Community Involvement

I truly love my work developing the next generation of high-impact, high-performing leaders. But I also love giving back to the community. I’ve been an active volunteer throughout my career.

I serve on the board of Texas Women's Foundation, the Advisory Board for the Jane Nelson Institute for Women's Leadership at Texas Woman's University, and the Advisory Council for the United Way Fund for Women and Children. 

I also work with tomorrow’s leaders at digital health startups at the Texas Medical Center Innovation Institute and as an adjunct professor in Executive Education at the SMU Cox School of Business and in leadership programs for women in the Middle East spear-headed by Laura Bush at the George Bush Presidential Center.

I’ve learned that taking small steps keeps people from getting stuck, quickly builds momentum, and allows the flexibility to adjust for what you’re learning along the way. I used this philosophy to successfully launch a leadership development company during the economic downturn in 2008. I still use it to develop high-performing leaders today.

But my approach didn't develop overnight. I refined it over my 30-year career. First as a management consultant with Deloitte, helping companies develop competitive strategies, improve operations, and empower top talent. Then while serving on Deloitte’s US HR Executive Committee, leading performance management and career planning for 34,000 employees. 

Those experiences inspired me to fully shift my focus to working with companies to build stronger, more empowered leaders— especially women. And through Newberry Solutions I continue to focus on leadership development in Fortune 500 companies.

Awards

• Stevie Awards for Women in Business

  • Mentor or Coach of the Year, 2021 and 2014 (Gold)

  • Women Helping Women, 2021 and 2014 (Silver)

  • Social Change Maker of the Year, 2021 (Silver)

  • Thought Leader of the Year, 2021 (Silver)

  • Best New Product: New Lens, 2020 (Gold)

  • Female Entrepreneur of the Year, 2014

  • Business Products (Gold)

  • Female Entrepreneur of the Year, 2014 (Bronze)

• Dallas Business Journal

  • Minority Business Leader Award, 2018

  • Women in Business Award, 2016

• HR.com Leadership Excellence Awards:

  • Best Mentoring Program (3rd place)

  • Best Executive Coaching (Winner’s Circle) with Sysco Corporation, 2016

• Global Excellence Award: Female Empowerment Initiatives, 2016

• Influential Businesswoman Award:
  Women Helping Women Award, 2016

• International Coach Federation, North Texas
  Prism Award, 2013 and 2014

Education and Certifications

• MBA, McCombs School of Business at University of Texas

• Professional Certified Coach, International Coach Federation

• Certified Professional and Executive Coach, College of Executive Coaching

• Professional in Human Resources, HR Certification Institute

Fox News
Neena is asked the professional women’s perspective on Under Armour’s controversial TV spot that went viral.

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ABC
Neena’s thoughts about what Microsoft’s CEO said about women asking for raises.

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CBS
Neena discusses her views on businesswomen achieving work/life balance.

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Fortune
In this interview, Neena tells Fortune, “Regardless of the rules, figure out who you want to be and bring it to life in language and appearance.”

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Dallas Business Journal
Neena’s multi-cultural background has given her a perspective on openness and empathy in the workplace, and about an all-too-common situation: Don’t be afraid to ask for a raise.

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The Miami Herald
In this column, Neena discusses how negotiating skills are key to getting sizable raises in pay.

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United Way
We Can Change Lives Through Advocacy
Neena speaking as Chair of the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Advocacy Committee.

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