Deborah Dagit

Deb Dagit is a sought-after consultant and speaker on the topics of diversity and inclusion. She started Deb Dagit Diversity LLC in 2013 to deliver the practical, just-in-time services and products she wished were available when she was a Chief Diversity Officer.  As Merck’s VP and CDO for almost 12 years, Deb was responsible for global equal opportunity, employee relations, recruiting and staffing, and diversity and inclusion. Under her leadership, the company was recognized for its exemplary work in diversity and inclusion by a wide range of business publications, government agencies, and professional organizations.  A sampling of recognition includes:  Diversityinc Top 50 for nine consecutive years, 100 score on HRC Corporate Equality Index for eight consecutive years, Disability U.S. New Freedom Award, Military U.S. Freedom Award, Out and Equal Trailblazer award, Black Enterprise Top 100, Working Mother Top 100 for 20 consecutive years, to name a few.

She played a role in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act through her lobbying efforts, and testified before the U.S. Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee in 2011 regarding best practices for improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities.