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President and Chief Executive Officer of Innovative and Inclusive Global Solutions

“Diversity is our reality; let’s make it our strength.”

~Dr. Rita K. Adeniran

Dr. Rita K. Adeniran is a visionary nurse executive, entrepreneur, and global leader with experience in advancing equity, inclusion, and excellence in healthcare and education. As President and CEO of Innovative and Inclusive Global Solutions (IIGS), she empowers organizations to maximize workforce potential, drive innovation, and achieve optimal outcomes.

Dr. Adeniran's commitment to lifelong learning is evident in her extensive academic and professional journey. An accomplished educator and Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, she inspires students and colleagues alike through her inclusive teaching philosophy, fearless leadership, and commitment to continuous growth. She has taught, spoken, and published extensively—delivering keynote addresses in more than twenty-two countries, publishing widely on diversity and leadership, and writing a thought-provoking column, Brick by Brick: Deconstructing Racism in Nursing. 

Dr. Adeniran's influence extends globally. She co-designed the Civility Toolkit for healthcare leaders, a resource used internationally. She designed and led the publication of the TIENS Program, recognized by the American Nursing Association (ANA) as a successful model for transitioning IENs into a historic country, including the United States clinical workforce. A framework developed from her research is adopted as the model for nursing leadership development at the University of Applied Sciences in Dresden, Germany. She has also secured competitive grants to improve care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dr. Adeniran's contributions have significantly improved workplace culture, advanced inclusive excellence, and fostered community belonging for vulnerable populations.

Dr. Adeniran's leadership extends far beyond the classroom. As a Robert Wood Johnson Executive Nurse Fellow and inductee into both the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) and the National Academies of Practice (NAP), and Drexel 100, the Drexel University Alumni Hall of Fame, she is widely recognized and honored for her advocacy, civic engagement, and transformative influence. Guided by her unwavering faith, gracious space principles, cultural humility, and deep respect for others, she challenges assumptions, inspires authentic dialogue, and equips diverse audiences to embrace change and achieve excellence.

Dr. Adeniran's journey, from her humble beginnings in Nigeria, West Africa, to her status as a distinguished global nursing leader, is a testament to her unshakable resilience, unwavering purpose, and lifelong commitment to creating a more just and inclusive world. Below, you will find photos and featured moments that offer a glimpse into Dr. Adeniran’s ongoing legacy of impact. You can also explore selected activities through the links provided to gain a deeper understanding of her work and its influence.