Jyl Feliciano: Championing the Future of DEIB
Jyl Feliciano has carved out an exceptional career as a transformative leader in the realm of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Over the years, her work has earned her accolades and recognition from industry leaders, media outlets, and publications such as Forbes, Employee Benefits News, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Diverseek’s Diversity at Work podcast.
Jyl’s pioneering efforts and groundbreaking initiatives have led to significant strides in diversity and inclusion across various sectors. With experience working with some of the most respected Fortune 500 companies—MetLife, Cognizant, and Conagra Brands—Jyl has also brought her expertise to the fast-paced world of startups. Currently, she serves as the Global Vice President of DEIB at Highspot, an industry-leading sales enablement platform that helps sales teams achieve greater productivity.
A Trailblazing Journey in DEIB
Jyl’s professional journey has been one of unyielding commitment to creating spaces where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive. She holds an MBA from Purdue University and a DEIB Certification from Cornell University, solidifying her as an expert in this field.
What truly sets Jyl apart is her unique approach to advancing DEIB—not just through dialogue, but through action and measurable outcomes.
“It’s not enough to talk about inclusion; it must be part of your business strategy.”
Revolutionizing Diversity at Conagra Brands
One of the most striking examples of Jyl’s leadership occurred during her tenure at Conagra Brands. At a time when the company was grappling with a lack of diversity, Jyl implemented game-changing strategies to foster a more inclusive and representative workforce.
Her efforts led to a dramatic increase in the percentage of People of Color (POC) in entry-level roles—from just 12% in 2017 to 47% in 2018.
These results stemmed from strategic interventions aimed at:
- Reducing bias in recruitment
- Increasing access to career development for underrepresented groups
- Addressing cultural competence within leadership
Beyond hiring, Jyl expanded efforts to:
- Employee retention
- Professional development programs
Her leadership resulted in a positive shift in company culture, reduced turnover, and boosted employee morale.
A Bold Vision for DEIB at Highspot
As Global VP of DEIB at Highspot, Jyl continues to lead with impact. Highspot has been recognized by Forbes and Glassdoor as one of the best companies to work for—a testament to her leadership.
Her approach goes beyond metrics:
- Embeds DEIB in core business operations
- Aligns DEIB practices with strategic objectives
- Implements inclusive hiring, training, leadership development, and vendor diversity
Under her leadership, Highspot fosters an environment where employees from all backgrounds feel empowered to contribute and innovate.
“Psychological safety is foundational to real inclusion.”
Jyl has helped create a workplace that prioritizes mental health, well-being, and inclusivity.
The Power of Psychological Safety and Engagement
In today’s climate, employee disengagement and burnout are at an all-time high. Jyl understands the role DEIB plays in tackling this crisis:
“When employees feel they belong and are included, they are more likely to be engaged, committed, and motivated to contribute.”
Key impacts of inclusive culture:
- Higher performance
- Greater retention
- Stronger connection to company mission
According to McKinsey & Company, companies with greater diversity are 33% more likely to outperform peers in profitability.
Data-Driven DEIB: The Role of Technology
Jyl excels at leveraging technology to enhance DEIB. Data is central to tracking progress:
“Data allows us to see where we are succeeding and where we need to improve.”
At Highspot, she introduced:
- Employee engagement platforms
- Predictive analytics tools
She also serves as a Board Advisor for Included, a company using AI-powered analytics to assess and improve DEIB performance.
“Technology is a game-changer when it comes to DEIB.”
A Call for Authenticity and Action
For Jyl, DEIB isn’t just about numbers—it’s about authenticity.
“DEIB efforts must be rooted in authenticity, both at the organizational level and on an individual level.”
She challenges superficial diversity initiatives and stresses the importance of embedding inclusion into every aspect of a company’s culture, operations, and leadership.
“Inclusion can’t just be a checkbox.”
Jyl Feliciano’s vision continues to influence the broader DEIB landscape. Through strategic leadership, innovative use of technology, and a commitment to psychological safety, she is redefining what it means to create inclusive workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
