About Steve Pemberton

STEVE PEMBERTON

Best Selling Author, Philanthropist, Acclaimed Speaker, and Senior Level Executive for the Likes of Monster.com, Walgreens Boots Alliance, and Workhuman.

Steve Pemberton’s story is about defying seemingly insurmountable odds to become a trail-blazing corporate executive, enlightened diversity leader, visionary youth advocate, and acclaimed speaker. His best-selling memoir, A Chance in the World, recounts his triumphant life journey and drive to become a man of resilience, determination and vision. Now an upcoming major motion picture, A Chance in the World further amplifies Steve’s highly motivational messages: Believe in your dreams, rise above obstacles, create opportunities for others, and most of all, persevere.

A Life in Support of Others

Steve has never forgotten the chances that bent the arc of his life. That is why he has made equality, access, and opportunity pillars of both his professional and personal life. From his participation on several non-profit boards to establishing A Chance in the World Foundation, Steve remains a relentless champion for those who have often been left in the shadows. His commitment to others and his refusal to accept things as they are, have earned him national recognition, including the coveted Trumpet Award and the prestigious Horizon Award by the United States Congress.

An Experienced Leader

He currently serves as Chief People Officer for Workhuman. Previously Pemberton served as Global Chief Diversity Officer at Walgreens Boots Alliance, the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise in the world. He was the first person in Walgreens’ 100-plus year history to hold the position of Chief Diversity Officer, overseeing the company’s global efforts to create and maintain a diverse and inclusive environment that reflects the culture, people, and perspectives of the many nations in which they do business. Before his post at Walgreens Pemberton was the Chief Diversity Officer for Monster.com where he helped the company achieve all-time growth in applicants.

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Global Chief Diversity Officer for the 130 billion dollar, 320,000 employee Walgreens Boots Alliance

Understands and drives value in supplier diversity, brand positioning in diverse communities and engagement in community affairs.

Built out a world class diversity and inclusion initiative across the entire company. This work included helping create diabetes, breast cancer and sickle cell centers of excellence.

Led efforts on employing people with disabilities. Helped people “get their chance” who had otherwise been marginalized by society. Inspired culture to want to help others be given more of a chance in life.

Pemberton served as Chief Diversity Officer for this jobsite giant which, during his tenure, grew to over one million resumes onsite and over 63 million job applicants at any one time. Pemberton developed the term “Next Practices” to reflect the need for a stronger alignment between diversity and inclusion and driving shareholder value.