Smaranda Camber | Management Consultant | Accenture
Coming from a small city in an under-developed area of Romania, from a single-household family, and a modest background, I believe excellence drives change.
Since being the only scholar in my county to achieve perfect score at my Baccalaureate (achievement congratulated by the President) , I then interned for the Government of Romania, Tesco Supply Chain, City Technology & start-ups before Accenture.
I am a Management Consultant in the Capital Markets practice of Accenture, working on projects such as 9-digit figures cost reduction, and large-scale M&A of investment banks. In addition to focusing on the client role, I have been focused on topics such as both Generative AI; and on bringing diversity of thought in Capital Markets (audience of 150+), then Financial Services (audience of 500-1,000+) throughout the past 3 years.
Sherry Gardner | Conference & Events Co-ordinator, Capital Markets | Royal Bank of Canada
After earning a law degree, I embarked on a career corporate law firms in the City of London, which not only solidified my foundation in law and opened up the doors to various opportunities outside of the legal realm.
Seeking new challenges, I joined the world of investment banking and spent 8 years within the legal department of Goldman Sachs where I translated my legal knowledge into the financial services industry. However, after 8 years and driven by the need for a new environment I joined RBC in 2017 and have worked within different divisions of RBC, including Wealth Management, Risk and the Office of the CEO. Pivoting into the dynamic area of conferences and events within the capital markets platform of RBC. Drawing on my diverse skill set and passion for networking and relationship-building I enjoy my role within my team which organises large scale and bespoke events for the various stakeholders within RBC.
Saiba Ali | Management Consulting Analyst | Accenture
Saiba is currently a Management Consulting Analyst at Accenture in their Manchester office.
Since joining Accenture Saiba has led the analyst Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) network in the North-West, putting together days to celebrate culture and communities alike for example the Black History Month paint and learn class. Alongside this, Saiba has introduced the first ever North-West quarterly awards, where she herself was chosen by Accenture leadership as the Best Newcomer. Prior to joining Accenture, Saiba worked in Audit at Grant Thornton where she partially completed the ACA. At university, Saiba studied and achieved top grades in BSc Business and International Relations and MSc Strategy and Leadership; with a focus on sustainable business practices and women in leadership. To date, although at the very beginning of her career, Saiba exemplifies as a keen learner, someone who brings fresh ideas to the table and an individual who thrives off boosting inclusion and diversity in the workplace.
Gabriella Zanzanaini | Global Organisational Effectiveness Consultant in Leadership, Talent & Culture | Macquarie Group
Powered by a passion for bringing people together to create positive change, I followed my purpose by choosing to work on a range of issues contributing to building a healthier and more inclusive society.
From a focus on advocating for the human right to water to supporting a shift to more sustainable agricultural systems, to engaging men in gender equity initiatives and now working with many to create more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces, it is a strong belief in what we can achieve Together that has been a key driver.
Fuelled by a deep curiosity about what resonates and what doesn`t depending on the context, it was a conscious choice to work in different industries, ranging from the corporate sector in financial services, to civil society in different countries and multi-stakeholder platforms with business and political/governmental institutions.
I leverage deep cross-regional expertise in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Gender Equity, Leadership, Talent & Development, combined with strategic stakeholder management skills to build networks in highly matrix-ed organisations. I`ve coordinated and led groups at all levels, from national grassroots movements to cross-industry C-suite councils - to influence, listen and empower for behavioural change and put in place feedback and processes to measure impact and change.
As a social anthropologist with a multi-cultural background, my previous experience in Sustainable Development & International Relations within NGOs and European Institutions gives me the background and lens to approach People issues within an ESG framework and a broader cultural context.
Gemma Walsh | Research Radiographer | City, University of London
Gemma is a CT/MRI lead radiographer at Wood Green NHS Community Diagnostic Centre in London.
She is also a research radiographer and prospective PhD student at City, University of London working to investigate the impact of AI implementation on radiographer roles and professional identity, and further explore AI leadership roles and competencies for radiographers.
Rebecca Porteous | Strategy Consultant | IBM Consulting
Since joining IBM Consulting in September 2022 as a Graduate Strategy Consultant, I have demonstrated a drive to innovate, accelerate growth, and promote inclusion.
My dedication to our consumer industries resulted in an internal award for my business development and delivery work, which are skills I’m now using to lead the Customer Experience Strategy for a major bank. I’ve also been commended for my innovation – establishing an internal strategic thought leadership team to produce new insights for clients on their most pressing issues.
My successes led to being accepted onto an internal female talent development programme, which I pay forward through the mentoring of young Consultants. I also commit myself to supporting students beginning their careers in consulting – including for LGBTQ+ and other minority groups.
Beyond clients, I’ve continued to drive IBM’s inclusion agenda – leading the Diversity & Inclusion Community for UKI Graduates before being elected to head up our broader UKI Consulting Graduate Community.
I see these roles as a real privilege, which have resulted in upskilling 300+ Consultants on allyship, raising money for charities, and representing 200+ Graduates to our most senior leaders. My perspectives on D&I have also been published by the Young Management Consultancies Association.
My leadership and impact on our organisation and wider community is reflective of my abilities. At the core, I truly believe our strength lies in getting inclusion right in everything we do. I will continue to push the boundaries in my career, whilst creating a space that people thrive in each day.
Polina Changuleva | Founder and CEO | Same But Different Consultancy Ltd
Winner of Management Today`s 35 under 35 and Future of Work Pioneer 2024, Polina Changuleva is a multi award-winning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion specialist.
Founder of the world`s first joyful inclusion consultancy - Same But Different, she works with the brands of tomorrow to build a future in which we embrace each other`s differences and celebrate our similarities.
Having previously led the Women’s Inclusion Network at Yahoo, she has worked for some of the world’s biggest brands as a Cultural Advisor and Racial Justice advocate. Some of these brands include Microsoft, Yahoo, Google, Reward Gateway and more.
Polina has continuously challenged the status quo and continues to do so through her work with Same But Different Consultancy, the UK`s 50:50 Parliament Diversity Committee and charities across London and Africa.
Having spent the last decade working in media and tech, Polina is a global expert, thought leader and international speaker on all things diversity and inclusion, partnerships and tech.
Prior to starting her business, Polina led Xbox`s partnership efforts across 16 markets, creating many pioneering multi-million partnerships with the likes of McDonalds, Burberry, Lego, Paco Rabanne, BMW, Deliveroo, Adidas and more.
Wanting to use her knowledge for good, in 2023 Polina launched Brand Partnerships House - a community of now over 600 founders, creatives and change makers on a mission to leverage the power of collaboration as a business growth tool. Those businesses have gone on to secure partnerships with brands like Soho House, Meta, Samsung, Beauty Pie, Mildred’s, TikTok and more.
Lori Martin | Global DEI Specialist | Diageo
A people centric and results driven individual with solid Talent Management experience accumulated with over 10 year`s experience at Diageo - the world’s leading premium drinks company with brands including Guinness, Tanqueray, Johnnie Walker & Smirnoff.
Lori`s experience ranges from starting her career within Talent Engagement, supporting Diageo`s Supply Chain and Procurement business, specialising in mass recruitment and early careers (graduate/apprentice) planning before moving into the Global Talent Strategy team with a focus on senior director level talent planning. In more recent years Lori has acted as the Global DEI Specialist, championing for the most inclusive and diverse culture, that enables all employees to feel a sense of belonging and thrive, through progressive initiatives and policies.
Beyond her day-job, Lori was the co-founder and chair of Diageo`s first Europe based ethnicity ERG, REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage), is a a UN Women UK Delegate, and mother to her 4-year-old daughter.
Kat Parsons | Head of Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging | ISS UK & Ireland
Kat Parsons is the Head of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at ISS UK & Ireland, dedicated to creating an inclusive and progressive workforce.
But Kat`s career journey started in the construction industry where she was an environmental engineer for over 16 years working in challenging situations within a very male dominated industry. This experience was a solid foundation for the importance of psychological safety to create environments where everyone can thrive and feel safe. It also highlighted how tough it can be for a minority groups to excel and progress to reach their full potential with many roadblocks and barriers. As a proud gay woman, Kat felt held back in her career.
Since joining ISS Kat has unleashed a tidal wave of change by creating a highly supportive environment, putting the real life experiences of employees front and centre and ensuring the senior team leads by example. `People call it a soft skill but I’d argue it’s far harder to be empathetic and vulnerable with someone, in order for them to trust you and to speak out if something isn’t right, than it is to perform hard skills.’
Kat`s infectious energy and talent for storytelling make her a relatable and influential leader in the diversity and inclusion space.
Kat’s experience and innovations have earned her a reputation across both the Facilities Management industry and among Diversity & Inclusion experts.
Gina Patel | DAWN Co-chair | NHS England
Gina Patel is a south Asian female equality advocate and has dedicated more than 13 years of her life promoting the rights of disabled people from all backgrounds personally and professionally.
Her own experience of growing up and attending a disability segregated service has shaped her motivation and determination to accomplish thus far, among others.
Her professional career began with an advocacy organisation where she spoke out on behalf of individuals with disabilities on a local, regional, and national level. She also served on the West Midlands Young Combined Authority as an inaugural board member. At TEDxWolverhampton 2021, she gave a talk titled ”Disability and Ambitions,” focusing on the topic of disability segregation, her personal experience during the pandemic, and her career path.
She has supported underrepresented groups by appearing in local and national media, I.e. GB News, for her campaign #CPEverydayLife, which went viral and achieved 100,000 social media impressions. She also presented a petition letter on the steps of 10 Downing Street for Changing Places Awareness Day, raising awareness of the facilities available for all disabled people. During Loneliness Awareness Week, she was featured in the Daily Mirror, drawing attention and impact to her personal experience of loneliness.
She is currently proudly serving as trustee of a learning disability advocacy organisation as well as co-chair of a disability staff network. She also hosts the podcast ”Saying It As It Is,” which promotes awareness of all underrepresented groups and currently available on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts.