2023 Top 15 Chief Diversity Officers Accelerate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Shunda Robinson Works to Ensure People are Seen, Heard, & Validated at GM Financial


Shunda Robinson is the Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at GM Financial. Interested in making a real impact in people’s lives, she is most proud of the stories she hears from team members who say they feel seen, heard, and validated because of the DEI initiatives or have enhanced careers because of the global mentoring program. Shunda also hears from leaders who share how their perspective has changed because of the antiracism training they experienced.


Shunda believes accountability is the driving force of DEI success. Her philosophy is that when everyone believes and understands how their role impacts DEI, not only does it affect people internally, but that same energy shows up in the community. People know and believe change starts with them. The main leadership strength that Shunda focuses on is relationship building. Without relationship building, an organization may achieve diversity, but inclusion is missing. She demonstrates to senior leaders that when team members interact with them, the employees need to feel validated as having a voice that is heard.


Favorite Quote:- No matter who we are or what we look like or what we may believe, it is both possible and, more importantly, it becomes powerful to come together in common purpose and common effort. – Oprah Winfrey