Johnson & Johnson’s Wanda Bryant Hope to speak at 2020 fall commencement

 Penn State has announced that Johnson & Johnson Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Wanda Bryant Hope will be the University’s fall 2020 commencement speaker.

Penn State will hold its fall 2020 commencement ceremony via livestream on Saturday, Dec. 19, in accordance with public health guidelines and orders from the state government in response to the continuing coronavirus pandemic. 

A marketing graduate of Penn State’s Smeal College of Business, Hope serves on Smeal’s board of visitors. In July, she was named as a member of the Penn State Presidential Commission on Racism, Bias and Community Safety by University President Eric J. Barron. 

“Wanda’s long association with and passionate work on behalf of Penn State clearly reflects her pride in her alma mater, and it is my pleasure and privilege to welcome her as our fall commencement speaker,” said Barron. “As an internationally known business leader and a fierce advocate for diversity and inclusion, she will share her knowledge and insights with the class of 2020 as we celebrate the hard-earned achievements of our newest graduates.” 

An accomplished business executive with significant experience in general management, marketing, sales, commercial operations and human resources, Hope is responsible for globally advancing J&J’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) outcomes, strengthening DEI capabilities, and driving innovation and growth for future business success.  

Prior to this role, Hope held a variety of leadership positions across J&J, including vice president of sales and marketing; vice president of commercial analytics, development and operations; and vice president of global performance and development. She has been recognized for her ability to exceed business results, deliver innovative solutions to complex challenges, lead global change, develop people for optimal results, and drive diversity and inclusion global outcomes.   

Hope most recently presented at Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit, currently serves on the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on the New Equality and Inclusion, and is chair of the Business Roundtable Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Working Group.   

She has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Penn State Smeal Diversity Award and the Healthcare Business Women’s Association Rising Star Award, and was named among the Black Enterprise Most Powerful Women in Corporate Diversity.