Rueben M. Stokes is a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) subject matter expert. In 2020, he retired from his role as Vice President of Global Diversity & Inclusion for Thermo Fisher Scientific, a Fortune 100 corporation. In 2021 he established Rueben M. Stokes DEI Advisory Services, an exclusive C-Suite focused DEI advisory practice.
As a DEI practitioner with over thirty years of experience, Mr. Stokes is celebrated for his ability to simply and easily communicate complex issues surrounding the increasing breadth and bottom-line impact of DEI. Considered a "Maestro of Strategic Cultural Advancement”, Stokes has delivered transformative results in DEI leadership roles at industry leaders including Ryder System, ADT Security Services and Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Stokes has been a featured keynote speaker and expert panel moderator for BMW North America, Transportation Marketing & Sales Association and the Solid Waste Association of North America. He has also provided expertise and guidance as an Advisory Board member for industry innovators ApiJect Systems Corporation and HYKE Corporation.
Stokes, a native of Pasadena, California, is a graduate of Dartmouth College where he earned a B.A. in Government and played on the Ivy League Championship Football Team. He also holds certificates in Sales Force Management from the Wharton School of Business and Advanced Marketing from the Kenan Flagler School of Business. He served on the HR Advisory Board of Directors for the Florida State University School of Business and was a member of the Board of Advisors at the Boston Museum of Science. In addition to his professional and community involvement, Stokes authored the book “SUPER SELLING SECRETS FOR THE REAL WORLD”, Fairway Press 1994.
He is the father of two FSU graduates, Rueben M. Stokes II, BS., MS. and Blair E. Stokes, BA.