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. ​
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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 DEI
GARTNER
Megan is the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) 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 Diversity and Inclusion lead
Tomas Flier is a Diversity and Inclusion Partner at Google for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). His role and purpose is to build a more equitable company and world by serving historically marginalized groups and dismantling systems of oppression. 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.
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In his more than 12 years at Google, Tomas worked in several regions and organizations including Sales from Argentina, Marketing from Brazil, Product Inclusion and Diversity and inclusion from the US.
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.
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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.
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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.
Anna Lundstrom
VP Human Resources
SPOTIFY
​Anna Lundström is at the helm of Human Resources for Spotify’s Business Organization, supporting the Co-President and Chief Business Officer while overseeing the growth and well-being of over 4,000 employees worldwide. Since joining Spotify in 2016, Anna has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s people strategies during its journey of hyper growth, driving organisational and people initiatives that have empowered teams across the globe.
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Before taking on her current role, Anna led HR for Spotify's Americas region, contributing to the company's dynamic expansion. Her previous experience includes HR leadership positions at Nasdaq and Teracom, where she cultivated her passion for creating impactful workplace cultures.
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Anna holds a Master of Social Science in Human Resource Management, with a major in Business Law, from Lund University in Sweden.
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.
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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.
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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
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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