Laysha Ward, Target’s groundbreaking chief external engagement officer who paved the way for corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion work nationwide, turns in her bullseye badge this week after 32 years with the company. But she’s not slowing down. Today, Ward announced a forthcoming book to be published in the spring of 2025 by Open Field, a publishing imprint by Maria Shriver and Penguin Random House.

“I will share book updates as the pages unfold in the months ahead,” Ward wrote this morning in her popular LinkedIn newsletter, Laysha’s Lessons, which has nearly 185,000 subscribers (almost a half million people follow Ward on the LinkedIn). She also launched a website where she plans to share “stories of life, leadership, and learning.”

“One thing is certain,” Ward wrote in today’s newsletter, “I will continue to be driven by my purpose to be of service to others.”

Ward was inducted into TCB’s Minnesota Business Hall of Fame in 2023.

“Laysha has been an ambassador for, and a shining example of, Target’s culture of care,” Target CEO and chairman Brian Cornell said at the time. “Every day, she inspires our team, deepens connections with a wide array of stakeholders and the communities we serve, and drives positive business impact along the way. Laysha also has been a national leader and pacesetter in the world of diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

Ward waxed nostalgic in her newsletter. “While I am incredibly excited for my next chapter, I will miss the Target team and partners, past and present, who deeply influenced me over the past three decades. The farewell festivities in recent weeks have reinforced for me just what a wonderful ride it has been.”