Celeste Warren takes equity message global with TEDx and Michigan HR keynote

Former Merck executive Celeste Warren is expanding her equity message through a TEDx talk on the official TEDx Talks YouTube channel and a featured appearance at Michigan’s 2026 SHRM state conference. The moves come as DEI faces political scrutiny and as Warren builds her consulting business, book platform and leadership brand.

Why it matters: - Celeste Warren is pushing an equity-focused leadership message to a much wider audience at a moment when DEI programs face political scrutiny and corporate reassessment. - Her TEDx publication and upcoming Michigan HR conference appearance extend her reach with executives, HR leaders and business audiences. - The timing also highlights a broader shift: seasoned corporate leaders are turning executive experience into independent consulting, speaking and thought leadership.

What happened: - Warren’s TEDx talk, "The Cost of Standing Still," was published on the official TEDx Talks YouTube channel. - The channel has more than 40 million subscribers and billions of cumulative views. - Warren will speak at the 2026 MISHRM State Conference Oct. 21-23 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan. - She will lead a morning session on Oct. 22 focused on workplace culture, HR leadership and systemic change. - Warren will also hold a book signing for The Truth About Equity: What It Really Is, What It Isn't, And Why Everyone Wins When We Get It Right.

The details: - The MISHRM conference is presented by the Michigan Council of the Society for Human Resource Management. - The conference theme is "Culture Catalysts." - The event brings together HR professionals and business leaders who influence workplace culture and organizational performance. - Warren’s TEDx talk asks audiences to consider the cost of keeping systems in place that limit opportunity, innovation and progress. - Her message centers on leadership, workplace culture and the barriers that can keep talented people from advancing. - Warren is encouraging leaders to move beyond political rhetoric and focus on practical solutions that improve culture, develop talent and create opportunity. - Her book challenges misconceptions about equity and argues that opportunity and performance can coexist. - Warren’s Equity in Action Model includes six principles: Awareness, Access, Advocacy, Action, Accountability and Empowerment. - The model is designed to help leaders identify barriers, expand opportunity, advocate for fairness, take action, measure progress and empower others.

Between the lines: - Warren’s global TEDx distribution gives her message a more durable platform than a single conference stage. - Her visibility across TEDx, conference speaking, print, social media and Substack signals a deliberate shift from corporate executive to independent equity strategist. - The focus on workplace culture and practical leadership may resonate more broadly than DEI language that has become politically charged. - Her entrepreneurial path also tracks with National Women’s Small Business Month, which recognizes women-owned businesses and leadership transitions. - Warren left Merck in July 2025 after a 28-year career, where she served as vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer. - She now leads Celeste Warren Consulting, LLC. - Warren’s work also extends to Destination STEM, Inc., which she co-founded to expand virtual mentorship for underrepresented students pursuing STEM careers. - Her recent recognition includes the Expert Insight Award at the fourth annual Speak Sell Shine event on Oct. 5 at Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C. - She also appeared on the May 2026 cover of SPEAKERS Magazine, and her perspectives have appeared through Forbes and other media.

What's next: - Warren’s next major public appearance is her Oct. 22 session at the MISHRM State Conference in Grand Rapids. - The conference will give HR leaders a live forum to engage with her equity and workplace culture framework. - Warren is likely to keep expanding her consulting, speaking and publishing platforms as she builds her post-corporate business. - More information is available at Celeste Warren Consulting.