Shakena Lum-Cox is the Director of Talent Development & Diversity at Benefits Data Trust, responsible for the development and implementation of innovative learning and planning initiatives to maximize talent across the organization in functional, business, and leadership development solutions. She leads the organization’s diversity strategy, keeping a pulse on necessary updates and pushing equity initiatives. As a member of the Human Resources team for the past four years, Shakena started her BDT journey in 2014 in the Contact Center as a Benefits Outreach Specialist and later a Contact Center Supervisor. 

During her tenure at BDT, Shakena has created a leadership curriculum to set baseline expectations of people management across BDT. She has built professional development opportunities for hourly staff, such as the Shadow Program which encourages valuable skill development. Shakena launched DEI training for all staff in 2015 and later developed the Employee Resource Group program in 2017.  

Shakena received a B.S. degree in accounting with a minor in Spanish from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and a Master of Arts in International Peace & Conflict Resolution from American University. She has studied abroad in both Spain and Costa Rica. Outside of her professional life, Shakena is a wife and dog-mom, and she spends time volunteering with a community garden and the National Urban League.