Diversity in Business Symposium 2022: Speakers

Tiana Baker

Global eCommerce Worldwide Account Manager, FedEx Corporation

Tiana Baker

Tiana K. Baker is an accomplished sales and marketing professional who has worked for various Fortune 500 Corporations within her 15+ sales career.   After graduating from Indiana State University (ISU), she worked as a pharmaceutical representative with Eli Lilly and later transitioned to 3M, as a Channel Manager. 

In her current role, Tiana is a Global Ecommerce Worldwide Account Manager at FedEx Corporation. During her time at FedEx, Tiana has been recognized for her outstanding leadership and received several notable awards for her achievements, as a sales professional. In 2020, she was a recipient of FedEx Five Star Award, the highest individual honor one can receive at the organization. 

Tiana is an active member of Southfield Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated where she is the co-chair of the EMBODI program, a youth mentoring program for males ages 11-18. She enjoys volunteering and helping others succeed. Her proudest accomplishment is being one of the supporting founders of the Sycamore Alumni Legacy of Change Endowment, which provides scholarships to deserving students in pursuit of higher education.

Currently, Tiana resides in Detroit, MI where she enjoys spending time with her son, A.J., traveling the world, and reading a good book. As a proud Sycamore, Tiana holds a B.S. in Marketing from ISU, and an MBA from Wayne State University. Currently, Tiana is working towards her Master Certificate in Global Supply Chain at Michigan State University. 

Maureen Biehl

Senior Vice President, Marsh USA, Inc.

Maureen Biehl

Maureen received her Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana State University and her MBA from Butler University. She joined Marsh Detroit’s Claims Group in 1999. She then worked for General Motors Corporation both in risk management in Detroit and in finance for the Allison Transmission Division in Indianapolis. Maureen rejoined Marsh in Indianapolis in 2002 and specialized in coordination and delivery of multinational insurance programs. She then served as a client representative providing service on all aspects of insurance programs to provide transparent insurance programs and optimize Marsh client service.

She currently serves as a Client Executive and is responsible for coordinating delivery of all Marsh services and resources to her clients.  In this role she is responsible for developing marketplace strategies and crafting solutions of unusual business and insurance risks for property and casualty exposures.  Maureen specializes in servicing complex-risk clients, particularly multinational manufacturing corporations and higher education institutions.  Her experience also includes captive formation and utilization. Additionally, Maureen was appointed office head of Marsh Indianapolis in March of 2018.

Her affiliations include; Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Member of the Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) Society, Advisory Board Member of the Davey Risk Management & Insurance Program, Lacey College of Business, Butler University, Advisory Board Member, Indiana Chapter of Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS), Dean’s Executive Council Member, Scott College of Business, Indiana State University, Business Insurance “40 Under 40” Broker Award, 2012, Licensed Life, Accident, and Health Broker in the State of Indiana, as well as Licensed Property and Casualty Broker in Indiana and non-resident in 17 additional states

Steve Canty

President and CEO, Steve Canty Insurance Agency

Steve Canty

Steve Canty received his Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana State University. He is President & CEO of Steve Canty Insurance Agency located in Munster, IN. The agency focuses on Property & Casualty insurance for Personal and Commercial lines as well as Life Insurance in Illinois and Indiana. SCIA is MBE Certified.

The veteran marketer started his second career as an entrepreneur in the insurance industry in 2018 after more than 20 successful years the advertising industry. He has a wealth of strategic marketing expertise having worked on some of the world’s most recognizable brands including Toyota, General Motors, United States Navy, Corona Extra, Budweiser, Coca-Cola, Kellogg’s, Courvoisier, Mercedes-Benz, and Exxon Mobil.

As an innovative and passionate professional, he possesses keen insights on how to drive key business results in today’s rapidly changing consumer marketplace. His experiences are diverse and include award-winning initiatives in traditional advertising, digital, promotions, experiential marketing, social media, public relations and more. He loves the challenge of creating unique brand performance enhancing experiences that allow everyone – the company, clients, and community -- to win.

His community involvement opportunities include; Indiana State University Kappa Alpha Psi Endowment Fund, Ivy Tech Insurance Certificate Program Advisor, Mayo AME Church-South Suburban Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS), Taste of Vegan Board of Directors, Collin Powell Elementary Real Men Read, and 2017 Chicago Defender Men of Excellence Award Recipient.

Dr. Terry Daugherty

Dean, Scott College of Business, Indiana State University

Terry DaughertyDr. Terry Daugherty is the Dean of the Scott College of Business at Indiana State University (ISU) and an expert in digital marketing, consumer psychology, and behavioral research. 

Having previously served on the faculty at Vanderbilt University, The University of Texas at Austin, and The University of Akron, Terry has authored over 70 intellectual contributions while presenting his work at leading academic conferences worldwide. He is the past Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Interactive Advertising for the American Academy of Advertising and Co-Editor of a Special Issue on Neuromarketing for the European Journal of Marketing.

Terry completed his undergraduate degree from Western Kentucky University, master’s at the University of Alabama, and Ph.D. from Michigan State University.

Brian Jimenez

Vice President, The National Bank of Indianapolis

Brian JimenezMr. Jimenez received his Bachelor in Science degree from Indiana State University and Master of Science degree from Indiana University Kelly School of Business (Indianapolis). He is responsible for building relationships with new and existing clients, while creating solutions to meet clients’ needs. He also provides financing for various capital purposes including real estate and new construction, mergers and acquisitions, office expansions, partnership buy-ins and buy-outs, equipment and working capital.

Mr. Jimenez has 5 years of experience as a CPA in public accounting and 10 years in business lending. He has additional experience in loan review, credit analysis, business banking sales, and managing risk. He received his Bachelors degree in Finance from Indiana State University and his Masters in Accounting from Indiana University Kelly School of Business (Indianapolis).

Mr. Jimenez is a current volunteer with Carmel Dad’s Club and Gleaner’s Food Bank, and a former volunteer coach with Zionsville Youth Football League. He enjoys spending time with his family, exercising, home projects, watching football and traveling.

Dr. Rana Johnson

Associate Vice President for Inclusive Excellence and Strategic Initiatives, Indiana State University

Rana JohnsonRana Johnson, Ph.D., who received a master's degree in speech communication and rhetoric from Eastern New Mexico University in 1994, started her role as associate vice president for Inclusive Excellence and Strategic Initiatives at Indiana State University in the fall of 2019. Dr. Johnson is responsible for developing a culture of inclusion by providing leadership for campus efforts to enhance the campus community and advance an appreciation for diversity, in all its forms, as a strength. She reports to the provost to implement diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives related to the university's strategic plan.

Dr. Johnson's career goal is to reach as many students as possible, including first-generation, low-income, traditional and non-traditional students, and support them in reaching their goals. "It's not where you came from that matters… but where you're going and who you help along the way," she shares. Her advice to students interested in her career field is to "challenge and stretch yourself beyond your comfort zone. I grew so very much when I moved to Portales, New Mexico, and spent two years there for my master's degree.

During her time at Eastern New Mexico University, she traveled as a judge for the speech and debate team. She had oversight of the undergraduate speech and debate team when faculty member Dr. Anthony Schroeder was unable to attend. She also worked for the student newspaper, covering sporting events and writing op-eds on various DEI topics. The Greyhound Grad pursued a master's degree in communication after developing an interest in the subject during her time as an undergraduate at Spalding University, where she received a bachelor's degree in mass communication. 

She completed her Master of Arts in time to accept a teaching assistantship for her doctoral degree at the University of Kentucky. After earning the doctoral degree, she served the citizens of Kentucky for 18 years at the higher education coordinating agency- the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. During her tenure in Kentucky, she helped develop the Statewide Diversity Policy. She served in a variety of roles: associate for Equal Education Opportunities, senior associate for Equal Education Opportunities, chief diversity officer and senior associate for Special Projects and Outreach.

Dr. Johnson moved to Unity, Maine in May 2017, where she served as the inaugural chief diversity and inclusion officer for two years at Unity College. She now lives in Terre Haute, Indiana.

The associate vice president has received many awards and recognitions, including the Mentor of the Year Award at the Institute on Teaching and Mentoring, Recognition from the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Doctoral Scholars Program- Kentucky Scholars, Pleasure Ridge Park High School Alumni Hall of Fame, Kentucky Colonel- Commonwealth of Kentucky and the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) Accreditation Training Certification. She volunteers each year at the Compact for Faculty Diversity-Institute on Teaching and Mentoring. "The organization changed my life and enabled me to complete my doctoral degree," she says. "Thank you Dr. Gordon Davies, Dr. Deneese Jones, Dr. Ansley Abraham, Mr. Sherron Jackson and Dr. Bob Belle for assisting with the academic transformation that empowers me to advocate for Inclusive Excellence!"

Dr. Johnson's hobbies include running, cycling and skiing.

Candace Nortey

Managing Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Slone Partners'

Candace Nortey

Candace Nortey, MS, Ed.S., is a strategic planner, consultant, innovator, and executive trainer who serves as Slone Partners’ Managing Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. In her role, Nortey manages Slone Partners’ extensive line of DEI services and programs, including strategic planning, education and training, and leadership coaching to help companies build and sustain impactful DEI policies and practices. She also provides operational support for the company’s ENVISION mentorship program, connecting students from underrepresented communities with accomplished professionals in the life sciences industry.

A firm believer that diverse teams make organizations stronger, more resilient, and more profitable, Nortey is a creative thinker who subscribes to the theory that organizations that strive to develop and elevate women and people of color into leadership positions are those that will achieve the greatest success. With diversity, equity, and inclusion now emerging as a top priority for many companies, Nortey’s role with Slone Partners has evolved to encompass DEI alignment across business verticals, resource planning and provision, BIPOC Board recruitment, and follow up support to ensure that companies and their leadership teams are not only increasing their diversity hiring, but are successfully ensuring equity throughout the organization, and are creating and sustaining a positive, inclusive workplace culture.

Prior to her arrival at Slone Partners, Nortey spent more than 15 years in both teaching and administrative positions in the Metropolitan School District (MSD) of Lawrence Township in Indianapolis, Indiana, most recently as Director of Elementary Education. She was named the 2019 National Coalition of 100 Black Women’s Breakout Woman of the Year in Education; the 2019 Lawrence Township Administrator of the Year; the 2019 Indiana Black Expo Excellence in Education Award winner; and the 2012 Milken Award winner for the state of Indiana.

Nortey earned a B.S. in Elementary Education and an M.S. in Educational Leadership at Indiana University, Bloomington, and an Educational Specialist Certificate (Ed.S.) at Indiana State University.

Dr. Christopher Olsen

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Indiana State University

Chris Olsen

Dr. Christopher Olsen is the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Indiana State University (ISU). He has been involved in higher education leadership for more than fifteen years, as chairperson of the Department of History (2002-2016), Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (2016-2021), and in numerous other university assignments. Most of this work has focused on areas associated with curriculum, distance education, personnel, graduate education, advising, community engagement, experiential learning, and external relations. Chris received his Ph.D. in United States history from the University of Florida and as a scholar has written on the history of the nineteenth century within the U.S. focusing on politics, gender and masculinity, and regionalism and identity.

Dr. Milton Soto-Ferrari

Chair of the Scott College of Business Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee

Milton Soto-FerrariDr. Milton Soto-Ferrari is an assistant professor in the Department of Marketing and Operations at the Scott College of Business (SCOB) at Indiana State University.

He is a member of the Equity, Diversity, Inclusive Excellence Liaisons (EDIEL) and chair of the SCOB Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee. His teaching focuses on statistics and analytics courses with research interests that include business and healthcare analytics, supply chain management, and logistics.

His recent publications are related to management and forecasting strategies, healthcare analytics, and developing countries' progressive policies.