Former Fortune 100 Executive Celeste Warren Takes Equity Message Global With TEDx Talk Amid National DEI Debate

Celeste Warren takes message of equity and leadership global through TEDx, headlines Michigan's SHRM conference during Women's Small Business Month.

GRAND RAPIDS , MI, UNITED STATES, October 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- As diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives face increasing political scrutiny and corporate reassessment, leadership strategist, author and entrepreneur Celeste Warren is taking her message about equity to a global audience.

Warren's TEDx presentation, The Cost of Standing Still, has been published on the official TEDx Talks YouTube channel, a platform with more than 40 million subscribers and billions of cumulative video views. The achievement expands the potential reach of her message about leadership, workplace culture and the consequences of allowing systemic barriers to remain unchanged.

Warren will also appear as a featured speaker at the 2026 MISHRM State Conference, October 21–23 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan. On Thursday, October 22, she will lead a morning session focused on workplace culture, HR leadership and systemic change, followed by a book signing for The Truth About Equity: What It Really Is, What It Isn't, And Why Everyone Wins When We Get It Right.

Presented by the Michigan Council of the Society for Human Resource Management, the conference carries the theme "Culture Catalysts," bringing together HR professionals and business leaders responsible for shaping workplace culture and organizational performance.

These milestones come during National Women's Small Business Month and follow Warren's recent recognition with the Expert Insight Award at the fourth annual Speak Sell Shine^® event, held October 5 at Washington, D.C.'s historic Howard Theatre.

Taking the Conversation About Equity Global

Warren's TEDx presentation challenges audiences to examine the cost of maintaining systems that limit opportunity, innovation and progress.

Her message raises a timely question: What happens when talented individuals have the ability to succeed but face barriers that prevent them from advancing?

Publication on the official TEDx Talks channel introduces Warren's perspective to a worldwide digital platform featuring ideas from independently organized TEDx events.

As organizations navigate shifting policies and public expectations surrounding DEI, Warren encourages leaders to move beyond political rhetoric and focus on practical solutions that strengthen workplace culture, develop talent and create meaningful opportunities.

From Corporate Leadership to Entrepreneurship

Warren's professional reinvention is especially relevant during National Women's Small Business Month, which recognizes the contributions of women entrepreneurs across the country.

After a distinguished 28-year career at Merck, where she served as vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer, Warren transitioned from corporate leadership in July 2025 to build her own consulting business.

Today, as founder of Celeste Warren Consulting, LLC, she brings decades of executive experience to organizations seeking stronger leadership, healthier workplace cultures and sustainable results.

Her journey reflects a growing movement of experienced women executives transforming their expertise into entrepreneurship, thought leadership and lasting impact.

Through consulting, keynote speaking, executive workshops and business expos, Warren demonstrates how professional experience can become the foundation for a powerful second act.

Making the Business Case for Equity

Warren's book, The Truth About Equity: What It Really Is, What It Isn't, And Why Everyone Wins When We Get It Right, challenges misconceptions about equity and offers practical insights into creating workplaces where opportunity and performance can coexist.

Her signature Equity in Action Model outlines six leadership principles: Awareness, Access, Advocacy, Action, Accountability and Empowerment.

The model encourages leaders to identify barriers, expand opportunities, advocate for fairness, take meaningful action, measure progress and empower others.

Her upcoming MISHRM presentation provides an opportunity to engage HR professionals navigating these challenges firsthand.

Recognition and Growing Influence

Warren's expanding influence was recently recognized at the historic Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C., where she received the Expert Insight Award at the fourth annual Speak Sell Shine^® event on October 5, 2026.

She also appeared on the May 2026 cover of SPEAKERS Magazine, highlighting her expertise in equity and leadership. Her perspectives have been featured through Forbes and other media platforms.

Beyond conference stages, Warren shares insights on equity, workplace culture and professional reinvention through her Substack publication, inviting readers to explore practical approaches to building stronger organizations.

Her commitment to creating opportunities extends to the next generation. As co-founder of Destination STEM, Inc., she helps expand virtual mentorship pathways for underrepresented students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

From the corporate boardroom to the TEDx stage, Warren continues to demonstrate that leadership is not defined solely by a title but by the opportunities created, barriers removed and lasting impact made on others.

About Celeste Warren

Celeste Warren is an award-winning leadership strategist, TEDx speaker, author and founder of Celeste Warren Consulting, LLC. She brings 28 years of executive experience at Merck, where she served as vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer. Author of The Truth About Equity and creator of the Equity in Action Model, Warren helps organizations strengthen leadership and workplace culture. She is also co-founder of Destination STEM, Inc. Learn more at https://crwdiversity.com

Pam Perry
PamPerryPR
+1 248-690-6810
Visit us on social media:
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
TikTok
X
Other

The Cost of Standing Still - TEDx Talk by Celeste Warren