Demola Sholagbade Joins NORC as Chief Diversity Officer
CHICAGO, September 7, 2023 — NORC at the University of Chicago is pleased to announce Demola Sholagbade as the organization’s new chief diversity officer (CDO). Sholagbade joins NORC at a pivotal moment to advance equity and inclusion efforts and guide the organization toward unlocking the full potential of its staff.
Sholagbade will be the key architect in operationalizing and overseeing the implementation and success of NORC’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Additionally, he is tasked with creating the infrastructure and guiding the organization to help ensure program sustainability and growth.
“Our work at NORC is centered around implementing a data-driven DEI strategy because it enables our organization to identify and address inequities, foster an inclusive workplace environment, and drive meaningful, measurable change,” said Tenia Davis, senior vice president and chief people officer at NORC. “Demola’s skillset and vast experience implementing DEI strategies are exactly what is needed to accelerate change and strengthen the impact of our efforts.”
Sholagbade is well-regarded in the field, with more than 15 years of experience leading diversity and inclusion efforts across a variety of sectors and industries. He most recently served as vice president and head of DEI at global consulting and technology services company ICF. While there, Sholagbade led the department's strategic direction, program design and development, client engagement initiatives, and talent acquisition. Prior to ICF, he worked in various management and C-suite-level diversity and inclusion roles, including in consulting, professional services, construction, and procurement organizations.
“I am thrilled to join NORC on its journey toward advancing its culture of inclusion and belonging,” said Sholagbade. “NORC's unwavering commitment to this work not only aligns with my personal values but also presents an incredible opportunity to collaborate with a team that recognizes the transformative power of embracing differences. Together, we will forge a path where the collective strength of our diverse backgrounds propels us toward innovation and excellence in our field and in our day-to-day work.”
Sholagbade earned his MBA from the University of Notre Dame and a BS in economics from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria.
“I am thrilled to join NORC on its journey toward advancing its culture of inclusion and belonging. NORC's unwavering commitment to this work not only aligns with my personal values but also presents an incredible opportunity to collaborate with a team that recognizes the transformative power of embracing differences. Together, we will forge a path where the collective strength of our diverse backgrounds propels us toward innovation and excellence in our field and in our day-to-day work.”
About NORC at the University of Chicago
NORC at the University of Chicago conducts research and analysis that decision-makers trust. As a nonpartisan research organization and a pioneer in measuring and understanding the world, we have studied almost every aspect of the human experience and every major news event for more than eight decades. Today, we partner with government, corporate, and nonprofit clients around the world to provide the objectivity and expertise necessary to inform the critical decisions facing society.
Contact: For more information, please contact Eric Young at NORC at young-eric@norc.org or (703) 217-6814 (cell).