Cultures
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MEET OUR SPEAKERS
Merary
Soto-Saunders
Former
Former Managing Director & Global Head of DEI, ex-CVC Capital Partners
Board Member City Year UK
Merary served as Managing Director and Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at CVC Capital Partners, a private equity and investment advisory firm with approximately €186 billion of assets, driving growth across all HR functions and she spearheaded initiatives to create an inclusive culture and helped portfolio companies attract underrepresented talent.
Recognized as one of the 100 most influential people of Black descent in the UK by the Powerlist, Merary is also a sought-after speaker at industry events like Super Return and PEI Insight. She actively contributes to social initiatives as a trustee of City Year UK and as a talent advisor for Ripple Works, supporting NGOs globally.
Merary Soto-Saunders is the Founding member for the UK branch of CHIEF, of a talent advisory firm focusing on inclusive leadership, succession planning, and HR technology solutions. She collaborates with organizations to strengthen diverse leadership pipelines, enhance talent strategies, and optimize HR operations.
Neil
Milliken
Vice President and Global Head of Accessibility & Digital Inclusion
ATOS
Neil Milliken is the Vice President and Global Head of Accessibility & Digital Inclusion at Atos, driving organizations towards true disability competence. He focuses on setting strategies, embedding inclusive practices, and delivering change programs that improve technology for both customers and employees.
Neil's work is centered on making accessibility a core business issue, having developed an ESG-aligned framework for Atos’s accessibility program. He also contributes to global accessibility as part of the Global Leadership Council for the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) and chairs the ILO Global Business Disability Network.
A co-founder of AXSChat, Neil is also involved with numerous influential boards, including the World Institute on Disability and Genius Within. Named a top Diversity & Inclusion practitioner in the Disability Smart Awards, Neil advocates for accessibility, neurodivergence, and building more inclusive digital spaces.
Megan
Cadd
Director of Inclusion
GARTNER
Megan is the Director of Inclusion at Gartner, where 8 vibrant Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) work to foster a culture of belonging for underrepresented communities.
With extensive experience across EMEA and APAC, Megan is committed to creating inclusive workplace environments that empower all associates. As a $5.9 billion company, with 20,000 associates, and a member of the S&P 500, Gartner is an objective partner with about 15,000 client enterprises in more than 90 countries and territories.
Strategic thinker and problem solver, working with key stakeholders to develop solutions that impact key business metrics. Her global perspective drives innovative initiatives that promote equity, enhance employee engagement, and bring about meaningful change. Known for her collaborative spirit and creative problem-solving, Megan leads with passion while building a workplace where diversity thrives and everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Tomas
Flier
EMEA Inclusion lead
Tomas Flier is a Global Inclusion Partner at Google. His role and purpose is to build a more equitable company and world by serving underrepresented and historically marginalized groups through reimagining systems and changing them. His focus centers on cultivating an inclusive culture at Google, where every employee feels valued not in spite, but because of their unique identities and perspectives.
In his more than 13 years at Google, Tomas worked in several regions and organizations including Sales from Argentina, Marketing from Brazil, Product Inclusion and Communities work from the US and EMEA.
He's been granted the Corporate Social Responsibility award from the EU business school, the Young Hispanic Corporate AchieversTM award by the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility and has been recognized as a One Young World global ambassador.
Beyond his role at Google, Tomas engages as a public speaker and consultant, driven by the goal of raising awareness about the power and responsibility that we all share in the battle against inequalities and inequities within our societies.
Caroline Vaquette
Director DEI
PERNOD RICARD
Caroline Vaquette serves as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Pernod Ricard, where she champions workplace inclusivity on a global scale. With over 20 years of leadership experience spanning three continents—the US, Asia, and Europe—she has established herself as a recognized DEI expert in France with significant international impact.
As a Global HR Executive, Caroline excels at designing and implementing innovative programs, maximising tech and AI capabilities that transform workplace cultures. As Pernod Ricard sees D&I as a performance enabler and a catalyst for social sustainability, her portfolio encompasses DEI initiatives, business management, learning and development, and corporate citizenship. Drawing on her deep understanding of multicultural environments, she builds inclusive workplace cultures that drive collaboration and deliver superior outcomes.
Known for approaching challenges with courage, benevolence, and transparency, Caroline brings boundless energy to her mission of advancing social engagement. Her proven track record of success stems from combining strategic vision with practical DEI best practices to create lasting organizational change.
Dina
Gabriel
Global Head of Equity, Diversity & Impact
SPOTIFY
Dina serves as the Global Head of Equity, Diversity and Impact (EDI) at Spotify, where she Dina serves as the Global Head of Equity, Diversity and Impact (EDI) at Spotify, where she leads a unified strategy integrating internal DEI initiatives with external Social Impact efforts. Her work is guided by a clear purpose: creating a Spotify experience that authentically serves everyone.
With over twelve years of distinguished experience in Human Resource leadership, Dina has made significant contributions across the tech industry. Before Spotify, she led HR for Tech at Airbnb and headed HR teams at Twitter and Cloudera, where she founded their Diversity and Inclusion practice. Her pioneering work established frameworks and secured executive sponsorship to transform inclusive hiring practices and increase leadership diversity throughout these organisations.
At Spotify, Dina's impact extends beyond her EDI role. She successfully led the creation of Echo, Spotify's internal talent marketplace designed to increase transparency and democratize access to career growth opportunities for all employees.
A thought leader in equitable workplace practices, Dina currently resides in Stockholm with her two sons and holds a Master's degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University.
Payal
Arora
Professor of Inclusive AI Cultures, Utrecht University
Co-founder, AI Inclusive Lab
Author: "Next billion users" and "From pessimism to promise"
A visionary in inclusive tech design, she has spent 20 years exploring user experiences in low-income communities worldwide.
Digital anthropologist and an author, speaker and consultant. Author of "The Next Billion Users" and "From Pessimism to Promise," longlisted for the prestigious Porchlight Business Book awards under tech creative and innovation, her work has been celebrated by Forbes as championing tech reform for the next billion. Featured in BBC, Financial Times, and Tech Crunch, she has also consulted for Google, UNESCO, and Spotify.
With over 350 talks in 67 countries, she brings global perspectives and bold ideas to the table. A Harvard and Columbia alumna, she is currently based in Amsterdam, blending Indian, Irish, and American insights to redefine technology's future.
Alberto
Alemanno
Professor of Law & Public Policy
HEC PARIS & The Good Lobby
Alberto Alemanno is an academic, author, social innovator, and public interest lawyer serving as the Jean Monnet Professor of EU Law at HEC Paris. He is the founder of The Good Lobby, a nonprofit organization that empowers civil society actors to have a greater voice in policy-making by democratizing lobbying practices.
A graduate of Harvard Law School and holder of a PhD from Bocconi University, Alemanno has been recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, an Ashoka Fellow, and named one of the 40 most influential people in Brussels by POLITICO. His work on transparency and civic engagement has shaped EU institutional practices, and he regularly contributes to leading publications including Le Monde, Politico Europe, and Bloomberg.
His book "Lobbying for Change: Find Your Voice to Create a Better Society" offers guidance for citizens seeking to influence policy decisions, while his MOOC "Understanding Europe" has reached over 200,000 participants globally. Through initiatives like the EU Public Interest Clinic, Alemanno continues to bridge the gap between academic research and policy action.
Amy
Lynch
Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (Europe)
THOUGHTWORKS
A progressive leader in technology and inclusion, Amy brings over 12 years of experience shaping organisational culture and driving systemic change. As the European Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at global technology consultancy Thoughtworks, she orchestrates comprehensive initiatives spanning gender equity, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, disability advocacy, neurodiversity support, and racial justice.
Known for her incisive approach to addressing systemic barriers, Amy champions the voices and experiences of underrepresented groups across the technology sector. Her work focuses on creating sustainable, equitable solutions that challenge traditional power structures and elevate historically marginalised perspectives.
Amy's leadership style combines strategic vision with authentic advocacy, making her a compelling voice for transformative change in tech. Through her work, she demonstrates how organisations can move beyond surface-level diversity initiatives to create truly inclusive environments where all talent can thrive.
Global Community, Events & Experiences
GOOGLE
Kelsey Robb is a Global Program Manager - Creative Strategy, Events & Experiences at Google, where she is responsible for leading the development and execution of DEI-focused external events and programs. With a passion for building inclusive communities and driving impactful partnerships, Kelsey brings a wealth of experience in community engagement and strategic program management.
Prior to her current role, Kelsey served as the EMEA Community Advisor at Google, providing strategic guidance and support to Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). Her previous experience also includes shaping community engagement and management as the Creator & Community Manager for News, Activism, and Education Creators at TikTok.
Beyond her corporate roles, Kelsey is a dedicated advocate for diversity in technology. She has personally mentored over 50 students from underrepresented backgrounds, demonstrating her commitment to enriching the tech talent pipeline with diverse voices and perspectives.
Mertcan
Uzun
Director - Culture & Community
BLINKIST
As a seasoned People & Culture leader at Blinkist and founder of MindsUnlocked, Mertcan is passionate about creating meaningful, people-first workplace cultures that drive growth, inclusion, and belonging.
Their career is defined by impactful leadership at Blinkist, where they spearheaded initiatives that earned the company recognition as one of the top DEI tech employers and the top 25 start-ups in Berlin. At Blinkist, Mertcan led transformative strategies, including building a DEI framework from scratch and shaping leadership development programs that empowered managers across three time zones.
With over a decade of experience in HR leadership, Mertcan brings expertise in DEI, leadership development, employee engagement, and organizational design and blends international experience with a commitment to authenticity, growth, and creating workplaces where people can truly thrive. They are dedicated to fostering cultures where strategy meets joy and inclusion sparks innovation.
Christina
Engebak
Chief Executive officer
Lexidy
Christina Engebak is the CEO of Lexidy, a pioneering legal advisory firm operating across six countries, leveraging technology to make Immigration, Real Estate, Corporate, Tax, and Global Mobility legal services seamlessly accessible. Joining Lexidy as a Late Co-Founder, Christina has played a key role in scaling the company and fostering a highly diverse team, representing 25 nationalities, with 65% women across the company and in leadership roles, setting a benchmark for inclusive leadership in the legal industry.
Beyond its innovative approach, Lexidy is committed to making a real difference in people’s lives through inclusive immigration solutions. The firm has successfully helped individuals navigate complex legal challenges, such as reuniting a same-sex couple facing persecution and visa denials, reinforcing Lexidy’s mission of using legal expertise to drive inclusion and opportunity.
With 20 years of experience spanning Investment Banking, Strategy Consulting, Venture Capital, and Tech Startups, Christina has consistently driven innovation, scale, and transformation in high-growth businesses. Prior to Lexidy, she played key roles in company incubation, venture building, and executive leadership within fast-scaling tech ventures.
Christina holds an MBA from IESE Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Boston College and is an active member of IESE’s School of Founders.
Ben
Ventham
Head of Executive Recruitment | Digital & Technology
ASTRA ZENECA
Ben is a globally renowned leader in talent acquisition, with an impressive track record in technology recruitment across both agency and in-house settings, including his recent roles at AstraZeneca and Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Widely recognized for his initiatives supporting Women in Tech, Ben has built a formidable reputation and demonstrates an unwavering passion for driving positive change in the realms of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity.
In 2020, he launched the 'AstraZeneca Women in Tech Series,' where he conducted interviews with many of the talented women in tech from across AstraZeneca's global network. This series not only showcased a diverse range of talent but also played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative surrounding women in tech. Its impact was profound, significantly boosting hiring efforts and leading to a year-on-year increase in diverse hires.
In 2022, his contributions to the ID&E space were recognized with the 'Best Recruiter' award at the annual Women in Tech Employer Awards, where he now serves as an esteemed judge.
During his tenure at AWS in 2023, Ben was nominated for the 'Role Model of the Year' award at the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Tech Awards, further cementing his influence and dedication in the field.
Ben frequently shares his insights and stories on podcasts, at events, and through articles, emphasizing the critical role of men as allies.
Emily
Firth
Co-Founder
TheTruthWorks
Emily Firth is the co-founder of TheTruthWorks, a cutting-edge consultancy changing organizational culture through the power of radical honesty. With unwavering conviction, she champions the transition from superficial corporate promises to create workplaces that authentically deliver on both experience and results.
As a recognized voice in employer branding, culture transformation, and inclusion, Emily has dedicated her career to dismantling obsolete workplace paradigms and guiding organizations toward more meaningful relationships with their people. Her methodology moves beyond conventional approaches, focusing on substantive change rather than performative gestures.
Emily's collaborative partnerships empower organizations to confront uncomfortable truths with courage and purpose, ultimately constructing inclusive cultures that serve everyone's needs.
Her distinctively forthright perspective has established her as an influential and compelling voice in the industry, equipping leaders to transform well-intentioned initiatives into profound, sustainable impact.
Anne
Gaspard
Co-Director, Strategic Engagement & Network Development
EQUINET
Anne Gaspard serves as Co-Director of Strategic Network Engagement at Equinet, the European Network of Equality Bodies, following her successful tenure as Executive Director from the organization's establishment in 2008 to 2024. Under her leadership, Equinet has evolved into a pivotal force in shaping European equality policies and business practices.
With an international background spanning France, the UK, and Germany, Anne holds a Bachelor's degree in European Studies and Political Science from University College London and Berlin Humboldt University. Her distinguished career in equality and non-discrimination spans nearly three decades at the highest European levels, including strategic positions with the European Parliament and the Council of Europe.
Prior to joining Equinet, Anne headed the Brussels European office of a leading diversity management consultancy for seven years, where she spearheaded numerous pan-European equality and anti-discrimination initiatives. She previously managed the London-based secretariat of the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia (EUMC), now known as the Fundamental Rights Agency.
Her extensive experience in both public policy and business consulting positions her uniquely to address the intersection of equality, talent management, and organizational development in today's global business environment.
Iva
Peruničić
General Manager, Europe and Middle East
Cultural Intelligence Center
Iva Peruničić serves as General Manager of the Cultural Intelligence Center for Europe and the Middle East, an innovative, research-based training and consulting firm dedicated to building bridges and removing barriers to effective cross-cultural collaboration.
As a CQ Certified Facilitator, Iva brings academic excellence from prestigious global institutions including Bocconi University (Italy), Skema Business School (France), and Gothenburg University (Sweden). Her multifaceted educational background provides a strong foundation for her leadership in cultural intelligence initiatives across diverse international settings.
With lived experience spanning four countries, Iva has personally navigated the complexities of varied cultural landscapes. Her professional journey through Dutch, Japanese, Canadian, French, and U.S. organizations has equipped her with practical insights into applying cultural intelligence principles across different business environments.
Iva is dedicated to empowering both individuals and organizations to move beyond simply acknowledging diversity to actively thriving through it. She combines her personal cross-cultural experiences with professional expertise to help others achieve equity and belonging. Her work focuses on building environments founded on psychological safety, where everyone feels secure to express themselves authentically and contribute fully.
Cathy Donnelly
Chief People Officer
Everway
Cathy stepped into her role as Everway's inaugural Chief People Officer in 2022, bringing a stellar 25-year journey of transformative HR leadership across global organisations. As the former Senior Director of Talent at Liberty Information Technology, she earned recognition for her exceptional ability to architect talent strategies that directly accelerated business growth and innovation.
During her influential tenure as HR Manager for UK & Ireland at IKEA, Cathy distinguished herself by pioneering inclusive workplace initiatives that not only celebrated diversity but demonstrably enhanced performance metrics. Her signature approach combines cutting-edge talent practices with genuine human connection, making her a sought-after strategist for organisations navigating complex people challenges.
A visionary talent leader known for her dynamic communication style and forward-thinking perspectives, Cathy excels at creating environments where individuals with diverse workstyles flourish and contribute to organisational success. Her presentation combines compelling data with inspirational storytelling, offering conference attendees practical frameworks for building high-performing cultures where everyone feels empowered to reach their extraordinary potential.
Ritu
Kiran
Founder & CEO
Aubilities
Ritu Kiran is a British entrepreneur, Oxford graduate, and leading voice in neurodiversity and inclusion. With over 14 years of experience in HR and Consulting—beginning her career at Accenture — Ritu has worked across industries from Tech, Telecommunications to pharma, specialising in HR strategy and
technology.
In 2020, she founded Aubilities, an organisation dedicated to helping companies support neurodivergent individuals in the workplace. Inspired by her personal journey as a parent of an autistic child, Aubilities operates under the guiding motto: “For all abilities.” Ritu also served as a Director at Resources for Autism, a UK charity supporting autistic children and their families, and is committed to creating meaningful, accessible pathways for neurodivergent people in both corporate and educational settings.
Her thought leadership includes internally published articles reaching over 10,000 employees worldwide, academic reviews on autism research, and speaking engagements in both corporate environments and SEN schools. She has been featured in Autism Eye magazine, HR Leaders Podcast, and is currently preparing
for the release of her debut book about parenting autistic children, to be published in November 2025 by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
In recognition of her impact, Aubilities won the 2023 Start Up awards for ‘Education and Training’ on neurodiversity and subsequently Ritu was shortlisted for the 2023 Global Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. Her work continues to bridge professional expertise with lived experience, building a world where people of all abilities are seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Noelia
Torres Baños
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CEO
Factoria F5
Noelia Torres Baños is an accomplished social impact leader who currently serves as CEO of Factoría F5, a non-profit organization dedicated to democratizing access to high-quality tech education for underrepresented populations.
Under her strategic leadership, Factoría F5 has developed comprehensive programs across web development, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity—all designed with direct pathways to employment and digital inclusion. Noelia has been particularly instrumental in advancing the organization's mission to cultivate diverse digital talent, placing special emphasis on closing the gender digital gap through targeted training and career development initiatives for women.
With over 20 years of experience spearheading social impact initiatives across various sectors, Noelia brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Throughout her career, she has maintained an unwavering commitment to creating meaningful opportunities that transform lives and strengthen communities through technology education and digital empowerment.
Oana
Iordachescu
Founder
Fair Cultures
As founder of Fair Cultures and conference director of Fair Barcelona, Oana is committed to amplifying initiatives that create inclusive and resilient workplaces.
Her goal is to deeply understand key workplace challenges and co-create a path with partners to engage with diverse talent communities, apply inclusive design for work experiences and empower leaders to take action with confidence.
With over 15 years of experience in Talent Acquisition and DEI strategies, Oana Iordachescu has dedicated her career to change management and programmatic inclusion. She led teams in global organisations such as Meta, Booking.com, Criteo, Wayfair prioritising and investing in DEI programs and advised clients such as Merck, Eurail, Softonic, etc.
Her experience is complemented by a Masters in HR from the University of Bucharest, a specialisation in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from the IE University of Madrid and a Women in Leadership program at Yale University.
