“Diversity Advisory’s driving mission is to help clients advance diversity from vague definitions and esoteric theories to realistic diversity and inclusion strategies.”

~ Janet Emerson Bashen

At Diversity Advisory, we have a deep understanding of how organizational culture operates – we recognize that the diversity process touches all aspects of an organization, from philosophy to governance to daily operations and often raises many sensitive issues. When properly defined and managed, diversity has the potential to strengthen organizational effectiveness and efficiency, especially for organizations that cross a wide variety of business disciplines and industries. The meaning of diversity within an organization depends largely on the organizational's leaders in power and their perspectives on diversity. Diversity must be achieved and managed effectively if its benefits are to be achieved. This requires leadership commitment, the establishment of priorities and realistic objectives, the assessment and development of policies and practices to meet the particular diversity needs of the organization. If conducted in a systematic, thorough and professional manner, the organizational diversity assessment can add to the organizational culture, service delivery and policy development. Diversity Advisory welcomes the opportunity to partner with an organization to design an assessment strategy to gather comprehensive, candid, detailed attitudes and beliefs from staff, management and leadership on diversity and inclusion; determine current strengths and opportunities; and offer recommendations based on the needs of the organization.

We recognize that our continued success depends on the collective expertise, creativity and professionalism of our diverse team members. Our staff is committed to excellence in client service, and take pride in performing outstanding work that is effective, timely, and thorough. Diversity is a way of life at Bashen corporation. We celebrate different lifestyles, professional experiences, and personalities. Our workplace village is full of innovations that meet our clients’ ever-expanding needs.

~ Janet Emerson Bashen

Bashen values are clearly exemplified in our diverse workforce. Our staff comprises 56% minorities and 64% women, and we speak seven languages, including Spanish, Mandarin, Russian, Yourba, Bengali, Hindi and English.

We assembled a team of seasoned specialists in the areas of labor and employment consulting, strategic sourcing, process management, information technology and human resources to help clients achieve long-term business objectives and organizational goals. Diversity Advisory’s competitive advantage is our team.

Collectively, Bashen's management team possesses over 100 years of compliance experience with a focus on EEO claims, diversity strategies, affirmative action initiatives, fair employment practices compliance, risk management and training. Bashen's highly qualified and diverse workforce is peerless. Bashen's full-time consulting staff comprises attorneys and human resource professionals who possess specialized expertise regarding workplace disputes and EEO compliance best practices.

All consultants are trained in Bashen's unique and innovative business process model, strategic mission and customer service philosophy. Bashen's internal professional development program includes a series of modules regarding claims handling and investigative best practices, EEO compliance, diversity and inclusion, affirmative action initiatives, customer services, business ethics, alternative dispute resolution, as well as employment law updates. Bashen's professional staff works in concert with the organization's EEO personnel to ensure compliance with applicable laws and the statement of work.

Janet E. Bashen, President and CEO of Bashen Corporation

“As a black girl growing up in the segregated South, I asked my parents many questions about race for which they did not have answers. This started a life-long quest of trying to understand our country's history and struggle with issues of race. This research lead me to gender issues and then my passion with EEO grew into a business interest that has evolved, incorporating diversity and inclusion initiatives. The mission of Diversity Advisory is not to change the nation but provide the learning tools that allow us to pause, reflect, and contemplate change.”

Janet Emerson Bashen is the founder and President of Bashen Corporation (“Bashen”). With over 25 years consulting experience, Ms. Bashen is considered an industry expert in Fair Employment Practices which includes: EEO compliance, affirmative action, training, and diversity inclusion strategies. Established in 1994, Ms. Bashen built the business from her home office with no money, one client and a fervent commitment to succeed. As an African-American businesswoman competing with legions of capitalized law firms and other consulting firms, Ms. Bashen’s goal was to establish immediate credibility with prospective clients. These entities had to be persuaded that Bashen’s services would forever transform the way EEO and Fair Employment Practices concerns are successfully managed. Today, Bashen is the brand for human resources and labor and employment consulting. Bashen’s vision has created a cottage industry for HR/Diversity/EEO “insourcing”.

Janet Bashen and Bashen Corporation are continually recognized nationally for important business achievements. In May 2000, Ms. Bashen testified before Congress regarding the affect of the FTC opinion letter on third party discrimination investigations. Ms. Bashen, along with Texas Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, were key figures in the change in legislation. In October 2002, Bashen Corporation was named one of America’s entrepreneurial growth leaders by Inc Magazine in its annual Inc 500 ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies, with an increase in sales of 552 percent. In October 2003, Bashen received the Pinnacle Award by the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce for success in business. Ms. Bashen was also the 2004 recipient of the prestigious Crystal Award, presented by the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc., for achievement in business. She was featured in the October 2004 issue of Eclipse Magazine highlighting her business successes. In January 2006, Ms. Bashen became the first African-American female in United States history to hold a patent for a software invention. The patented software, LinkLine, is a web-based application for EEO claims intake and tracking, claims management, document management and numerous reports. Bashen recently released its federal sector counterpart, EEOFedLink, and its modules MD715Link and AEPSoft, which incorporate affirmative action initiatives and reporting features. In 2008, Bashen Corporation was named as one of DiversityBusiness.com’s Top 500 Minority Owned Businesses in the United States.

Ms. Bashen's experience with Diversity and Equal Employment Opportunity, including but not limited to Title VII, ADA, ADEA, EPA, Executive Order 11246, MD-110, 29 CFR Part 1614 and the Federal Process, makes her a sought after lecturer and motivational speaker. She is a frequent lecturer on equal employment opportunity and fair employment practices, participating as a featured speaker for organizations such as the EEOC, American Association for Affirmative Action, The Professional Liability Underwriting Society, the Society for Human Resources “SHRM”, State Bar of Texas - Labor and Employment Section, The National Association of Negro Women in Business and many others. Ms. Bashen has been interviewed by numerous television programs, including CNN, as well as articles written by respected print publications such as The Houston Chronicle and the Detroit News.

Ms. Bashen has been the subject of numerous television and radio programs, including Business Talk Radio, CNN, and respected print publications, such as the Houston Chronicle, the Detroit News, and Eclipse Magazine. Ms. Bashen and Bashen Corporation have received numerous business awards including: Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 500, the Pinnacle Award, the Crystal Award achievements, and the Diversity Business award.

Inventor
In 2006, Ms. Bashen received a patent for her EEO Software invention, LinkLine. Ms. Bashen made history as the first African American Woman with a web based case management software application, and Ms. Bashen was inducted to the Black Inventors Hall of Fame in 2007 with such inventors as: George Washington Carver [peanut products], Madame C.J. Walker [beauty and hair care products], and Garrett Augustus Morgan [traffic signal], to name a few.

Training & Articles
Ms. Bashen has conducted training and written numerous white papers and Industry articles regarding EEO, Diversity, Fair Employment Practices and Affirmative Action:

• Diversity Investment Plans “DIP” – What is Your ROI? – 2009
• Software as a Service (“SaaS”) The SaaS Application why it’s important to
  EEO Investigations – 2009
• “Generations Apart” Diversity for the Generations – 2008
• Building a Strategic Affirmative Action Plan
• Designing an EEO Business Initiative, “It’s all in the Plan” – May 2008
• The EEO Business Plan – 2008
• Diversity Process Mapping – 2007
• “The Color of Diversity, Race Codes - It's All in the Mix” – 2007
• EEO Process Mapping, “A Narrow and Winding Road” – December 2006
• Fair Employment Practices - It Affects the Bottom Line! – 2006
• Equal Employment Opportunity - The Real Meaning 40 Years Later! – 2006
• Best Practices for Managing Diversity - 2002
• Solving the Affirmative Employment Maze – 2004
• LinkLine, A Look at Technology and EEO – 2001
• Diversity Training for Employees and Front-line Managers– 2001
• Advanced EEO for Supervisors and Managers – 2000
• The Life Cycle of A Discrimination Complaint – 1999
• The ABC’s of EEO for Supervisors and Managers – 1998

Professional, Civic, Social and Civil Rights Organizations

• National Urban League
• National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
• National Organization for Women
• Society for Human Resource Management
• Professional Liability Underwriters Society
• American Society for Training and Development
• Houston Society Healthcare Human Resources Association
• National Employment Lawyers Council
• League of United Latin American Citizens
• Houston Women’s Business Council
• Houston Minority Business Council
• American Association of Affirmative Action

Community Service
Ms. Bashen maintains a very strong community commitment and was most recently on the Board of Directors for the North Harris Montgomery County Community College District Foundation, chairs the Corporate Advisory Board of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc., and is a Board member of the PrepProgram, a non-profit organization dedicated to preparing at-risk student athletes for college. Ms. Bashen is also on the Board of Visitors for Alabama A&M University, one of the nation’s historically black colleges and universities (“HBCU”).

• Prep Program
• Ronald McDonald House
• North Harris Montgomery County Community College District Foundation
• Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
• Operation ReachBack, Inc.
• The Houston Area Women’s Shelter
• Rainbow Kids
• Special Olympics
• Houston Young Lawyers Association
• DePelchin Children’s Center
• Donation of Computers to College Students
• AIDS Foundation

EDUCATION
Ms. Bashen’s educational background includes a degree in legal studies and government from The University of Houston, and postgraduate studies at Rice University’s Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Administration Executive Program. Ms. Bashen is also a graduate of Harvard University’s “Women and Power: Leadership in a New World,” an executive program (admission to the program was made on a competitive basis).

G. STEVEN BASHEN, SPHR, Executive Vice President and COO

Mr. Bashen possesses more than 20 years consulting experience, with an emphasis on Fair Employment Practices, EEO Compliance, Diversity Strategies and Affirmative Action Plans Development and Implementation. As part of Bashen Corporation’s Strategic Management Team for the last 15 years, Mr. Bashen supports the service delivery and quality control for Bashen Corporation. Mr. Bashen directs Bashen’s service delivery through his leadership in operations, focusing on process efficiencies and consultant staff training. Mr. Bashen’s experience includes work with Fortune 1000 companies, federal agencies, not-for-profits, educational institutes, and insurance carriers. Mr. Bashen is a speaker and trainer rendering advice and consultation to Bashen Corporation’s clients and staff regarding: Diversity Assessments and Program Implementation, EEO compliance audits, effective claims management, investigative best practices, regulatory compliance, and EEO claims preventative strategies. Mr. Bashen has worked closely with corporate clients to ensure that diversity is a primary strategic initiative. Mr. Bashen is a former Marine and Navy Corpsman and he developed Bashen’s Diversity Boot Camp Training Depot. The Boot Camp immerses “recruits” in the core values and history of diversity, and provides more than just the basic “survival skills” for our changing world. Successful recruits graduate with the credo “Believe, Lead, Succeed” and then “Earn Their Tags!” Mr. Bashen, a technical writer, works in concert with clients to draft employee handbooks and sound EEO compliance policies and procedures. Mr. Bashen is considered a Fair Employment Practices expert, having investigated or managed thousands of EEO claims.

Mr. Bashen is a published author and has written several notable industry articles including: “Building a Strong Diversity Business Plan”; “Best Practices - EEO Compliance” - 2005; and “Civil Rights Investigations and the FCRA” – 2000, Revised 2001. Mr. Bashen co-authored the article “The Color of Diversity” - 2004, Revised 2007. He has also published numerous business whitepapers including: “Privilege Is Not Yours Alone” – 2002 and “The EEOC Process: The Nuts and Bolts” - 2003. “Stop Killing the Trees: LinkLine the web based green technology solution to EEO Claims Administration” – 2004; A Look at the No Fear Act – 2005; “Diversity in Black, White, Brown and Yellow” – 2006, “More Than Two: What Took You So Long?” – 2007, “A Discussion About Race and Why More Race Claims are Filed Every year” - 2008, “The Average White Guy and Diversity” – 2009.

EDUCATION
Mr. Bashen earned a Bachelor of Science in Professional and Technical Writing from the University of Houston. He is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources. Mr. Bashen served proudly in the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps.

MARCIA RICARD, J.D., EEO/Diversity Consultant

Ms. Ricard is an experienced Bashen Consultant, and has investigated and successfully managed every type of discrimination claim. Ms. Ricard has completed Bashen’s in-house EEO training program and is a certified EEO investigator completing 32 hours of EEO training as required by MD-110 29 C.F.R. 1614 and the EEOC. Ms. Ricard prepares fact finding reports, internal complaint memoranda, executive summaries, position statements and responses to agency requests for information for private sector clients. Ms. Ricard prepares reports of investigation, witness affidavits, and final agency decisions for federal sector clients. Ms. Ricard is a Bashen trainer who facilitates fair employment practices and diversity training.

Prior to joining Bashen, Ms. Ricard has over 20 years of experience with litigation management and support, investigation and assessment, and legal analysis. Ms. Ricard managed cases from initial interview through trial, and drafted various pleadings, complaints, discovery motions, appellate briefs and pre-trial documents. Ms. Ricard’s work history includes investigating Title VII claims for the private and federal sectors, where she has worked decisively to ensure that diversity and inclusion has become a mainstay of organizations across the country.

EDUCATION
Ms. Ricard has a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Xavier University of Louisiana, an HBCU, and a Juris Doctorate from Whittier College School of Law in Los Angeles, California.

JACQUELYN FAMBER, J.D., EEO/Diversity Consultant

Ms. Famber is an experienced consultant and works with clients supporting their efforts with EEO, Affirmative Action and diversity initiatives. Ms. Famber analyses the workforce data snapshot in the areas of applicant flow/recruitment, job groups, availability, incumbency to availability transfers, promotion and terminations, compensation, women and veterans and the disabled.

Ms. Famber has completed Bashen’s in-house EEO training program and is a certified EEO investigator completing 32 hours of EEO training as required by MD-110 29 C.F.R. 1614 and the EEOC. Ms. Famber analyzes organizations’ workforce data and drafts Affirmative Action Plans to further clients’ efforts in incorporating diversity into their culture. Ms. Famber prepares fact finding reports, internal complaint memoranda, executive summaries, position statements and responses to agency requests for information for private sector clients. Ms. Famber also prepares reports of investigation, witness affidavits, and final agency decisions for federal sector clients. Ms. Famber has adeptly managed complex cases and she is considered a “go to” consultant who consistently produces quality work in a timely manner. Ms. Famber is also a training facilitator for Bashen and conducts fair employment practices and diversity training.

Prior to joining Bashen Corporation, Ms. Famber worked in private practice where she handled federal employment discrimination and social security disability claims. Ms. Famber also worked for the University of Iowa College of Law Legal Clinic, where she represented indigent clients with political asylum claims and served as a legal consultant for disability regulations for local contractors. In addition, Ms. Famber previously worked at the EEOC, where she investigated sensitive and complex charges of discriminatory employment practices based on age, race, color, religion, disability, reprisal, sex and national origin.

EDUCATION
Ms. Famber received her Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Dartmouth College and studied abroad at the University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. Ms. Famber earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Iowa College of Law. Ms. Famber is fluent in Spanish.

JAMIE TAKAKI, J.D., EEO/Diversity Consultant

Ms. Takaki is an experienced consultant and works with clients supporting their efforts with EEO, Affirmative Action and diversity initiatives. Ms. Takaki analyses the workforce data snapshot in the areas of applicant flow/recruitment, job groups, availability, incumbency to availability transfers, promotion and terminations, compensation, women and veterans and the disabled.

Ms. Takaki has completed Bashen’s in-house EEO training program and is a certified EEO investigator completing 32 hours of EEO training as required by MD-110 29 C.F.R. 1614 and the EEOC. Ms. Takaki analyzes organizations’ workforce data and drafts Affirmative Action Plans to further clients’ efforts in incorporating diversity into their culture. Ms. Takaki prepares fact finding reports, internal complaint memoranda, executive summaries, position statements and responses to agency requests for information for private sector clients. Ms. Takaki also prepares reports of investigation, witness affidavits, and final agency decisions for federal sector clients. Ms. Takaki has adeptly managed complex cases and consistently produces quality work. Ms. Takaki has investigated nearly 100 cases for Bashen’s clients and is also a training facilitator for Bashen who conducts fair employment practices and diversity training.

Prior to joining Bashen Corporation, Ms. Takaki worked at the EEOC researching and drafting Title VII motions for senior attorneys. Ms. Takaki also worked as a teaching assistant in the Legal Research and Writing Department at South Texas College of Law. While in law school, Ms. Takaki interned at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office assisting attorneys with trial preparation and other legal matters.

EDUCATION
Jamie received her Bachelors of Arts in History and Journalism from the University of Texas and earned her Juris Doctorate from South Texas College of Law.

Humaira Rahman, Senior EEO/Diversity Practice Administrator

Ms. Rahman is a Senior EEO/Diversity Practice Administrator with over 16 years work experience. Ms. Rahman is part of the EEO claims intake and document management team, and is charged with managing reports for Bashen’s patented software. Ms. Rahman has delivered over 400 ad hoc reports and statistical data to Bashen clients regarding diversity assessments, EEO claims activity and compliance concerns. Ms. Rahman is instrumental in the collection and verification of workforce data necessary to develop clients’ Diversity and Affirmative Action Plans. Ms. Rahman also provides LinkLine/EEO training. Ms. Rahman completed Bashen’s in-house EEO training program and is certified EEO investigator completing 32 hours of EEO training as required by MD-110 29 C.F.R. 1614 and the EEOC.

Prior to joining Bashen Corporation, Ms. Rahman provided software support and trained more than 500 customers/clients. Ms. Rahman’s experience included several years in customer service working for Fortune 500 companies. Her software skills combined with her customer support experience make her uniquely qualified to provide Bashen clients with the tools to effectively manage their EEO/Diversity initiatives. Ms. Rahman skills also include a strong background in Accounting, Database and System Design, workforce analysis, statistical data and strategic business management.

EDUCATION
Ms. Rahman attained a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from the University of Houston at Clear Lake and graduated with honors, Magna Cum Laude. Ms. Rahman also completed the intensive Executive Education Management program offered by the University of Texas McCombs School of Business.

Joyce Neal, EEO/Diversity Practice Administrator

Ms. Neal has over 28 years experience in coordinating, planning and supporting daily operational functions. As an EEO/Diversity Practice Administrator, Ms. Neal is part of Bashen’s EEO team in support of our diversity consulting and EEO service delivery. Ms. Neal completed Bashen Corporation’s intensive EEO training program covering EEO laws and investigative best practices. Ms. Neal is a certified investigator and completed the 32 hours of EEO investigative training required for MD-110 29 C.F.R. 1614 and the EEOC. She brings to Bashen Corporation outstanding organizational skills that help Bashen achieve its organizational objectives.

Prior to joining Bashen Corporation, Ms. Neal served as a Senior Administrator at Entergy Solutions Supply Limited in Little Rock, Arkansas and then transferred to Houston, Texas.

EDUCATION
Ms. Neal is a veteran of the United States Army. Ms. Neal also has a bachelor’s of science degree in Business Management and has received several certificates for outstanding service throughout her career. She recently received a certificate for completing the intensive Executive Education program offered by the University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business.

Boye Osoba, Chief of Software and Network Administration

Mr. Osoba provides client support to users of Bashen’s patented software suite including LinkLine diversity/EEO tracking “SaaS” application. Mr. Osoba is an experienced programmer, multi-media designer and website developer using Microsoft, Java, Macromedia and Adobe technologies. His expertise with Microsoft applications, server systems, and IT administration is integral to Bashen’s ability to deliver exemplary services to our clients. As an integral part of Bashen’s IT team, Mr. Osoba works with his colleagues to ensure accurate and timely reporting for diversity assessments, claims tracking, benchmarking and more.

Mr. Osoba has worked as a technical officer at IMAXX Media Ltd. in London where he worked with a team to develop a new video on-demand service, to set-up processes to define requirements for hardware equipment and design specifications for server and client side applications. Prior to this role, Mr. Osoba was the web developer for Guysfromweb.com in London where he set-up and maintained the company web server, client website settings and security.

Mr. Osoba spent two years as the IT Administrator at South Lambeth College in London where he maintained the network infrastructure for the administration. He also designed and implemented an online student database system. Mr. Osoba served as the system administrator at Thomas Andrew & Daodu Solicitors in London where he set-up and maintained the workstations, tested third party applications, and hardware and basic network protocols.

EDUCATION
Mr. Osoba received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Information Engineering from the University of Hull and a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems in Internet and Multimedia Engineering from London South Bank University. Mr. Osoba recently received a certificate from University of Texas at Austin UTMBA Executive Education Program.

Pingsheng “Peter” Zeng, CPA, Controller

Mr. Zeng serves as a Financial Controller with Bashen Corporation. He is responsible for all of Finance and Accounting Activities, as well as internal controls for the company. Mr. Zeng is charged with budget controls, data analysis and trend reporting. Mr. Zeng works with Ms. Bashen to create projections that meet financial reporting obligations, and he helps develop pricing schedules to ensure that Bashen Corporation is able to provide its clients with cost effective services, including accurate assessments and reporting. Mr. Zeng also works with the Consultants to analyze their statistical data collected in providing diversity work assessment and affirmative action plans.

Prior to joining Bashen, Mr. Zeng worked with BOCOM as the Vice Manager in the Jiading sub-branch in Shanghai, China. In this role, he assisted the general manager in developing the businesses of the sub-branch. Prior to this position, Mr. Zeng spent several years as the officer/analyst in the branch where he gained extensive experience in financial analysis, reporting and preparation, management, budget planning, and strategic analysis. From July 1997 to March 2003, Mr. Zeng served in several management positions and most recently was vice president of Bank of Communications, one of four oldest and five biggest banks in China. Mr. Zeng has extensive experience in financial reporting, budgeting and planning, Strategic Analysis, portfolio management, risk controls, auditing, IT and internal controls. Mr. Zeng’s articles have been published in numerous national finance journals. He has received numerous honors and awards because of his outstanding performance, such as a national award from China Central Government in 1999 and Outstanding Academic Performance Award from The University of Texas in 2005.

EDUCATION
Mr. Zeng has a MPA (Master of Professional Accounting) from the University of Texas at Arlington. He has a Master of Science in Applied Mathematics from East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai, China and received a degree in mathematics from Gannan Normal University, China. Mr. Zeng completed the UTMBA Executive Education Program offered by University of Texas McCombs School of Business. Mr. Zeng is a certified public accountant.

Catherine Fry, Chief of Administration

As Bashen’s Chief of Administration, Ms. Fry is ultimately responsible for ensuring the smooth operations of our firm. Ms. Fry’s commitment to excellence make her uniquely qualified to develop and administer the strategy of Bashen’s EEO/Diversity Practice Administrators. Ms. Fry also leads Bashen’s initiatives in hiring a highly skilled staff of consultants and support staff. Ms. Fry has helped Bashen recruit its diverse team and she has worked diligently to provide an environment of inclusion and diversity, bringing value to the company with a workforce that spans a variety of strengths and experiences. Ms. Fry also provides software training for Bashen's patented software suite.

Prior to joining Bashen, Ms. Fry’s experience includes working as an educator, an office manager, and a recruiting specialist.

EDUCATION
Catherine received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Russian State University of Humanities in Moscow, Russia. She has also been certified as a Teacher in Technology Applications and in Special Education by the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas.