René O. Deida

René leads Prudential’s global employee community engagement strategy and a portfolio of grants and programs that strengthen the capacity of nonprofit organizations. This includes volunteer activities under the PruCARES brand, a board service program to place Prudential leaders on boards of nonprofit organizations, pro-bono consulting projects and the company’s disaster relief and recovery efforts. He is also leading an evaluation and learning process to measure the social and business impact of Prudential’s philanthropic endeavors. Rene also manages a portfolio of grants to promote inclusive communities and improve pathways to quality jobs for individuals facing multiple barriers. Rene developed and launched a unique nonprofit board service program focusing on emerging leaders of diverse background as part of Prudential’s diversity & inclusion and talent management strategies.  Prior to this role, René was a Relationship Manager working with business units and corporate functions to develop strategies that bring the full power of Prudential to address social needs and meet business objectives.  René started his career at Prudential almost 21 years ago as a program officer with The Prudential Foundation where he managed the youth development, civic leadership, capacity building and business alignment portfolios. During this time, he developed the company’s first international philanthropic strategy, developed a disaster relief framework and co-created and implemented a board service program targeting leaders of diverse background.  

Before joining Prudential, René worked in his native Puerto Rico in a community development initiative working in public housing projects. He was also the executive director of a multi-service nonprofit organization in Newark.  René has served in a number of nonprofit boards and advisory councils, and currently represents Prudential on the Council of NJ Grantmakers board. 

Rene holds a BA and MPA from Rutgers University in Newark and is currently a Part Time Lecturer at Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration.