Diversity,Equity, and Inclusiveness (DEI): A Leadership Journey Rooted in Culture and Global Impact
- Josephine “Arjho” Turner
- Apr 15
- 3 min read
Josephine “Arjho” Turner is a proud Filipina of Blaan Indigenous Peoples and Ilocano/Waray heritage, now a naturalized U.S. citizen based in Smyrna, Georgia. She balances her roles as a wife, mother, public servant, and global professional with a deep commitment to service and inclusive leadership.
Currently serving as Executive Assistant to the Cobb County Chairwoman, she also leads as Founder and CEO of ACT International Consulting, LLC. Across her work, Arjho advocates for environmental sustainability, diversity and inclusion, leadership development, and good governance. Her journey is both deeply personal and globally impactful rooted in Indigenous values and expanded through international leadership.
From Indigenous Communities to Global Leadership
Arjho’s leadership journey began in the Philippines, working closely with Indigenous communities in Sarangani Province. As Luntiang Lumad Project Manager and later Indigenous Peoples Development Program Manager, she led initiatives focused on environmental sustainability, agriculture, and community development. These early experiences shaped her leadership philosophy:
“Leadership is grounded in service, listening, and collaboration.”
Working alongside Indigenous leaders taught her that meaningful change happens when communities are empowered, not directed. It is about stewardship, respect, and shared responsibility for future generations. When she immigrated to the United States, her leadership expanded across sectors government, nonprofit, and consulting, bringing together diverse stakeholders to create sustainable and inclusive solutions.
Defining Excellence in Leadership
Arjho defines leadership excellence through three pillars: integrity, service and continuous Learning. Her experience across government programs, nonprofit initiatives, and consulting roles reinforced a key insight: “Titles and certifications matter only when they create real value for people and communities.” She applies project management principles not just to deliver outcomes, but to ensure those outcomes are sustainable, inclusive, and community centered.
Academic Excellence and Lifelong Learning
 |  Defining Excellence in LeadershipArjho defines leadership excellence through three pillars: integrity, service and continuous Learning. Her experience across government programs, nonprofit initiatives, and consulting roles reinforced a key insight: “Titles and certifications matter only when they create real value for people and communities.” She applies project management principles not just to deliver outcomes, but to ensure those outcomes are sustainable, inclusive, and community centered. |
Diversity and Inclusion in Practice
Having worked across cultures in the Philippines and the United States, Arjho understands that effective leadership requires cultural awareness and empathy.
Inclusive leadership, for her, begins with listening and building trust.
In high-pressure environments, this means:
Creating safe spaces for diverse perspectives
Encouraging open communication
Valuing different cultural approaches to problem-solving
She emphasizes that diversity strengthens teams by bringing varied experiences into decision-making processes.
“Inclusive teams are more innovative, collaborative, and resilient.”
By applying both traditional leadership principles and agile practices, she has seen how inclusive environments drive better outcomes in complex projects.
Cultural Advocacy and Identity
Arjho’s leadership is deeply rooted in her cultural identity.
As a cultural advocate, she has served as a resource speaker in local and international platforms. Her Blaan cultural collection is currently featured in the “Reflections of Culture” exhibition at the Fernbank Museum in Atlanta highlighting her commitment to preserving and sharing Indigenous heritage.
Her identity is not separate from her leadership it is its foundation.
A Mission To Build Inclusive Communities
Arjho believes that leadership influence carries responsibility.
When leaders open doors, share knowledge and uplift others, they create ripple effects that strengthen communities and empower future generations.
Her mission is clear:
“To build inclusive spaces where individuals from all backgrounds can grow, lead, and thrive.”
Inclusion is not about asking for space, it is about intentionally creating it: a space where every voice is heard, valued, and respected, and where anyone is inspired to lead with courage.
