LD Bennett

Diane Bennett is Senior Faculty at the Center for Creative Leadership where she delivers an array of programs. She co-facilitates Women’s Leadership Programs for Women in Cable Telecommunications, Ingersoll Rand, American Express – Women in Music, Women in Technology and Citi Women’s Leadership Program, in addition to government, corporate and nonprofit clients. She was an invited participant in the (Obama) White House Policy in Action Forum, First Lady Michelle Obama’s African American Women’s Forum and served as a consultant with Centers for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships at HUD, Justice, Education, HHS, DHS, USDA and Commerce.

Previously, “LD” spent nearly three decades at all levels of government service, leading transportation, land use, leadership development and civic engagement campaigns. She was awarded the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bronze Medal for Superior Federal Service for Leadership & Public Management.  She was also global Diversity Director – Habitat for Humanity International and V-P for Business Development at a top five, minority-owned Public Relations and Marketing firm.

“LD” is in her 17th-yr as Principal of Maximize Consulting LLC, a minority, woman-owned business providing organizational effectiveness, leadership development and executive coaching services.  She works with client across a range of industries.  And for the past four years, she has been the WICT Mentoring Circles design and delivery consultant for WICT Carolinas, Southeast, Southwest, Greater Philadelphia and Greater Pittsburgh. Her program design/delivery empowers participants to refine and reactivate their talents and skills to excel, through introspective, actionable, interactive and intentional content.

She holds a Ph.D. in Public Management and Leadership – Walden University; Masters in Regional Planning – University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill; Bachelor of Arts (triple major) – University of North Carolina – Charlotte. “LD” is a lifelong learner and holds Graduate Certificates in Gamification – The Wharton School, Design Thinking for Innovation – Darden School of Business and Executive Women’s Leadership – Kellogg School of Management.  “LD” is also certified in several psychometric assessments.

Her infectious energy keeps participants both engaged and enlightened!