COURAGEOUSLY COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE
Meet Ramona
Throughout her career, Ramona Hood has empowered leaders and driven impact across multiple industries, from corporate and transportation to healthcare and financial services. Rising from an entry-level position to CEO of FedEx Custom Critical, and now a respected advisor to major boards and executives worldwide, she has dedicated decades building resilient, diverse, and high-performing teams.
Her journey to the top was anything but typical—it began at just 19, facing unexpected challenges and driven by a deep resolve to create a better future. A young mother and navigating life's uncertainties, Ramona faced a pivotal decision. She applied for a receptionist position, seeking more than a job but a chance at stability. The interview process was her first true test, challenging both her abilities and her resolve. When she secured the position, it wasn't just a job offer; it was the first step on a path that would take her far beyond the front desk.
Within six months, her relentless drive took her from receptionist duties to a critical role in safety and compliance, dealing with intricate internal regulations and external mandates like those from the Department of Transportation. Her journey through the corporate maze was marked by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. When a cross-training program was introduced, Ramona was initially told it wasn’t for admins. Yet, her persistence paid off. She not only entered the program but excelled, moving swiftly through roles and carving her niche in safety and compliance.
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Three years into her tenure, a department leader saw potential in her that Ramona had barely dared to acknowledge. This moment of recognition was transformative, igniting her ambition and reshaping her career trajectory. However, her journey through the ranks was not without challenges, including navigating micro-aggressions, passive-aggressive behaviors, and outright sabotage from peers intimidated by her rise.
Meet Ramona
From doubt to determination, Ramona shifted her focus toward the legacy she aims to build.
Amidst these trials and tribulations, mentorship provided the crucial support she needed to accelerate her progress. It was a mentor who taught her the power of self-advocacy—advising her to never sit in the corner of a room but to confidently bring a chair to the table. This advice was metaphorical and literal, embodying her approach to every challenge: make space to be seen and heard, and claim it boldly.
Her ascension to the executive team was a testament to her grit and grace under pressure. As one of the few women on the team and the only Black person, she confronted doubts and biases not only with the support of influential allies like the president and CEO but also by drawing inspiration from other women of color in similar positions.
Seeking support not only strengthened Ramona but also empowered the next generation of leaders.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Walsh University
Executive MBA from Case Western Reserve University Weatherhead School of Management.
Following 2020’s heightened call for diversity in corporate boardrooms, Ramona found herself at the forefront, unexpectedly accelerating her plans to transition into board roles. Today, she serves on several prestigious boards, including Brinker International, the Knight Foundation, Summa Health, and most recently, the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. In these roles, she amplifies the organization's value, shapes policies and champions equity at the highest levels.
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Beyond the boardroom, Ramona dedicates her time to fitness, improving financial literacy for under-resourced communities, and giving back to her hometown of Akron, Ohio.