Parto Dehdashti has served for 20+ years at Vanguard, a leading global investment management company. She started her career in the information technology (IT) division as an information systems engineer. Through various leadership opportunities and effective application of Six Sigma, she led an IT department through an award-winning program before joining the Center for Excellence (CfE).  Leading various continuous improvement engagements across the company has afforded her a broad knowledge of Vanguard’s business and a cross-divisional view when designing innovative solutions. Ms. Dehdashti received her Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt designation at Vanguard and holds the PMI Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification. She has specialized in the human center design field, focusing on efficient and effective solutions with a focus on meeting the clients’ needs. She is also active in corporate citizenship and community work, by having served as co-chair of an award-winning diversity and inclusion program at Vanguard, coordinating various days of service volunteer activities, serving on a nonprofit strategic planning board committee, and serving as an innovation award judge.

She received a doctoral degree in information systems, a master’s degree in human services management, and a bachelor’s degree in human behavior and development, all from Drexel University. Prior to joining Vanguard, she taught at Drexel and helped start two small businesses (software research/development and consulting).