Greg DeShields is an award-winning nonprofit executive, DEI advocate, and recognized thought leader with more than two decades of experience elevating communities through inclusive workforce development and strategic partnership in the tourism and hospitality industries. Known for building transformative programs and fostering collaboration, Greg’s work continues to shape business ecosystems and champion diversity at every level. As host of the popular “Something to Say” podcast, Greg provides a vibrant platform for conversations with a broad spectrum of guests, exploring purpose, passion, and progress. Through each episode, he encourages listeners to embrace curiosity, foster empathy, and pursue meaningful change in their lives and organizations. Greg’s academic foundation includes an A.S. in Hotel and Restaurant Management and a B.S. in Hospitality Management from Johnson & Wales University, complemented by advanced leadership training with the Urban League of Philadelphia Leadership Forum, Leadership Philadelphia, and the Greater Philadelphia Leadership Exchange. He is a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE), Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE), and Diamond Inclusiveness Assessment Provider, signaling his deep expertise in equity and inclusion. Greg has been celebrated with numerous accolades for his leadership and community impact, including the Pride Power 100 Most Influential Pennsylvania LGBTQ, BizBash 15 Over 50, ConventionSouth Meeting Professional to Watch, Metro Philadelphia LGBTQ+ Power Players, Boy Scouts of America’s “Good Scout” Award, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Medal, Black Meeting and Tourism Apex Award, and the PhocusWire Movers and Shakers Award. A dedicated community builder, Gregory serves on the boards of several leading organizations, such as Skål Philadelphia, Greater Philadelphia Film Office, Philadelphia Award, Green Book Experience, Cheyney University’s HRTM Program, EBANMAN Inc., and North Bay LGBTQ+ Community & Visitors Center. His professional affiliations span the National Small Business Association, SHRM, NAACP, and the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey. Greg’s professional journey has included senior roles at Temple University, Community College of Philadelphia, and Philadelphia OIC, where he launched and led initiatives supporting small business growth, workforce readiness, and inclusive economic advancement. As a passionate speaker and trusted advisor, Greg DeShields remains at the forefront of championing equity, community engagement, and lasting impact. Skål Philadelphia Events: https://skalphiladelphia.com/events Greg DeShields Re-Elected to Lead Skål Philadelphia into 2026: https://gregdeshields.co/greg-deshields-re-elected-president-of-skal-philadelphia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWv3N581O28 https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1542608-january-february-2026/28? Modern Workforce Thinking | Greg DeShields | DisruptHR DisruptHR continues to be one of the most dynamic global platforms for bold ideas on the future of work, designed to challenge conventional HR thinking through fast-paced, high-impact presentations. The format is energizing: 14 speakers, 5 minutes each, with slides advancing every 15 seconds, all focused on the evolving intersections of talent, culture, leadership, and technology. 👉 Learn how Greg DeShields is reshaping talent thinking: https://disrupthr.co/vimeo-video/rethinking-how-we-find-talent-greg-deshields-disrupthr-talks