Kanarys Inc., a Dallas-based diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) technology company, announced the appointment of Google Inc. Chief Diversity Officer Melonie D. Parker to its board of directors.

Kanarys focuses on a data-driven DEIB strategy, according to company co-founder and CEO Mandy Price. That approach helps organizations to “identify and address systemic inequities, foster inclusive workplace environments, and drive meaningful change,” she says.

Those pieces come together in the tools Kanarys provides to help organizations create long-term systemic change around DEIB challenges, the company said.

With more than three decades of experience delivering measurable impact and equitable outcomes for communities across the globe, Kanarys said, Parker also brings a data-driven approach to DEIB.

In a statement, Price said that Parker’s skill in utilizing data to boost Google’s employee engagement within DEIB contributes “invaluable experience and knowledge” to Kanarys. “Under her expert guidance, we will further Kanarys’ innovative data-driven platform and provide the framework that companies need to deliver comprehensive DEIB strategies that truly cultivate inclusive workplaces.”

The company said Parker is a dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion in corporate environments, and she has been the driving force of Google’s commitment to addressing the tech industry’s talent pipeline in its workforce as well as fostering diversity amongst emerging entrepreneurs.

Black women making business history

Before Google, Parker was the first Black woman to serve as the vice president of human resources and communications at Sandia National Laboratories, and she held a variety of progressive leadership roles over a 17-year period at Lockheed Martin, which has two of its divisions headquartered in North Texas.

“As someone who has dedicated my career to fostering inclusion and empowering workplaces, I look forward to working with Kanarys to drive DEIB impact across industries on a global scale,” Parker said in a statement. “With data being key to sustaining DEIB progress and commitment, Kanarys has set the standard in creating measurable DEIB solutions, by harnessing its data-driven approach to building a more equitable future for all workplaces.”

Kanarys said that in its five years, the company has grown from an idea to a category industry leader in DEIB used by notable companies such as Yum! Brands, Silicon Labs, the Chuck E. Cheese Corp., 7-Eleven, Neiman Marcus, and several other Fortune 500 companies.

Kanarys also established strategic partnerships with leading national advocacy groups including INROADS, Prospanica, and the National Urban League.

The company said that despite Black women receiving less than 1% of venture capital funding, Price has raised more than $10.5 million in venture capital funding to help companies advance and measure DEIB within their organizations.

With Kanarys’ Series A funding round closing in February, Price joined less than 20 Black female founders who have raised more than $10 million.

What the funders say

George Spencer III, senior managing director of Seyen Capital, the lead investor in Kanarys’ Series A financing round, said that “Kanarys remains at the forefront of providing data-driven DEIB solutions for companies around the world.”

“As companies adapt to increased regulations and reporting standards around environmental, social, and governance (ESG) on a global scale, it’s more critical than ever that companies have the necessary DEIB data to effectively support and retain their employees,” Spencer said in a statement.

“With Melonie’s impressive three decades of experience in leading DEIB initiatives, Kanarys is well-positioned to advance their data-driven solutions and provide the data that organizations need to comply with required ESG and DEIB disclosures,” he added.

Chuck Stormon, managing partner for StartFast Ventures and Kanarys investor, said that Kanarys’ innovative data-driven approach to DEIB has fueled startup’s impressive growth.

“Adding Melonie to Kanarys’ board of directors will propel the company forward in its mission to create more inclusive and accessible companies where everyone belongs. Her extensive experience and outstanding track record across multiple industries will play a crucial role in providing the necessary guidance to drive Kanarys forward,” Stormon said.

Kanarys and Price are having a busy year. In May, Price was named to Afrotech’s “Founders of the Year” list. We also told you about Kanarys partnering with MAC Diversity Recruiters and hiring Kendra Mack as VP of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

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