Building and Leading Diverse Teams

Sergio R. Santos, MBA

Sergio R. Santos, MBA, is the Diversity Program Leader within the Global Talent Acquisition team at Cummins Inc. In this role, Sergio drives Cummins’ strategy in sourcing, attracting, engaging, and acquiring top diverse talent.

Sergio began his professional career by earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and commission in the U.S. Marine Corps from the United States Naval Academy. Over the next six years, he served as a Scout Sniper Platoon Commander, Company Commander, and Battalion Intelligence Officer – where he earned numerous awards, deployed on two overseas tours, and was one of the first Marines into Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks.

Upon transitioning out of the Corps, Sergio brought his ability to calculate risk, develop strategic plans, and lead diverse teams into the highly competitive landscape of Strategy and Management Consulting. As a Lead Consultant and Small Business Executive for twelve years, he spearheaded numerous successful programs in the retail, aerospace, government, and nonprofit industries.

Sergio most recently served as the Manager for Diversity Recruiting Programs at Boston Scientific – where he developed and implemented strategic plans to influence planning, sourcing, and recruiting of diverse experienced-hire candidates to fulfill critical leadership pipeline needs. He also developed and fostered 50+ external diversity partnerships (to include NSBE, SHPE, SWE, Disability:IN, SACC, O4U, etc.) and codified a diversity channel map and action planning process to empower recruiters with multiple resources in which to build diverse candidate slates. While working at BSC, Sergio also earned his MBA from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.

A consummate Servant Leader, Sergio has mentored hundreds of transitioning veterans in resume, interview, and networking skills; co-founded the Veterans Writing Group – San Diego with the support of the Writers Guild of America; served as a Governor-Appointed Industry Representative to the Minnesota State Rehabilitation Counsel; served as a Board Member for the Minnesota Medal of Honor Memorial; coached dozens of Little League t-ball, baseball, and softball teams; and currently serves as Board Member and Officer for The Warriors’ Lawyer.

He currently resides in San Antonio, TX with his wife – Anne, daughter – Sailor (10), son – Ronin (6), and hound dog – Coco (1). When not shaping talent strategy, Sergio is likely chauffeuring kids to various athletic practices and events.

Bridget Finkeldey

Bridget is an organized and empathetic leader with demonstrated success in event coordination, stakeholder relations, digital marketing, copywriting, project management, human resources management, and public speaking.

Bridget prides herself on her ability to connect with her clients and teammates in a clear and effective manner, all while wearing a smile. In her free time, you can find Bridget on her yoga mat or with a book in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other.