marketing, and external relations across multiple industries. As a corporate executive, she has earned a reputation for strategic partner initiatives, innovation, and brand reputation.

Leveraging her cross-industry experience and leadership roles in the private, public, and non-profit sectors; she is known for assessing complex challenges and developing a plan to move an organization forward with successful partnerships and inclusive decision-making that results in impactful outcomes.

During her most recent role as Director of Diversity & Inclusion External Engagement at Bristol Myers Squibb, she led the organization's strategic relationships with premier diverse organizations, elected officials and community advocates bringing visibility and engagement to the company's corporate social responsibility commitment to diverse communities.

Prior to joining BMS, Steele held management positions at the Carlson Family Foundation, General Mills and the General Mills Foundation, IBM, and the Multicultural Foodservice and Hospitality Alliance.

Steele's active commitment to the community has been visible and acknowledged through previous civic volunteer engagement supporting health, education, workforce development, and human trafficking. Her volunteerism includes the Minneapolis Urban League as Chair Board of Directors, Girls Scouts River Valleys/Minneapolis Board of Directors, Breaking Free, Chair of Board of Directors, Recipient of the Greater Twin Cities United Way -Unsung Hero Award, Women's Foundation of Minnesota, and Director of Minnesota Foundation for Youth Development/Minnesota Talented Teens.

CeLois is a Silver Life Member of the NAACP and currently serves as Vice Chair of the NAACP Foundation Board of Directors. Previous NAACP roles include Chair, Foundation Program Committee, National Board Education Committee Scholarship Chair, member of the Minneapolis NAACP Branch, and current member of the Atlanta Branch.