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President & CEO, Innovative and Inclusive Global Solutions (IIGS)
Global Leader in Health Equity, Inclusive Excellence, and Transformative Care

Dr. Rita K. Adeniran is an internationally recognized nurse leader, educator, and advocate, celebrated for her transformative work in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across healthcare and education. A thought leader with compassion and drive, she serves as President and CEO of Innovative and Inclusive Global Solutions (IIGS). This consultancy empowers organizations to unlock the full potential of diverse talent. Through strategic guidance and training, IIGS helps healthcare systems and academic institutions create inclusive environments that fuel innovation, improve outcomes, and strengthen workforce engagement. Beyond her executive leadership, Dr. Adeniran is a sought-after speaker and facilitator.

She is known for her expertise in Gracious Space, a framework that fosters authentic dialogue, deepens understanding, and equips leaders to dismantle systemic barriers. Her work inspires lasting cultural change and provides leaders with the tools to build environments where every individual can thrive. Her influence spans the globe. For more than a decade, she served as Global Nurse Ambassador at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP), positioning the institution as a leader in clinical education and structural competence worldwide. She has shared her expertise in over 22 countries, earning international recognition for her thought leadership, vision, and impact.

At the community level, Dr. Adeniran and her husband co-founded a thriving organization dedicated to providing safe, person-centered health services to older adults and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through holistic and inclusive models of care, this initiative enhances quality of life for some of society’s most vulnerable populations while setting a standard for sustainable, equitable community health. Dr. Adeniran’s leadership has been recognized nationally and globally. As a Robert Wood Johnson Executive Nurse Fellow, she co-developed the widely adopted Civility Toolkit, now used in over 150 countries to address workplace bullying and strengthen organizational culture. She also created the Transitioning Internationally Educated Nurses for Success (TIENS) Program, published by the American Nurses Association, which supports internationally educated nurses in navigating U.S. healthcare systems while addressing workforce gaps and ensuring cultural competence. In addition, as a Magnet Recognition Program® Appraiser for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), she helps drive excellence in nursing practice and organizational performance nationwide.

Her groundbreaking contributions have earned her some of the profession’s highest honors. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN), a Fellow of the National Academies of Practice (NAP), and a member of both the Drexel 100, the Drexel Hall of Fame, the university’s highest alumni distinctions. These accolades reflect her extraordinary impact on healthcare leadership, nursing, education, and social justice worldwide.