Ann Kusumoto Bio
Background
Ms. Ann Akiko Kusumoto is a second generation, Japanese American with a strong commitment to human development. She provides an integrated and unique perspective on a broad range of issues that impact organizations in today's complex world. Among her many talents is the ability to understand and work with a diverse range of individuals and organizations.
Based in Los Angeles, CA, Ms. Kusumoto has conducted human resources systems and corporate culture audits as well as designed and implemented empowerment and skills training programs for all levels of employees and management. The focus of her practice is to maximize the full potential of all the human resources in an organization by maximizing strengths and minimizing weaknesses that impact the management of a diverse workforce.
Work Experience
Prior to forming her own company, she was a certified Education and Training Associate of The American Institute for Managing Diversity, Inc. of Atlanta, GA where she designed and conducted several public and in-house seminars on managing diversity for a wide range of clients in both the public and private sectors nationwide.
She has made presentations on the topic of managing diversity at several regional and national conferences. In addition, she has developed particular expertise and made unique presentations regarding diversity issues for Asians and Asian Pacific Americans in corporate America. Ms. Kusumoto has had over 25 years of experience in the corporate world.
Before establishing herself as an external consultant, she worked for many years with Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO). Her role there was to provide internal consultation for a wide range of activities related to managing a diverse workforce, such as: management training, human resource audits, policies, programs and strategic plans. In addition, she provided technical advice to management regarding compliance with federal, state and local equal employment and affirmative action laws and regulations.
In addition to her years of experience in human resources, Ms. Kusumoto has practiced as a paralegal professional in the areas of anti-trust, environmental and labor law and has experience as a journalist and educator.
Education
Ms. Kusumoto has completed the program in Management Effectiveness and HR Best Practices from the University of Southern California, School of Business and received a litigation specialist certification from the Institute for Paralegal Training in Philadelphia. She received her undergraduate degree, summa cum laude, from Cedarville College in Ohio in both English and Government. In addition, she has received numerous certifications from the National Training Laboratories Institute in human behavior and organization development and post-graduate certification as an employment law specialist from the University of Southern California School of Law, as well as other certifications in mediation, conflict resolution and labor arbitration.
Community involvement
Ms. Kusumoto has been an active member of several community-based and national organizations, such as the American Society for Training and Development, where she served as Director of the Multicultural Network, the National Urban League/BEEP coordinator, lifetime member of the NAACP, former board member of Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics, and founding board member of The Ethnic Coalition of Southern California and Women of Color, Inc. She continues to be involved in numerous local and national organizations.