Cornell Verdeja-Woodson

Dr. Cornell Verdeja-Woodson is the Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Talent Development at Pixar Animation Studios. He earned his B.S. in communication management and design from Ithaca College in 2009. After teaching high school English in Atlanta, Dr. Verdeja-Woodson went on to earn his master’s in higher education and student affairs administration with an emphasis on social justice from the University of Vermont in 2013. He earned his doctorate in organizational change and leadership from the University of Southern California. Dr. Verdeja-Woodson has spent his career, spanning over 10 years, engaging people in difficult conversations that have led to a deeper understanding of the world around us. He has traveled around the country working with higher education institutions, non-profits, and corporate organizations on their inclusion efforts. Dr. Verdeja-Woodson has led diversity teams at various technology companies. He believes that authentic dialogue, an understanding of our history, as well as direct and consistent action, are key to creating a more inclusive environment. Cornell lives in the East Bay with his husband and their two dogs, London and Rome.