Dawnita J. Wilson

Dawnita Wilson currently serves as the Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for JBG SMITH, an S&P 400 company that owns, operates, invests in, and develops a dynamic portfolio of high-quality mixed-use properties in and around the Washington, DC metro area.

Dawnita joined JBG SMITH in late 2019, bringing 15 years of strategic Diversity and Inclusion experience, having led Diversity and Inclusion efforts at Sodexo, one of the world’s largest food service and facilities management companies, as well as for regional enterprises such as Highmark and The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).

Since joining JBG SMITH, Dawnita has successfully developed and executed a comprehensive, multi-year Diversity and Inclusion strategy, focused on sustainable, cultural and behavioral change.  With a focus on 5 strategic pillars, the transformational framework has been a catalyst for advancing Diversity and Inclusion at JBG SMITH.  From building competency and driving accountability, to implementing more inclusive systems, practices and processes, Dawnita is committed to breaking down exclusive structural barriers, creating equity, and changing the narrative around Diversity and Inclusion in the Real Estate industry.

In just one year under Dawnita’s leadership, Diversity and Inclusion became one of the top five drivers of overall employee engagement at JBG SMITH, increasing favorable employee perceptions by 18%. In less than 18 months, she developed and executed a formal Employee Mentorship Program called “The Lion’s Guild”, formed the JBG SMITH Inclusion Community and launched a monthly D&I newsletter, the JBG SMITH “Community Connection”, just to name a few.

As a thought leader and strategic business partner, Dawnita also serves as a trusted advisor to c-suite executives, operational leaders and board members. She holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management from La Roche University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Administration of Justice from the University of Pittsburgh.  She has maintained her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification since June of 2006.

Dawnita was the individual recipient of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT) 2020 “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Recognition Award”, was recently recognized as one of the 2021 “Top 100 Diversity Officers” by the National Diversity Council and was featured as one of “The 10 most Influential Black Women is Business to Follow in 2021” by CIO Views Magazine. She is also a 2021 Washington Business Journal “Diversity in Business Award” honoree.