As Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Denis Okema is responsible for leading SEI’s diversity and inclusion efforts with a focus on programming to enrich the company’s culture and support employee engagement and belonging.  

In his role, he helps SEI foster an environment that gives a voice to employees with diverse backgrounds and experiences, as well as supports key company strategies and programs, including learning and development, coaching and consulting, employee recruitment, and SEI’s employee-led affinity groups. 

A certified diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practitioner with more than 10 years of experience, Denis previously held roles as Director of Diversity Engagement and Inclusion at Reliance Standard Life Insurance and Director of DEI at Cristo Rey in Philadelphia.  

Denis transitioned into the DEI space after eight years in international development engagement in Sub-Saharan Africa, working primarily on conflict mitigation and resolution, peacebuilding, HIV/AIDS prevention, and livelihood programs. His experience includes work with international development agencies, including USAID, the Danish International Development Agency, World Vision, Mercy Corps, and International Alert. 

Denis holds a master’s in administration of human resources from Chestnut Hill College and a bachelor’s degree in development studies from Makerere University. He completed Diversity and Inclusion Leadership certificates from The National Coalition Building Institute; a certificate in Bridging Difference from the University of California, Berkeley; and an Advanced Certification in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor