Advisory Circle

UBelong has formed an Advisory Circle of national experts and practitioners across the health, non-profit, retail, technology, automobile, and agribusiness industries to bring additional diversity, perspectives, and professional insights.

Sam Ingram

Sam Ingram leads the development and execution of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (ID&E) strategies for Medtronic’s Global Operations & Supply Chain division, which comprises a workforce of 40,000 employees worldwide. Leveraging core competencies in process improvement, marketing communications, and strategic vision, Sam drives program adoption, facilitates effective change management, and ensures organizational readiness for ID&E initiatives. Collaborative by nature, Sam collaborates closely with key stakeholders, including people analytics, HR partners, task forces, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and business leaders, to identify and eliminate barriers impacting underrepresented talent. Through this work, Sam strives to create an inclusive workplace where every individual is valued and empowered to contribute their best, fostering both personal and organizational success.

Gary Deppe serves as the Director of Learning and Organizational Effectiveness at Land O’Lakes, Inc. His areas of expertise span learning strategy, talent management, instructional design, leadership development, competency modeling, and succession planning, embodying a holistic approach to organizational excellence. With a track record of excellence in crafting and guiding high-performance strategies, teams, and projects, Gary is celebrated for his creative and collaborative leadership, acting as both a valued business partner and mentor. Gary’s career journey includes pivotal roles within large global multinationals and startups alike, lending him a comprehensive perspective. Above all, he is deeply passionate about nurturing the growth and development of others to help them reach their fullest potential.

Julieta Piox

Julieta Piox is a seasoned bilingual leader with over 20 years of experience in leadership, coaching, and training. As a Maxwell Leadership Certified Coach, Trainer, and Speaker, Julieta empowers women and organizations in fostering self-leadership skills that enable individuals to lead themselves and others effectively. As a dynamic speaker, entrepreneur, and international businesswoman, Julieta offers her professional services in English and Spanish. In addition, Julieta is the founder of the Latina Youth Leadership Academy (LYLA), a non-profit organization dedicated to developing young Latino leaders in areas of Leadership, Mentorship, and Well-being. She also serves as a corporate facilitator for Beyond Success, contributing to accessible personal development through leadership values. Julieta hosts the podcast “My Best Life Now,” empowering others to live purposefully, boost self-confidence, and harness personal power with practical tips and resources. In 2023, she was featured in Voyage Minnesota Magazine, recognized as a local woman leader. Julieta holds an MBA from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, a Leadership Certificate from UCLA, and is a devoted wife and mother of two daughters.