Educate, Motivate, and Execute
NCBMP Bridging Academia and Industry
Led by Jason E. Dunn Sr. Chief Executive Officer the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP) is a U.S.-based professional association dedicated to advancing the interests and opportunities of Black professionals in the meetings, events, and hospitality industries.
The "Bridging Academia and Industry" curriculum, designed specifically for junior and senior college students, provides an innovative learning experience for those aspiring to build meaningful careers in the meetings and conventions industry.
DISRUPTHR HudsonValley
What an innovative and inspiring evening!
The Inaugural Dutchess County DisruptHR at the historic The Hudson House & Distillery, overlooking the beautiful Hudson River, was truly a night to remember. Thank you, Marilyn Espinosa!
We did it! Congratulations to my fellow presenters contributing to the global conversation about the future of work!
Ary Aranguiz, CPTD, AIPM, Iraya Corley, Marcelina Mata, Louis Ortiz, and Benjamin Mills.
DisruptHR is a global event series that aims to challenge traditional HR thinking by hosting short, dynamic presentations on "disruptive" ideas for the future of work. The events feature speakers who have 5 minutes and 20 slides that rotate every 15 seconds to share new perspectives on topics like talent, culture, and technology.
Chamber of Commerce Southern NJ Community Volunteering
Junior Achievement of South Jersey
Thank You for Empowering the Next Generation!
Career Speakers at Camden High School on October 14, 2025!
JANJ is deeply grateful for your leadership, dedication, energy, and the generous gift of your time and talent. Your involvement has empowered 75 young people to take ownership of their economic success. Through your guidance, they’ve gained self-confidence and motivation to pursue their personal, educational, and career goals.
Thanks to your experience and encouragement, students have begun envisioning their futures with purpose and excitement.
Testimonials
- “The career speakers were great. Their life stories, how they made it to where they are today, their companies, and what they work as, the best part for me was that I was able to learn from professionals and learn their secrets and history.” –Noor,12th grade
- “I liked the information and skills being shared with the students from the volunteers most about the JA Career experience. I liked the length and passion the JA volunteers put into their presentation and the amount of interaction from them towards the students.” – Hamza, 12th grade
Presenters
- Greg DeShields, Executive Director, Greg DeShields Consulting LLC.
- Nicole Kuerzi, Director of Education & Workforce Development, Chamber of Commerce, Southern New Jersey
- Keagan Maynor, Supervisor, Business Services, Bestsworks Industries for the Blind
- Capri Thermilus, Community Lending Officer Bank of America
- Mobile Bartending Services
Strategic Thinking & Custom Learning
At Greg DeShields Consulting LLC, we specialize in Customized Curriculum Design and professional development initiatives that prepare emerging talent to thrive in competitive industries. Our programs support organizations in building strong pipelines of future-ready professionals while aligning internal learning strategies with external workforce demands.
We are proud to offer expanded Executive Coaching services, crafted to empower leaders, strengthen team performance, and navigate today’s complex organizational landscapes. Rooted in an integrated approach, our coaching emphasizes personal mastery as the foundation of effective leadership, driving impact that resonates across every level of the organization.
Our Workplace Culture Assessment services provide organizations with the insights needed to achieve strategic goals and foster environments where all individuals can contribute and succeed. Tailored to your unique needs, these assessments deliver a clear roadmap for sustainable, people-centered change.
The process begins with a collaborative review of your current policies, practices, and workplace culture. Through stakeholder interviews, document analysis, and data review, we gain a deep understanding of your organizational landscape. Using both qualitative and quantitative tools such as surveys, focus groups, and cultural audits, we identify strengths, gaps, and key opportunities for improvement.
This analysis culminates in a comprehensive report with findings, tailored recommendations, and actionable strategies to drive measurable progress. From Action Planning to Strategic Planning, we partner with your leadership team to translate insights into a targeted plan that prioritizes improvements aligned with your organizational goals.
For organizations ready to move from planning to execution, we also provide Implementation Support services, defining initiatives, roles, resources, and timelines to ensure clarity, accountability, and long-term success.
About Greg DeShields, CDE, CHE
Biography
Greg DeShields is a visionary nonprofit leader with over two decades of experience designing inclusive workforce development programs, fostering diversity-driven partnerships, and curating high-impact events across sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and economic development. His work builds communities, drives economic equity, and transforms organizational culture.
Greg is a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE), Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE), and a licensed Diamond Inclusiveness Assessment Provider. He serves on boards such as North Bay LGBTQ+ Community & Visitors Center, EBANMAN Inc., Greater Philadelphia Film Office, Green Book Experience, and Cheyney University's HRTM Program. He is also active in organizations like SHRM, NSBA, NAACP, and the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey.
As a recognized speaker and thought leader, Greg brings together business leaders, policymakers, and communities to advance inclusive growth and economic mobility.
Current Projects
National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP)
Greg DeShields Consulting is proud to lead a strategic education initiative in partnership with the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP)—developing a comprehensive asynchronous academic curriculum titled "Bridging Academia and Industry."
This innovative course, designed for junior and senior college students pursuing
Greg DeShields Consulting is proud to lead a strategic education initiative in partnership with the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP)—developing a comprehensive asynchronous academic curriculum titled "Bridging Academia and Industry."
This innovative course, designed for junior and senior college students pursuing careers in meetings and conventions, began in July. It emphasizes cohort-based learning, collaboration, and community—even in an asynchronous format. The curriculum will culminate in a case competition held at the NCBMP Annual Conference in Portland.
This program will serve as a valuable educational resource for emerging professionals attending the NCBMP National Conference, supporting the organization's mission to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the hospitality industry. Additionally, it will highlight the historical contributions and growing opportunities for Black professionals in our sector.
This forward-thinking program is specifically designed for junior and senior college students who aspire to pursue careers in the meetings and conventions industry. The curriculum aims to close the gap between academic preparation and industry expectations by equipping students with relevant knowledge, practical skills, and a clear understanding of professional pathways in the field.
Built on an asynchronous delivery model, the program offers flexibility while maintaining rigor and structure. A key feature is its cohort-based learning approach, which fosters peer collaboration, group engagement, and a sense of community—elements essential for student success and professional readiness.
Through a blend of industry insights, case studies, and project-based assignments, students will gain exposure to the real-world dynamics of meeting planning, event management, and convention operations. The curriculum also includes opportunities to engage with industry leaders, enhancing both learning outcomes and networking potential.
This initiative reflects GDC's commitment to developing customized curricula that prepare emerging professionals for success in dynamic, experience-driven industries.
Sybil V. Davis, Director of Sales, Valley Forge Casino
Sybil V. Davis - “My Executive Leadership Coaching journey with Greg DeShields Consulting has been nothing short of transformative. Over the course of five focused sessions, I gained deeper self-awareness, sharpened my communication skills, and developed practical tools to lead confidently through change.
I valued the opportunity to streng
Sybil V. Davis - “My Executive Leadership Coaching journey with Greg DeShields Consulting has been nothing short of transformative. Over the course of five focused sessions, I gained deeper self-awareness, sharpened my communication skills, and developed practical tools to lead confidently through change.
I valued the opportunity to strengthen my decision-making approach and learn effective strategies for navigating conflict skills that I can apply immediately in both team and organizational settings.
This process challenged me to reflect on and clarify my own leadership style. I am deeply grateful for the thought, care, and expertise that guided me through this experience, and I leave this coaching engagement not only more equipped as a leader but also more inspired to create meaningful impact with my team and organization.”
Sybil V. Davis-Clark
North Bay LGBTQ+ Community & Visitors Center
The North Bay LGBTQ+ Community & Visitors Center connects our community to inclusive opportunities, vital resources, and each other—fostering a stronger, healthier, and more equitable world for LGBTQ+ people and their allies. As both a community anchor and a welcoming hub for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Greg DeShields will serve as Chief Admini
The North Bay LGBTQ+ Community & Visitors Center connects our community to inclusive opportunities, vital resources, and each other—fostering a stronger, healthier, and more equitable world for LGBTQ+ people and their allies. As both a community anchor and a welcoming hub for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Greg DeShields will serve as Chief Administrative Officer and Board Secretary/Treasurer.
Greg DeShields Consulting will lead the development of the Destination Management Organization (DMO) Strategy for the Center.
In this capacity, Greg DeShields will guide the development of a strategic framework to establish the Center as both a community hub and a driver of LGBTQ+ tourism in the North Bay region. Key components of this strategy include:
Vision and Mission: Crafting a compelling mission and vision that reflect the unique identity of the North Bay LGBTQ+ community while uniting stakeholders around shared goals.
Research and Analysis: Conducting comprehensive studies on visitor demographics, tourism infrastructure, community priorities, and sustainability challenges to inform a robust Destination Management Plan (DMP).
Stakeholder Engagement: Building strong partnerships with local businesses, government agencies, community organizations, and residents to ensure broad collaboration and alignment.
Marketing and Branding:
Creating an integrated marketing strategy that celebrates the North Bay’s LGBTQ+ identity through destination branding, digital storytelling, and influencer engagement.
Operational Structures: Establishing transparent governance models, roles, and responsibilities to ensure accountability and long-term sustainability.
This strategic approach will strengthen the Center’s influence in tourism, economic development, and cultural advocacy, while uplifting residents and safeguarding the integrity of the community for future generations.
NABHOOD Student Program
Greg DeShields Consulting proudly supports efforts to bridge the gap between education and economic empowerment for emerging professionals. While creating generational wealth is a widely discussed goal, many college students—particularly those pursuing careers in business and tourism & hospitality management—often lack access to mentorshi
Greg DeShields Consulting proudly supports efforts to bridge the gap between education and economic empowerment for emerging professionals. While creating generational wealth is a widely discussed goal, many college students—particularly those pursuing careers in business and tourism & hospitality management—often lack access to mentorship, coaching, and meaningful growth opportunities.
In alignment with its commitment to customized professional development, GDC supported student participation in the 29th Annual International African American Hotel Ownership & Investment Summit & Trade Show Conference, held in Miami, Florida.
This impactful summer experience offered a select group of students access to academic enrichment and professional development sessions, exposing them to the real-world dynamics of hotel ownership, investment, and industry leadership. Through networking, educational panels, and direct engagement with industry professionals, students gained insights that will serve as critical building blocks on their path toward long-term career success and wealth creation.
This initiative exemplifies GDC mission to empower the next generation of leaders by connecting them to transformative learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom.
Certifications, Membership and Credentials
2025 Industry Presentations
Business Networking
.jpg/:/rs=w:370,cg:true,m)
.jpg/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:370,cg:true)
.jpg/:/rs=w:370,cg:true,m)
Signature Presentations
COMPASSIONATE LEADERSHIP
IMPLEMENTING STRATEGIES WITHIN YOUR ORGANIZATION
IMPLEMENTING STRATEGIES WITHIN YOUR ORGANIZATION
Compassionate leadership entails more than just being kind; it involves being deeply in tune with the needs and well-being of others and taking intentional actions to support and uplift those around you. measure its impact on society and the environment. improvement, develop a customized plan, and implement change to optimize your business.
IMPLEMENTING STRATEGIES WITHIN YOUR ORGANIZATION
IMPLEMENTING STRATEGIES WITHIN YOUR ORGANIZATION
IMPLEMENTING STRATEGIES WITHIN YOUR ORGANIZATION
The pivotal role of Implementation Strategy aligned with organizational goals and optimizing resource allocation for continued success becomes evident. This understanding empowers and instills confidence in business leaders, enabling them to make informed decisions about their strategic plans.
NAVIGATING THE PATH TO INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE
IMPLEMENTING STRATEGIES WITHIN YOUR ORGANIZATION
THE IMPORTANCE OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING LABS
In today's rapidly evolving landscape, fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has become a moral imperative and a transformative strategic advantage for organizations across industries. The current state of DEI involves considering multiple dimensions, including progress made, ongoing challenges, and emerging trends.
THE IMPORTANCE OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING LABS
THE IMPORTANCE OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING LABS
THE IMPORTANCE OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING LABS
Programs and services are designed to support job seekers, employees, and employers in meeting the demands of the labor market, thereby opening up new career opportunities and personal growth prospects.
CONDUCTING AN ORGANIZATIONAL ASSESSMENT
THE IMPORTANCE OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING LABS
GROOMING AND DIVERSIFYING BOARD MEMBERSHIP
An organizational assessment can be done through several methods, such as surveys, interviews, financial analysis, and SWOT analysis. This review can improve decision-making, organizational performance, responsibility, communication, collaboration, and employee morale and engagement.
GROOMING AND DIVERSIFYING BOARD MEMBERSHIP
THE IMPORTANCE OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING LABS
GROOMING AND DIVERSIFYING BOARD MEMBERSHIP
Board diversity aims to cultivate a broad spectrum of demographic attributes and characteristics in the boardroom.
