Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Logistics Industry

Rueben M. Stokes is a “JEDI” (Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion) subject matter expert and trusted Advisor to Corporate Leadership Teams. In 2020, he retired from his role as Vice President of Global Diversity & Inclusion for Thermo Fisher Scientific, a Massachusetts-based Fortune 250 corporation. In 2021 he established Bemstar, LLC, an exclusive C-Suite focused DEI advisory practice.

As a “JEDI” expert with 25+ years of experience, Stokes is a frequent speaker and advisor celebrated for his ability to simply and easily communicate complex issues surrounding the increasing breadth and bottom-line impact of JEDI. His comprehensive approach includes strategies that impact the Workforce, the Workplace, the Marketplace and the Community. Considered a "Maestro of Strategic Cultural Advancement”, Stokes has delivered transformative results in key DEI leadership roles at large global corporations including Ryder System, ADT Security Services, Terex Corporation and Tyco International.

Stokes’ JEDI experience encompasses talent acquisition, multicultural marketing, supplier diversity and community investment. He knows that JEDI, when implemented properly, drives innovation, increases stakeholder value and generates positive bottom-line results. His unique career path has not been linear and also includes significant transportation industry B2B Sales and Business Development.

Stokes, a native of Pasadena, California, is a graduate of Dartmouth College where he earned a B.A. in Government and played on the Ivy League Championship Football Team. He also holds certificates in Sales Force Management from the Wharton School of Business and Advanced Marketing from the Kenan Flagler School of Business. Stokes currently serves on the Leadership Advisory Board of ApiJect Systems Corporation, is a past member of the 100 Black Men of America, a graduate of Leadership Miami, served on the HR Advisory Board of Directors for the Florida State University School of Business and was a member of the Board of Advisors at the Boston Museum of Science. In addition to his professional and community involvement, Stokes has authored industry articles and the book Super Selling Secrets for the Real World.

Ellen Voie is an internationally recognized speaker and authority on gender diversity and inclusion for women working in non-traditional careers in transportation. She has been invited to speak to audiences in Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, Viet Nam, France, Mexico, and Canada in addition to being a popular speaker at conferences throughout the United States.

As founder of the Women In Trucking Association in March of 2007, Voie currently serves as the nonprofit organization’s President/CEO. The Women In Trucking Association was formed to promote the employment of women in the trucking industry, to remove obstacles that might keep them from succeeding, and to celebrate the successes of its members.

He earned his degree in Business Administration and has more than 18 years of experience as Chief Executive Officer. He has been involved in diverse projects and areas bringing him a broad perspective and experience in his professional career. He has been a shareholder and member of diverse boards of directors from the Logistics, Insurance, Construction industry, as well as the Avocado production field, incentive programs, and payroll outsourcing.