Diversity Straight Up: Cedric Ellis and the equity journey

In the latest episode of CBJ podcast “Diversity Straight Up,” hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk with Cedric Ellis, executive vice president and chief enterprise services officer at CUNA Mutual Group, about his family background and work ethic. Listen below or subscribe to the show at SoundCloud, Apple PodcastsSpotify, Google Podcasts and Stitcher, or catch the new video podcast at the CBJ’s YouTube channel.

Season 2 of Diversity Straight Up is brought to you by GreenState Credit Union and sponsored by Alliant Energy. Additional support is provided by Collins Aerospace and the city of Cedar Rapids.

About Cedric Ellis:

Cedric Ellis is the executive vice president, chief enterprise services officer for CUNA Mutual Group where he leads all the company’s shared service functions including diversity, equity and inclusion. Previously, he was senior vice president of Human Resources, ultimately responsible shaping HR strategy and ensured that the organization’s people, performance and strategy supported the company’s culture.

Ellis also serves as the president of the CUNA Mutual Group Foundation, the organization’s philanthropic arm focused on supporting organizations that seek to solve educational, economic and racial disparities, advance economic stability and support the sustainable development of the communities where CUNA Mutual Group offices reside.

Ellis graduated from Assumption College with a bachelor’s degree in English and Social Rehabilitation Services.

About the hosts:
Sarika Bhakta is president of Nikeya Diversity Consulting and a Certified Diversity Executive with more than 20 years of experience in leadership, management, talent attraction/retention and resource acquisition/development. Born in Gujarat, India and raised in the Midwest, Sarika empowers leaders to identify their authentic self to be successful change agents in today’s global economy.

Anthony Arrington is co-founder and managing partner with Top RANK Professional & Executive Search and Consulting, a search firm focused on helping companies acquire professional and executive-level talent, with a special emphasis on diverse and inclusive leadership. He has more than 20 years of experience in management, strategic planning, leadership and staff development in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors.