"Your significance to the rest of the world is rooted in your authenticity.
We can not celebrate what we do not know."---MEL

                                                                                                                                                                        
As a powerful and highly sought-after public speaker, Ms. Lawlis is noted for delivering thought-provoking keynote addresses and presentations, which encourage listeners to re-evaluate their commitments to self, family & community through the bold pursuit of their dreams and purpose. Leaders in government, human resources, education, social services, healthcare, faith & community based organizations throughout the United States have called upon Ms. Lawlis when seeking innovative approaches to workplace or traditional community building, women's issues and youth development. She most recently served as Director of Strategic Partnerships & Mission Integration, and as the youngest Executive Director on the leadership team of the Commonwealth of Kentucky's Personnel Cabinet under the administration of Kentucky's 61st Governor Steven L. Beshear. Initially appointed as Executive Director of the Office of Diversity & Equality, Lawlis led the office on a strategic transformation of its brand, programs & service offerings to strengthen the EEO Compliance, Workforce Diversity & Inclusion policies and practices of the Commonwealth for its more than 33,000 employees. She redesigned and developed a number of programs and initiatives to promote internal and external compliance, awareness and inclusion, and greater overall efficiency. Impacted programs included the Governor's EEO Conference, Governor's Diversity Day, Governor's Minority Management Trainee Program, 1st Annual Workforce Diversity Symposium, Louis H. Coleman, Jr. Torch Award, Equal Employment Opportunity Coalition, The ICE Award (Innovation, Collaboration & Education) & The Evolution Newsletter for EEO Personnel. She also utilized strategic partnerships & alliance building to effect 25-90% savings in program budgets, and strengthen the Commonwealth's presence in the community as  an advocating employer for diversity & inclusion. Prior to serving with state government, Lawlis was an EEO Compliance Officer with Louisville Jefferson County Metro Government. There she investigated or settled hundreds of workplace discrimination cases against large and small corporations dually-filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. She uses her experience "from both sides of the aisle" as a former enforcement officer and employer, to provide insight to other employers on how to enhance current EEO and Affirmative Action programs, while transitioning toward a culture of inclusion. 

Passionately devoted to the empowerment and advancement of women and single parents, Lawlis has traveled the country speaking and presenting to women's groups on personal and professional development topics. Lawlis founded The DIVA Institute, Inc. (TDI) in February of 2005 to promote healthy relationships, economic self-sufficieny, strategic family management and civic engagement. Her transparency and emphasis on "keeping it real" have caused Lawlis to become a preferred speaker and consultant on initiatives for women and single parents for churches, community-based organizations, colleges & universities. Her personal journey through adversity has inspired thousands of women to boldly pursue their purpose and impact our communities through positive change.

Lawlis has administrator and program development experience with non-profit grant administration, social services, workforce development & workplace mediation. She is a certified trainer and coach on women's issues, diversity, youth development, corporate image & branding. She resides in Louisville, KY, and is available on an international basis to train, consult & keynote.

Executive Photo by James Penny Photography