About Me
Greg DeShields is a well-known professional in the tourism and hospitality industry. He is a native of Philadelphia and is passionate about his work. He is dedicated to helping the next generation of hospitality leaders and has extensive experience working with organizations across various industries, including academia, non-profit, corporate, and government sectors.
Commitment to Leadership and Diversity
His expertise is in Diversity, Equity Inclusion, and Belonging, focusing on organizational assessments and systematic evaluations of current practices. He is dedicated to workforce development and client relationships. He fosters a culture of excellence and collaboration, vital for growth and success.
Educational and Professional Development
He is a Johnson & Wales University Providence, Rhode Island, graduate with an A.S. in Hotel & Restaurant Management and a B.S. in Hospitality Management. He has participated in various leadership programs such as the Urban League of Philadelphia, Leadership Forum, Leadership Philadelphia, and Greater Philadelphia Leadership Exchange.
Certifications and Expertise
He is certified as a Diversity Executive (CDE) by the Society of Diversity, a Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE) by the American Hotel & Lodging Association Educational Institute, and a licensed Diamond Inclusiveness Assessment Provider by CultureBrokers® LLC. He is also a Certified Hotel Owner (CHO) by the Asian American Hotel Owners Association.
Awards and Recognitions
Greg has completed a certificate in Ethical and Inclusive Leadership and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business. He is also a Professional Development Leadership Graduate of the Institute for Diversity Certification, Urban League of Philadelphia, Leadership Forum, Leadership Philadelphia, and Greater Philadelphia Leadership Exchange.
He has received numerous awards and honors, such as the 2023 ConventionSouth Meeting Professional to Watch in 2024, 2023 BizBash 15 Over 50, 2023 Metro Philadelphia LGBTQ+ Power Players, 2023 Pride Power 100 Most Influential Pennsylvania LGBTQ, 2022 Boy Scouts of America the Hospitality “Good Scout” Award, 2022 Black Meeting and Tourism Apex Award, 2022 Camden County Board of Commissioners Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Medal, and 2022 PhocusWire Movers and Shakers.
Professional Affiliations
He is affiliated with several professional organizations such as Independence Business Alliance, Philadelphia LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, COMHAR Inc., Skål Philadelphia Chapter, EBANMAN Inc., Greater Philadelphia Film Office, Center City Proprietors Association, The Tourism Academy, and the Philadelphia Award.
Advocacy and Public Speaking
Gregory Deshields is a frequent presenter on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fundamentals, such as Assessment, Planning, Strategies, and Implementation. He reinforces the need for organizations to lead inclusion from the top.
