Learning and Development Professionals Driving DEI Initiatives
In the workplace of today that is rapidly changing, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion have emerged as pivotal concepts for ensuring an effective and positive atmosphere. As organizations are trying to develop cultures that are more inclusive, learning and development experts are at the forefront, implementing programs and initiatives that not only cultivate professional development but also drive a deeper understanding and commitment to DEI. This article will spotlight L&D professionals who focus on incorporating DEI principles in organizational strategies. Join us as we explore how those experts are driving the future of work, where diversity is not just recognized but valued, equity is seen not as a goal but a regular practice, and inclusion becomes a standard.
Neha Agrawal
With over 20 years in the IT industry, Neha has built a diverse career driven by a deep passion for making a meaningful impact. She successfully transitioned into Learning and Development, transforming the function into a strategic asset. Later, she became the Global Inclusion and Diversity Head, focusing on organizational culture and CSR. After a 14-year tenure at Attra, she spent 1.5 years at Morgan Stanley leading DEI initiatives and enhancing employee engagement. Now, following two decades in IT, she is exploring freelancing as a consultant and trainer, while also pursuing an MA in Psychology.
Mandy D.
Mandy is an advocate for a sustainable future and an investor in talent, with a background spanning hospitality, advertising, sustainable fashion, and technology. Having lived in four different countries on two continents and spoken multiple languages as a child, she has a natural capacity to adjust to new cultures, languages, occupations, and sectors. Her interpersonal skills as a Project & Program Manager enable her to establish rapport, encourage teamwork, and create enduring connections. She is excellent at completing projects on schedule and within budget because of her careful approach, inventiveness, and effective communication abilities. Outside her main role, she engages in side projects, contributes to initiatives like Asian at Uber and Women at Uber, and enjoys activities such as climbing, cross-training, reading non-fiction, exploring boutique hotels, trying new experiences, watching soccer and F1 races, and researching sustainable fashion innovations.
Jessica Robertson – M.Ed.
Jessica is passionate about establishing spaces where people feel appreciated and respected. She concentrates on developing an inclusive and diverse culture as well as encouraging responsibility and integrity. She is committed to recognizing accomplishments and helping others overcome obstacles, making sure that everyone has a seat at the table. She has over 19 years of experience in training and leadership. Her goal is to foster an inclusive, honest, innovative, and high-achieving culture while assisting individuals and organizations in reaching their learning and development objectives.
Richa Sethi
Richa is a seasoned Human Resources leader with over 22 years of vast talent, technical & leadership development experience focusing on developing talent for the skills of today and readying the workforce for the future. She has founded and oversaw several portfolios in the fields of CSR, talent development, and learning. She is currently heading the Capability Development portfolio for Coforge (erstwhile NIIT Technologies), prior to this she worked with MetLife, Genpact, and Vertex. Richa has over the years developed & enhanced her expertise in the HR domain through various certifications- she is an MBTI, DISC, LOMA ALMI, Neuro-linguistic certified professional, Prince 2 Practitioner with an Advanced Certificate in Strategic HR Management from eCornell University & is currently pursuing a certification as an Executive Coach from International Coaching Federation (ICF). She brings a business-focused and practical approach to learning & talent development having worked extensively with the business.
Matthew MacLachlan
Matthew is passionate about inclusion and enjoys demonstrating how cultural intelligence (CQ) can be used to help people and organizations become more inclusive. With a career focused on learning and training, he has established key principles for her work: learning must align with adult learning theories, drive behavioral change, and address the question, “What’s in it for me?” He is committed to ensuring her efforts have a tangible impact. Enthusiastic about discussing and writing on cultural intelligence and inclusion, he spends much of his time engaging with HR, L&D, Talent, and DEI professionals on building truly inclusive and culturally intelligent global organizations.
Neeti Sharma
L&D Lead, Sales, Emerging Markets at adidas
Learning and Development professional with extensive experience of managing programs that foster people skills and development, behavioral and cultural transformations. Created and managed leadership programs to fuel success in achievement of business, people and consumer goals. Specializes in Retail and Education sectors. Achieving program success through personal influence, innovative application, constant perseverance, and cooperation with internal and external stakeholders.
Rohit Iyer
Director & Head – Learning & Development, Leadership Coaching COE(PwC Acceleration Centres in Asia)
Certified coach, people leader & lifelong learner. Passionate about OD, Talent Management, Learning & Leadership Development and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Deep expertise across multiple industries within Fortune 100/500 organisations.
Smriti Sood
Senior Manager COE -L&D -Talent development -Talent Management – DEI -OD @ Flipkart | MBA in HR
Leading transformative Learning and Development initiatives, Smriti seamlessly integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. Crafted bespoke training programs that not only elevate employee skills but also foster an inclusive culture, ensuring that DEI values are interwoven with the business strategies. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, our focus is on aligning L&D efforts with organizational goals, thus enhancing adaptability and growth. Through meticulous data interpretation and the management of sensitive information, refined L&D strategies, contributing significantly to employee engagement and productivity.
Zoe Holland
Making Diversity & Inclusion Simple | Founder at Zing Learning | DEI Trainer | Speaker & Facilitator
Zoe is on a mission to empower employers, leaders, and teams to create inclusive working environments, recognizing that diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are essential for high-performing teams. As the Founder & Director of Zing Learning, her humanistic approach to learning and empowerment embeds inclusivity for all. She believes in tailoring interventions and learning strategies to bring out the best in people and organizations. Her clients range from startups to enterprises, including ITV, YunoJuno, Google, and Arriva. As a public speaker and trainer, she shares insights and expertise on DEI strategies to inspire positive change. Her certifications in Coaching, NLP, CIPD, and PTLLS reflect her commitment to continuous learning and development.
Alessandra M.
Head of DEI and L&D | Former Life Sciences Strategy Consultant
Alessandra has developed her abilities in analytical thinking, problem-solving, strategic planning, client management, and program management thanks to her extensive experience in life sciences strategy consulting. She currently uses her in-depth knowledge of intricate business issues gained from these experiences to focus on inclusion and culture, fostering work cultures that allow each team member to reach their full potential. As a first-generation Guatemalan-American, she is driven by a personal mission to embed DEI at every organizational level. In her current role at MasterClass, she leads both DEI initiatives and internal L&D efforts. This dual responsibility allows her to leverage her strategic and operational expertise to drive systemic change, advance company processes, and foster a culture where diverse perspectives are celebrated. Her goal is to cultivate the next generation of leaders who deeply value and holistically integrate DEI, ensuring that both employees and customers can flourish.
