Diane Merians Penaloza

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Dr. Merians Penaloza has an MBA, with a focus on marketing and analytics, and a DBA, with a focus on data privacy and consumer motivation. Her research is looking at why people choose to protect (or not!) their online data privacy. She taught at Baruch College for 9 years and is now teaching at the CUNY School of Professional Studies. In her pre-academic life, she worked as a programmer, writer, project manager, data analyst, and digital marketer (usually all at the same time, in the same company). In her free time, she is a freelance writer and data analyst.

Recent news

40-day Target Boycott Over DEI Policy Begins: Black Pastor Leads Target Fast Over Lent

March 12, 2025

USA Today

In a recent USA Today article, CUNY SPS Professor Dr. Diane Merians Penaloza analyzes the consumer response to Target's rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, highlighted by a 40-day boycott led by Rev. Jamal Bryant. Dr. Penaloza notes that companies scaling back DEI efforts risk damaging their brand reputation and alienating key customer segments, potentially impacting long-term profitability.

40-day Boycott of Target Is Under Way: Here's What to Know About the Target Fast

March 10, 2025

USA Today

CUNY SPS Professor Dr. Merians Penaloza, from the online Business programs, spoke with USA Today, about the implications of Target's 40-day boycott initiated in response to the company's rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. She highlights that such consumer-led protests underscore the growing demand for corporate accountability in social justice matters.