Pixar Executive and SHHS Class of ‘79 Alum Britta M. Wilson Named 2020 Commencement Speaker

May 9, 2020—Shaker Heights Schools and the Shaker Schools Foundation announce that Britta M. Wilson, Vice President, Inclusion Strategies at Pixar Animation Studios will be the commencement speaker for the Class of 2020 virtual commencement on Wednesday, June 3. Ms. Wilson is a Shaker Heights native and a member of the Shaker Heights High School Class of 1979. She is also a member of the Shaker Schools Alumni Hall of Fame.

“We’re thrilled that Ms. Wilson will be joining our graduates for our virtual commencement,” says Shaker Schools Foundation Executive Director Holly Couglin. “Her willingness to be the voice to inspire our graduates as they move forward in these uncertain times is a special opportunity.”

Ms. Wilson began at Pixar Animation Studios in October 2016 as Vice President, Inclusion Strategies. In this role, she is tasked with developing and nurturing an inclusive workplace in which a wide variety of voices are empowered to shape the studio’s stories. She is committed to equipping both the current and next generation of leaders to build inclusive cultures where marginalized and underrepresented employees experience belonging and thrive.

“As I look back to my own graduation from Shaker, the lessons I learned there and the experiences that I had still play a role in who I am and what I do today. I’m looking forward to participating in this celebration!” says Ms. Wilson.

Ms. Wilson is also the member of several organizations and has been a recipient of prestigious accolades including: 2017 MBA of the Year, National Black MBA Association, recipient of the 2018 Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) Influential Leader award, LA Lakers & Comerica Bank Women in Business Leadership Award, and the Governor’s Award for Female Business Owners. She is an active member of the National Black MBA Advisory Board, served on the Board of Directors for the Goodwill of Orange County, Pepperdine University Graziadio School of Business & Management and the USO. 

Ms. Wilson received her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from UCLA and her MBA and doctorate from Pepperdine University. Prior to Pixar, she served in senior leadership positions with Expedia (Chief Diversity Officer) and Paramount Pictures (SVP, People & Organization). Ms. Wilson currently resides in both Oakland, CA and Yorba Linda, CA.