Research Discipline/Bio
My dissertation research focuses on my transformational journey in life and leadership.
Most recently I was the Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer (CDEIO) at an Am Law 100 global law firm.
Prior to the CDEIO role I was at Meta (formerly Facebook) where I was the DE&I Global Talent Management Programs Leader. At Meta, I established and supported programming that advanced the careers of underrepresented employees and embedded DE&I in the culture.
I began my career in academia and subsequently moved on to leadership roles in learning and development. My thought leadership in the DE&I space became a formal part of my role at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond in Virginia.
In a career that spans over 30 years, I have always been a passionate advocate for people. All should have the opportunity to work in inclusive spaces where they flourish, offer their best and therefore drive organizational success.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/loretta-lisa-dowdy-pearce/
Educational Background
EdD, Adult Learning and Leadership, Teachers College, 2025
Certificate in Womanist Leadership Studies, Katie Geneva Cannon Center for Womanist Leadership & Union Presbyterian Seminary, 2025
Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion, Cornell University
MDiv., Theology, Transformative Theology, Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, Virginia Union University
MA, English, Transformation in Literature, Virginia State University
BA, Anthropology and African American Studies, University of Virginia
Last Updated: Jul 19, 2025