Kanetra M. Hights, CEO/Owner
Kanetra Michalle Hights, also known as Kiki, is currently the Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion for C.H. Guenther & Son. She has spent over 13 years in the field of implementing DEI programs in organizations with over 10,000 employees and is an advocate to driving success, engaging employees, ensuring that inclusion and equity are implemented in every part of the business, and creating a profitable diversity return on investment. During this time Kanetra also spent years dedicating her career to nonprofits such as the National Diversity Council and Goodwill Central Texas to further increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion for underrepresented groups and creating movements for change in the community.
Kanetra Heights is an outstanding DEI and communications expert who understands the importance of creating inclusive, equitable environments. As a guest on The DEI ER podcast with Raven Solomon Enterprises, she delivered insightful, thought-provoking commentary that resonated deeply with our audience. Her ability to articulate complex DEI concepts with clarity and relevance while also offering practical strategies for driving real change was remarkable. Kanetra’s passion for fostering understanding and collaboration shines through in everything she does. She has a unique talent for bridging gaps in communication and helping organizations take meaningful steps toward creating more inclusive workplaces.
Reina Campbell (she/her)
Education Content and Marketing Manager
Currently at C.H. Guenther & Son, Kanetra oversees the DEI department including all DEI training, Employee Resource Groups, Leadership Team Advising, all International location DEI initiatives, and the Supplier Diversity Program.
Kanetra received a Double Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Dramatic Media from Texas Lutheran University, then returned and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and is a certified teacher for 8th – 12th grade for Speech, Debate and Theatre.
Kanetra has an extensive Learning & Development background. Upon graduating college, she became the Manufacturing learning and development specialist for Harland Clarke. After two years she was promoted to become the Corporate Learning & Development specialist and moved from New Braunfels to the San Antonio office. She had two promotions after that including L&D Advisor and then becoming the D&I Implementation Manager after writing her own job description and going through the approval process.
After leaving Harland Clarke, Kanetra dedicated her time to Nonprofits including the National Diversity Council (NDC) where she was a business development and event programmer. Through her hard work and dedication with the NDC, Kanetra brought in new relationships and partnerships, events, learning opportunities, and streams of revenue. She then took her knowledge and went to Goodwill Central Texas and started their first ever DEI initiatives, and created their first Women’s Networking Professionals Group that also helped those transitioning from the prison system to become more professional prepared. Following her time at Goodwill Central Texas, Kanetra moved over to her current role at C.H. Guenther & Son.
Kanetra received a Double Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Dramatic Media from Texas Lutheran University, then returned and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and is a certified teacher for 8th – 12th grade for Speech, Debate and Theatre.
Kanetra has an extensive Learning & Development background. Upon graduating college, she became the Manufacturing learning and development specialist for Harland Clarke. After two years she was promoted to become the Corporate Learning & Development specialist and moved from New Braunfels to the San Antonio office. She had two promotions after that including L&D Advisor and then becoming the D&I Implementation Manager after writing her own job description and going through the approval process.
After leaving Harland Clarke, Kanetra dedicated her time to Nonprofits including the National Diversity Council (NDC) where she was a business development and event programmer. Through her hard work and dedication with the NDC, Kanetra brought in new relationships and partnerships, events, learning opportunities, and streams of revenue. She then took her knowledge and went to Goodwill Central Texas and started their first ever DEI initiatives, and created their first Women’s Networking Professionals Group that also helped those transitioning from the prison system to become more professional prepared. Following her time at Goodwill Central Texas, Kanetra moved over to her current role at C.H. Guenther & Son.
“During our time at Goodwill Industries of Central Texas, Kiki was a remarkable force in driving our diversity, equity, and belonging initiatives. Her strategic vision and compassionate approach to diversity, equity, and belonging not only fostered an inclusive culture but also empowered every individual to thrive. Kiki consistently excels in creating actionable plans that drive real change and cultivate a truly diverse environment. Her leadership was instrumental in enhancing our workplace and advancing our commitment to equity."
Sara Villanueva, Ph.D.
Former Sr. Director of Organizational Development at GCT and current Professor at The University of Texas at Austin
Kanetra is a certified DDI facilitator, Diversity Professional, Diversity Facilitator with several organizations such as Essence Learning, Korn Ferry and SDMS 360, and an Instructional Designer with courses such as Generational Differences, Leadership Skills for new and emerging leaders, and Leading Diverse Teams. Kanetra also specializes in facilitating diversity related movie and television discussion groups. She has been featured in the Perspectives podcast as a guest and a moderator and is a motivational speaker for many organizations. Kanetra currently serves as the Administrator Officer for the San Antonio LGBT Chamber of Commerce and oversees their education initiatives. She works with others to help let tourists know about safe spaces that they can go to as a member of the LGBT community. She volunteers around San Antonio in various organizations and youth groups. She is also a dynamic public speaker and presenter and guest stars in a podcast called Perspectives by Essence Learning. Kanetra is also a 2023 San Antonio Business Journal Diversity & Inclusion award winner.
Kanetra lives in San Antonio and in her spare time enjoys traveling with friends and family, going on random road trips, reading, writing, and watching football.
Kanetra lives in San Antonio and in her spare time enjoys traveling with friends and family, going on random road trips, reading, writing, and watching football.
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