Kevin V.G. Wells, Esq. is head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and a leader in increasing diversity and inclusion in the Environmental/Conservation sector. As an environmental attorney who transitioned to Corporate Social Responsibility, Wells understands the complexities of balancing the interests of analytical minds with passionate advocates against inequity. Working with staff across the organization, he has advanced the mantra, “There is no biodiversity without human diversity” as we engage marginalized members within the conservation and zoo communities. Within two years, Wells has led a team effort across the organization, implementing a WCS DEI plan by developing an Inclusion Framework model that lead to the launch of 5 Employee Resource Groups; the only Supplier Diversity Program that utilizes an accompanying custom-made vendor portal within the sector; and two additional new initiatives, a DEI Annual Report and DEI Advisory Council.
Wells developed a thorough understanding of the WCS culture to identify its strengths and weaknesses by conducting internal community listening tours with employees and holding targeted interviews and focus groups. He demonstrates to staff and leadership that DEI must be embedded in day-to-day operations to attract diverse talent. Pivotal to driving DEI success at WCS is the constant individual engagement that Wells has with core leadership and his efforts to work closely with others across the organization. As Wells leads WCS’s DEI efforts, he continuously works with and navigates a large diverse community of colleagues with many different perspectives and cultures across the globe and in New York.
Favorite Quote:- My excitement for the dawn of each new day is strengthened by the brightness of sun, light that does not blind me but allows me to broadly see… - Kevin Wells