Table of Contents
In a remarkable turn from her roots as a beloved country music star, Chely Wright is stepping into a new chapter as a corporate executive. She has taken on the role of Senior VP of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at ISS, a global facilities management company.
This journey not only highlights her personal evolution but also underscores her commitment to advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the corporate landscape.
A Bold Transition: From Music to Corporate Leadership
When Chely publicly came out as gay in 2010, she didn’t just change her own life; she became a powerful spokesperson for the LGBTQ community within the country music industry.
Fast forward to 2025, and Wright is now on a very different path, stepping into a corporate role that allows her to channel her passion for social responsibility in an exciting new way. Is she leaving her music career behind? Not exactly.
Instead, she’s strategically shifting gears to leverage her skills in a different arena.
As she dives into her responsibilities at ISS, Wright emphasizes the importance of using her background in the music industry to positively influence corporate culture. She brings a wealth of experience in leadership, storytelling, and advocacy—all crucial elements in her current role.
By focusing on CSR and exploring new market growth, she aims to weave her values into the corporate fabric, ensuring that the company’s approach to social responsibility is both authentic and impactful.
Integrating Advocacy into Corporate Culture
Wright’s vision for her role at ISS is clear: diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords; they are essential components of a successful business model.
Leading a team of 320,000 global employees, she is determined to amplify the company’s efforts in these areas. By forging partnerships with diverse-owned businesses and embedding inclusive practices, Wright aims to cultivate a workplace that mirrors the community’s richness and complexity.
Her previous experience as Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Unispace provided a solid foundation for her current challenges. Now at ISS, she is tasked with not just maintaining but enhancing the company’s commitment to these principles. This involves collaborating with various departments to ensure that every team member feels valued and included, driving better performance and employee satisfaction. Who wouldn’t want to work in a place where they feel appreciated?
Community Engagement and Meaningful Initiatives
One of Wright’s standout achievements at ISS has been her involvement in community initiatives, such as organizing a benefit dinner to support local restaurants affected by disasters. This event exemplifies her approach to corporate responsibility, demonstrating that she not only mobilizes resources but also actively engages with the community to create lasting change.
The dinner, held at Pasadena’s Art Center, aimed to revive local businesses devastated by fires. By partnering with celebrity chefs and local vendors, Wright highlighted the importance of community in corporate strategies. This event showcased her unique ability to blend her passion for social impact with her business acumen, reinforcing the idea that corporations can—and should—play a critical role in their communities.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Advocacy in Corporate Settings
As Wright continues to carve out her path in corporate America, she remains deeply connected to her roots in music and activism. Despite focusing on her corporate role, she is also working on a musical inspired by her life story, emphasizing her belief in the power of storytelling. This dual commitment illustrates her understanding that both artistry and corporate responsibility can coexist and enrich one another. Isn’t it inspiring how she manages to juggle both worlds?
Reflecting on the challenges and opportunities ahead, Wright acknowledges the evolving landscape of inclusivity in the arts and business. While progress has certainly been made since she emerged as an LGBTQ advocate, she recognizes that many still face ongoing struggles. Her journey serves as a beacon of hope for others navigating similar paths, reminding us all that change is achievable through courage and strategic action.
