Creating an inclusive workplace requires far more than policies and good intentions. It demands visionary leadership, measurable action, and a genuine commitment to helping every employee feel valued. Few leaders demonstrate these qualities as effectively as Jyl Feliciano, whose work in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) has reshaped workplace cultures across global organizations.
With leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies and innovative technology firms, Jyl has built a reputation for transforming inclusion from a corporate initiative into a strategic business advantage. Her people-first approach continues to influence organizations seeking stronger employee engagement, innovation, and long-term business success.
Building a Career Around Purpose and Inclusion
Jyl Feliciano’s career reflects a consistent dedication to creating workplaces where people from every background can thrive. Holding an MBA from Purdue University and a DEIB Certification from Cornell University, she combines academic expertise with years of practical leadership experience.
Her professional journey includes leadership positions at MetLife, Cognizant, Conagra Brands, and currently Highspot, where she serves as the Global Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.
Rather than treating diversity as a compliance exercise, Jyl believes it should be deeply integrated into business strategy.
“It’s not enough to talk about inclusion; it must be part of your business strategy.”
This philosophy has guided every stage of her leadership journey.
Driving Measurable Change at Conagra Brands
One of Jyl’s most recognized achievements came during her time at Conagra Brands.
Recognizing gaps in workforce diversity, she introduced strategic recruitment initiatives, leadership education, and career development opportunities aimed at increasing representation across the organization.
The results were remarkable.
The percentage of People of Color (POC) hired into entry-level positions increased dramatically from 12% in 2017 to 47% in 2018, demonstrating how intentional DEIB strategies can create measurable business outcomes.
Her initiatives focused on:
- Reducing bias in hiring
- Expanding career opportunities
- Strengthening leadership accountability
- Improving employee retention
- Building an inclusive workplace culture
These efforts not only diversified hiring but also strengthened employee morale and organizational performance.
Leading DEIB Innovation at Highspot
Today, Jyl continues to influence the future of workplace inclusion as Global VP of DEIB at Highspot.
Rather than viewing DEIB as a separate initiative, she integrates inclusion into everyday business operations. From recruitment and leadership development to vendor diversity and employee engagement, her work ensures inclusion becomes part of organizational decision-making.
One of her strongest beliefs centers around psychological safety.
When employees feel respected, valued, and comfortable sharing ideas without fear of judgment, innovation naturally follows.
This people-first culture has helped Highspot earn recognition as one of the industry’s leading workplaces.
Using Data and Technology to Advance Inclusion
Modern DEIB leadership relies on measurable insights, and Jyl understands the importance of data-driven decision-making.
She actively uses employee engagement analytics, workforce metrics, and predictive technologies to evaluate progress and identify areas for improvement.
As a Board Advisor for Included, she also supports AI-powered analytics that help organizations measure inclusion more effectively.
Research from McKinsey & Company consistently shows that organizations with stronger diversity often outperform competitors financially, reinforcing the connection between inclusive cultures and business success.
Authenticity Creates Lasting Impact
For Jyl, diversity is never about checking boxes or meeting quotas.
She believes authentic leadership requires organizations to embed inclusion into their culture, leadership behaviors, and long-term strategy.
Her message is simple:
Inclusive organizations create stronger teams, higher engagement, improved innovation, and better business outcomes.
Instead of viewing DEIB as an HR responsibility, she encourages executives to treat it as an essential driver of sustainable growth.
A Lasting Influence on Modern Leadership
Jyl Feliciano continues to inspire organizations by proving that inclusive leadership delivers measurable results. Her work demonstrates that diversity and belonging are not separate from business success—they are fundamental to it.
As organizations navigate an increasingly diverse global workforce, leaders like Jyl provide a practical roadmap for building workplaces where employees feel empowered to contribute, collaborate, and grow.
Her commitment to authenticity, innovation, and measurable impact ensures that her influence will continue shaping the future of workplace inclusion for years to come.
For more inspiring leadership stories and business innovators, explore https://elevateicons.com/womens-corner/.
According to McKinsey & Company, companies with greater diversity are significantly more likely to outperform their competitors financially, highlighting why inclusion is now considered a strategic business priority.
