The 2021 Top 25 Consultants: Margarita De Leon

Margarita De Leon is a Senior Consultant and Transformation Leader for The Kaleidoscope Group, a full-service diversity and inclusion consulting firm dedicated to unlocking human potential. In this role, some of her responsibilities involve leading clients through a transformation journey; assessing various organizations on their equity journey; designing and delivering just-in-time education, and advising on updating practices, policies and procedures to create inclusive cultures.

Throughout 20 plus years at The Kaleidoscope Group, Margarita has served a wide variety of clients across several industries. Some of her clients include Milwaukee Repertory Theater, The American Cell Society of American Biologists, Triton College, Vulcan, The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and The Metropolitan Group.

She has experience in diversity training facilitation, nonprofit development, corporate communications, publishing, fundraising, and public service. Margarita utilizes her curiosity to craft strategies that will lead clients on a path to equity. She is motivated by being able to help others and the impact that her work has on other people.

Prior to The Kaleidoscope Group, in 1988 she founded IMAGE of Northwest Ohio, a local chapter of a national Latino advocacy organization, establishing the annual Diamante Awards and scholarship program the following year. She continues to be associated with the organization raising over 1M dollars and providing over 30 scholarships annually in northwest Ohio through endowments at four universities. She served as former publisher of BRAVO Magazine, Ohio's first Hispanic magazine, introduced in 1997.

Margarita was also the founding member of Latino Fest, the Ohio Latino Arts Association, and the Latino Alliance of Northwest Ohio. Margarita holds a Bachelor's degree and Master's degree from Bowling Green State University and an MBA from The University of Toledo. Outside of work, she enjoys walking, cycling, cooking, yoga, and spending time with her grandchildren.

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

"About fifteen years ago, I initiated a college endowment partnership among 4 institutions of higher learning in Ohio. It took some good old-fashioned influencing and consulting skills to encourage the 4 university presidents that they could be doing more to be inclusive of their Latinx students. I coordinated a fundraising campaign to establish endowments in all 4 universities for Latinx students. Up until that time, there were no endowments dedicated to Latinx students. Today, we celebrate Latinx contributions in our community and we are also able to give about 35 students scholarships from those endowments. As part of my legacy, these scholarships continue in perpetuity and will be around long after I am gone. I was privileged to receive a great education. My parents came from very humble beginnings never going further than grade school. When I was able to attain a bachelor's and 2 master's degrees, it just opened so many doors for me. I want the same for so many others. To pass that gift along to first-generation underrepresented college students warms my heart. I know I have and continue to make a difference."

What advice would you give to a professional just beginning a career in consulting

"Shadow others who do this work. It is the quickest way to experience what it is like to lead and inspire others to a higher existence. Don't be shy about sharing your truth. Our lived experience is what helps to broaden others' mindsets. Place yourself in uncomfortable situations. We have more to offer than we realize. Balance your style with your head, hands, and heart. All three are needed, but you may have to lead with one over the other depending on who your client is to have a real impact. Ask good questions for deeper understanding. Be gracious in your work. You will learn things from both your family, friends, colleagues and clients who will help shape and inform your personal consulting style. Be a role model and mentor for others. Help bring them up by sharing your lessons."

What have you loved most about your consulting career?

"I love providing others with new insights. I love seeing the 'lightbulbs' go off. I enjoy my clients not only putting into action my recommendations but hearing them repeat the advice I've given them. I've enjoyed seeing clients turn into friends."

What's the best advice—personal or professional—you've ever received?

"Be true to who you are. Remember that we are all on this journey together. Meet others where they are and always lend a hand where you can. It will come back to you ten-fold. Seek advice from people who are different than you."

What does being honored as a Top 25 Consultant mean to you?

"It means that my peers value who am and the life experience I bring to my work at The Kaleidoscope Group. This inspires me to continue to grow and be better. It means that I have a responsibility to bring others along where I can."