Takiyah J. Cunningham is a transformational advocate for equity, inclusion, and human-centered leadership. She believes organizations thrive when people feel seen, valued, and empowered, a philosophy that guides her work across corporate, nonprofit, and community spaces. With deep expertise in Inclusion, Emotional Intelligence, Talent Strategy, and Employee Engagement, she is known for blending strategic clarity with empathy and measurable impact.

As Director of Organizational Development at The Hillman Group, Takiyah leads enterprise-wide strategies in Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, DEI, and culture. She is the architect behind Hillman’s Human Capital and DEI Strategy, embedding inclusion into the company’s long-term vision and daily operations.

Previously, at Cintas Corporation, she advanced national DEI initiatives for a 48,000‑partner workforce, including military and disability hiring programs and leadership development efforts that strengthened inclusive practices across the organization.

A respected national speaker, Takiyah is featured on ERE Pro’s platform for HR and DEI thought leaders. She has delivered sessions at SHRM-affiliated events, leadership summits, and corporate forums, known for her compelling insights on belonging, emotional intelligence, inclusive leadership, and the future of human capital.

Her leadership has earned significant recognition, including features in Who’s Who in Black Cincinnati (2023 & 2025) and selection as one of Cincinnati’s 100 Wise Women. She has also served on the City Manager’s Advisory Group, contributing to community–police relations and civic engagement.

A committed servant leader, Takiyah is deeply involved in community organizations. She serves as Corresponding Secretary for The Links, Incorporated (Cincinnati Chapter), co-chairs the Social Action Committee for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and is a Board Director for the YMCA.

Takiyah holds a Master of Arts in Human Resource Development from Xavier University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Her consulting work spans DEI strategy, leadership development, inclusive hiring, emotional intelligence, and culture transformation — helping organizations move from intention to sustainable, people-centered impact.