ABOUT US

Sharmila Fowler is an accomplished DEI leader and cultural marketer with deep expertise spanning HR, marketing, research, strategy, consulting, and leadership. She also serves as an Adjunct Faculty Member at DePaul University's Driehaus College of Business, where she teaches and facilitates workshops on DEI management, cultural competence, and inclusive leadership. Passionate about driving meaningful change, she helps organizations navigate the intersection of culture, brand, and business impact. Previously, Sharmila was Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Echo Global Logistics, where she integrated DEI into core business operations. She collaborated with executive leadership, functional teams, and Business Resource Groups (BRGs) to implement initiatives benefiting employees, suppliers, clients, and community partners. Her work included developing a comprehensive DEI framework and aligning brand positioning with corporate responsibility goals to enhance Echo’s reputation and stakeholder engagement. Prior to Echo, she served as Director of Global Diversity & Inclusion at McDonald's Corporation, leading strategic initiatives that aligned talent and business priorities across global markets. Earlier, as Marketing Director for the Asian Consumer Market, she spearheaded culturally relevant, in-language campaigns that strengthened McDonald’s connection with Asian American consumers while reinforcing its commitment to social impact and multicultural engagement. Beyond her professional work, Sharmila is an active community leader, serving on multiple boards and committees. She holds a Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from USF’s Muma College of Business, an M.B.A. in Marketing/Strategic Planning from The Wharton School at The University of Pennsylvania, and a B.A. in Computer Science/Math from The University of Rochester. She is also a Master Certified Professional Coach, a Qualified Administrator for the Intercultural Development Inventory, and a certified Myers-Briggs (MBTI) Practitioner. In 2023, she was recognized as one of Diversity MBA’s Top 25 Outstanding Leadership & Diversity Impact Award winners. Born in India, Sharmila immigrated to the U.S. as a child eventually settling in the Chicago area. She enjoys international travel, exploring global cuisines, entertaining, gardening, home decorating, and spending quality time with family and friends.