International Association of Women Honors Ada Crenshaw as a 2018-2019 Influencer of the Year

Ada Crenshaw, CEO and Founder of NXTLVL Consulting is selected for her outstanding leadership and commitment within her profession

​​The International Association of Women (IAW) honors Ada Crenshaw as a 2018-2019 Influencer of the Year. She is recognized with this prestigious distinction for leadership in entrepreneurship. The International Association of Women (IAW) is a global in-person and online networking platform with nearly one million members, 1000+ in person and virtual events, over 100 Local US based Chapters and International Chapters in several cities in China.

“I’m pleased to welcome Ada into this exceptional group of professional women,” said IPDN President and IAW Spokesperson Star Jones. “Her knowledge and experience in her industry are valuable assets to her company and community.”

I want to teach companies how to implement change holistically. Companies have to fix their heart (which is their employees) before they can revamp their systems and procedures to achieve their business goals and initiatives.

Ada Crenshaw, Founder of NXTLVL Consulting

As a Change and Configuration Management Expert with Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma certifications, Ada Crenshaw has more than 20 years of experience, primarily in the aerospace/defense industry. During her career, she has used her extensive skills and expertise in leadership, operations and communications to recommend necessary changes, from revamping procedures to purchasing the latest software. But Ms. Crenshaw, a highly sought-after thought leader in the industry, also realized that many companies ignore the needs of employees when implementing change.

“The bottom line was more important than doing business the right way and treating their employees unfairly,” Ms. Crenshaw said. “Some business owners do not realize that the employee is the heart of their business and in order to enact real change, it must start from within.” 

This practice of not considering the needs of employees inspired Ms. Crenshaw to start her own company, NXTLVL Consulting. “I want to teach companies how to implement change holistically,” she said. “Companies have to fix their heart (which is their employees) before they can revamp their systems and procedures to achieve their business goals and initiatives. Without them, they will not succeed.”  

Although it can be challenging to convince companies, many of whom are resistant to do things differently, Ms. Crenshaw is committed to helping them understand change is good when implemented the correct way. “One aspect I find most rewarding about my career is the opportunity to meet new people all the time,” she added. “I love the opportunity to connect and engage with people. Human contact and interaction is starting to become a lost art in certain parts of society due to the advancement of technology.”

As a public speaker, she captivates her audience with her extensive knowledge, valuable insights and keen ability to connect with others. Ms. Crenshaw’s short-term goal is to be a disrupter in the industry. “I want to show employees that change is not negative,” she said. “It is a constant and does not happen overnight. My company will show businesses and employees that change can be a positive and happy experience when done correctly. We want to get companies back to square one…putting the employees first again.”

Ms. Crenshaw also hopes to eventually start a foundation for veterans in honor of her mother, and late father and paternal grandfather. “The mission of my foundation will be to partner with other nonprofit organizations to offer transitional housing for homeless military veterans as well as nonmilitary homeless men, women and families,” she explained. “We want to help organizations provide a smoother transition to people trying to assimilate back into society.”

About IAW
The International Association of Women (IAW) is a global in-person and online professional networking platform that provides nearly one million women the forum, professional development and services needed to thrive in an interconnected world. Through 100+ local chapters, International Chapters in several cities in China and 1000+ in person and virtual events, members cultivate valuable connections, develop professionally, and promote themselves and their businesses. Founded in Chicago in 2017, IAW is a division of Professional Diversity Network, Inc., an online network tailored to provide diverse professionals in the United States with access to employment opportunities.

Source: International Association of Women

Related Media