Nereida "Neddy" Perez's Obituary
Nereida "Neddy" Perez, Age 59, of Huntersville, passed away Friday, June 30, 2023.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 8, 2023 at James Funeral Home.
A catered reception will follow at the James Funeral Home Community Room.
In lieu of flowers, Neddy's wishes were that donations should made to St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Inc. and/or University of Florida Foundation - College of Journalism. Two organizations that were near and dear to her heart.
OBITUARY
Nereida ‘Neddy’ Perez, beloved pioneer and champion for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging died Friday, June 30, 2023. She was 59 years old.
Neddy was born in 1964 in Cuba, to parents Margarita Cansino and Miguel Perez.
Growing up in Chicago, IL, Neddy went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Relations from the University of Florida in 1986. Later Neddy earned her Master of Human Resources Management from Nova Southeastern University in 2000.
Neddy was one of the most trusted and respected champions for diversity, equity and inclusion in the entire business community. Neddy joined McCormick in 2019 as was the Vice President of DEI. Prior to joining McCormick, she served in roles of increasing responsibility in Human Relations, Talent Development, and Diversity & Inclusion for UPS, KPMG, National Grid, Ingersoll Rand, and TIAA. Neddy served on the Board of Directors for Diversity MBA Magazine, the Diversity Advisory Board of Truist Bank, the Diversity Council of the Manufacturing Institute and the National Diversity Advisory Council of the American Red Cross. In 2021, she was inducted into the Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame for her advocacy and advancement of women in STEM & Manufacturing and was also selected by her peers as one of the Top 50 Leaders in the Diversity & Inclusion space.
Neddy leveraged her incredible voice, expertise and passion for combating injustice in the workplace to ensure that everyone had an equal opportunity and was treated with dignity and respect no matter their differences. Her legacy and impact across the globe will never be forgotten.
Neddy died surrounded by her loving family and close friends. She is survived by her mother, Margarita Cansino; brother, Miguel Perez Jr.; aunts, uncle, and a host of cousins, godchildren, and close friends.
**Reminder - as Neddy's family is not based in Charlotte, in lieu of flowers, Neddy's wishes were that donations should made to St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Inc. and/or University of Florida Foundation - College of Journalism. Two organizations that were near and dear to her heart.
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