AWE is a global training company that develops talent and future leaders. We partner with the world’s leading organizations to create sustainable workplace cultures through transformative and practical solutions at all employee levels. With an international presence in more than 40 countries, we ensure consistent and high-quality programs tailored to regional audiences and specific needs.
Team
Ava Anuszkiewicz
Coordinator, Client Solutions
Ava AnuszkiewiczCoordinator, Client SolutionsShe/Her
Ava, a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Language and Literature from George Washington University, is a Coordinator on the Client Solutions team at AWE. Throughout her undergraduate career she worked as a Canvasser and Field Manager, fundraising for grassroots organizations with a focus on women’s and environmental rights. Prior to joining AWE, she gained professional experience as a business development intern for a women-owned creative marketing firm based out of Austin, Texas. Upon completion of her internship program, she leveraged her marketing and communications skills as a freelance consultant for educational non-profits.
Ava is committed to fostering inclusive, equitable, and positive work environments. She is a problem-solver who enjoys collaborating with others on meaningful projects, and loves being part of the passionate team at AWE. In her free time, Ava can be found doodling in her sketchbook, doing yoga with friends, cooking up a delicious vegetarian meal, or putting together her latest inspirational Pinterest board.
She/Her
Ava, a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Language and Literature from George Washington University, is a Coordinator on the Client Solutions team at AWE. Throughout her undergraduate career she worked as a Canvasser and Field Manager, fundraising for grassroots organizations with a focus on women’s and environmental rights. Prior to joining AWE, she gained professional experience as a business development intern for a women-owned creative marketing firm based out of Austin, Texas. Upon completion of her internship program, she leveraged her marketing and communications skills as a freelance consultant for educational non-profits.
Ava is committed to fostering inclusive, equitable, and positive work environments. She is a problem-solver who enjoys collaborating with others on meaningful projects, and loves being part of the passionate team at AWE. In her free time, Ava can be found doodling in her sketchbook, doing yoga with friends, cooking up a delicious vegetarian meal, or putting together her latest inspirational Pinterest board.
Dominique Zabala
Manager, Content & Delivery
Dominique ZabalaManager, Content & DeliveryShe/Her
Dominique is the Manager of Content & Delivery at AWE. She works to coordinate logistics and materials for the AWE Leader and Accelerator programs to ensure they both run smoothly. Prior to AWE, Dominique worked as a Localization Project Coordinator at PADI WorldWide, a scuba diver training organization. There she managed the translation of English scuba training material into 25 languages.
Dominique holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Law from Arizona State University and is currently pursuing her MA in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. She is passionate about providing mental health services to underserved communities. A Southern California native who currently resides in Orange County, Dominique loves to take advantage of the nice weather and spend time outdoors. She is currently learning Spanish and cannot wait to start traveling again!
She/Her
Dominique is the Manager of Content & Delivery at AWE. She works to coordinate logistics and materials for the AWE Leader and Accelerator programs to ensure they both run smoothly. Prior to AWE, Dominique worked as a Localization Project Coordinator at PADI WorldWide, a scuba diver training organization. There she managed the translation of English scuba training material into 25 languages.
Dominique holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Law from Arizona State University and is currently pursuing her MA in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. She is passionate about providing mental health services to underserved communities. A Southern California native who currently resides in Orange County, Dominique loves to take advantage of the nice weather and spend time outdoors. She is currently learning Spanish and cannot wait to start traveling again!
Beverly Philipp
Senior Director, Content & Delivery
Beverly PhilippSenior Director, Content & DeliveryShe/Her
Beverly is an energetic and passionate coach-sultant. Beverly brings to AWE over 15 years of experience in leadership development, with an emphasis in coaching, consulting, facilitating, and teaching. She is a big-picture strategist who enjoys formulating a meaningful story and conveying that story with detail yet simplicity. She has worked with industries including technology, higher education, non-profits, hospitality, professional services, and athletics.
As Senior Director of Content & Delivery, Beverly is responsible for content design, training facilitation and experience, and coaching at AWE. Prior to joining AWE, Beverly served as a Learning Consultant designing, developing, and implementing coaching experiences for leaders, teams, and individual contributors. She also taught Leader Development courses in Master’s and Doctorate programs at Alliant International University.
Beverly received her Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Alliant International University. Beverly continues to advocate for professional development and executive opportunities for women in the working world. She also provides coaching and consulting services to Coaching for Everyone, a 501c3 nonprofit organization providing complimentary coaching and leadership services to the BIPOC community.
Born and raised in Southern California, Beverly finds ultimate serenity near water. When she is not working, you can find her spending time outdoors with her husband and 2 children paddle boarding, riding skateboards, or hiking trails in the Pacific Northwest. You might even catch her at a football game cheering very loudly on the sidelines!
She/Her
Beverly is an energetic and passionate coach-sultant. Beverly brings to AWE over 15 years of experience in leadership development, with an emphasis in coaching, consulting, facilitating, and teaching. She is a big-picture strategist who enjoys formulating a meaningful story and conveying that story with detail yet simplicity. She has worked with industries including technology, higher education, non-profits, hospitality, professional services, and athletics.
As Senior Director of Content & Delivery, Beverly is responsible for content design, training facilitation and experience, and coaching at AWE. Prior to joining AWE, Beverly served as a Learning Consultant designing, developing, and implementing coaching experiences for leaders, teams, and individual contributors. She also taught Leader Development courses in Master’s and Doctorate programs at Alliant International University.
Beverly received her Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Alliant International University. Beverly continues to advocate for professional development and executive opportunities for women in the working world. She also provides coaching and consulting services to Coaching for Everyone, a 501c3 nonprofit organization providing complimentary coaching and leadership services to the BIPOC community.
Born and raised in Southern California, Beverly finds ultimate serenity near water. When she is not working, you can find her spending time outdoors with her husband and 2 children paddle boarding, riding skateboards, or hiking trails in the Pacific Northwest. You might even catch her at a football game cheering very loudly on the sidelines!
Elise Herbert
Coordinator, Sales Operations
Elise HerbertCoordinator, Sales OperationsShe/Her
Elise brings a strong problem-solving and process-driven mindset to her role as Coordinator of Sales Solutions. With a background in Business Administration and a Masters of the Arts in Global Sustainability, she combines her expertise to drive sustainable business practices and foster opportunities for women. Before joining AWE, she dedicated her efforts to various nonprofits, where she championed girl-centered activism and promoted climate resilience. In her role at AWE, Elise continues to leverage her skills and expertise to drive impactful solutions and contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Elise’s commitment to empowering women is deeply rooted in her diverse career journey. With experience as a former commercial boat captain, she intimately understands the barriers women encounter in leadership roles. During her free time, you’ll still find Elise driving boats and diving with sharks. When she’s not on the water, she enjoys cozying up with a good book alongside her two calico cats.
She/Her
Elise brings a strong problem-solving and process-driven mindset to her role as Coordinator of Sales Solutions. With a background in Business Administration and a Masters of the Arts in Global Sustainability, she combines her expertise to drive sustainable business practices and foster opportunities for women. Before joining AWE, she dedicated her efforts to various nonprofits, where she championed girl-centered activism and promoted climate resilience. In her role at AWE, Elise continues to leverage her skills and expertise to drive impactful solutions and contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Elise’s commitment to empowering women is deeply rooted in her diverse career journey. With experience as a former commercial boat captain, she intimately understands the barriers women encounter in leadership roles. During her free time, you’ll still find Elise driving boats and diving with sharks. When she’s not on the water, she enjoys cozying up with a good book alongside her two calico cats.
Françoise Meier
Manager, People Operations
Françoise MeierManager, People OperationsShe/Her
Françoise thrives on building inclusive workplaces and engaging talent strategies that align with business priorities. As part of the Operations team at AWE, she is responsible for the organization’s recruiting, onboarding, talent management, employee benefit programs and compliance. Her detail orientated approach to projects and relationships allows her to create customized solutions that drive employee engagement and create a lasting impact.
Prior to her role in People Operations, Françoise spent time in account management and customer success with a specific focus on HR clients such as HRBPs, VPs of HR and Chief People Officers. This work provided her with valuable insight into the challenges and priorities of talent management in Fortune 500 companies.
In addition to her work in the US, Françoise has spent time working in both Asia and South America in communications based roles. She received her BA in Political Science at New York University, from which she gained a keen understanding of the socio-political factors that influence economies and businesses around the world.
Born and raised in the UK, she loves to spend her free time reading historical fiction and cooking!
She/Her
Françoise thrives on building inclusive workplaces and engaging talent strategies that align with business priorities. As part of the Operations team at AWE, she is responsible for the organization’s recruiting, onboarding, talent management, employee benefit programs and compliance. Her detail orientated approach to projects and relationships allows her to create customized solutions that drive employee engagement and create a lasting impact.
Prior to her role in People Operations, Françoise spent time in account management and customer success with a specific focus on HR clients such as HRBPs, VPs of HR and Chief People Officers. This work provided her with valuable insight into the challenges and priorities of talent management in Fortune 500 companies.
In addition to her work in the US, Françoise has spent time working in both Asia and South America in communications based roles. She received her BA in Political Science at New York University, from which she gained a keen understanding of the socio-political factors that influence economies and businesses around the world.
Born and raised in the UK, she loves to spend her free time reading historical fiction and cooking!
Jessica Whitaker
Director, Business Development
Jessica WhitakerDirector, Business DevelopmentShe/Her
Born with the gift of gab and an electric energy, Jessica can strike up a meaningful conversation with anyone, anywhere. She has an innate ability to make people feel comfortable and is looked upon as a trusted advisor to many. Jessica brings to the table an incredible drive for uncovering challenges and opportunities and then finding solutions for them. Her passion to help her clients, colleagues, and her family succeed is infectious.
Jessica comes to AWE with over 20 years of successful sales, marketing, and leadership experience, 15 of which were spent in the death care industry. She has curated sales and marketing strategies and built sales teams from the ground up, earning millions in annual revenue year over year, catapulting her company from an idea to a nationally respected resource. As a relationship builder with a consultative and big picture mindset paired with a work hard, play hard attitude, Jessica creates long-lasting relationships with her clients and brings 100% commitment to all that she does. In her role as Director of Business Development at AWE, Jessica is responsible for driving new logos and is dedicated to helping her clients identify and achieve their goals, while rapidly expanding AWE’s mission and reach.
A Hoosier native, Jessica earned her bachelor’s degree in Public Affairs and a minor in Communications from Indiana University, where she was also a 100M hurdler for the Women’s Track & Field team, until an injury earned her early retirement. She currently splits her time between Indiana and Florida with her husband, 3 kids, and 3 dogs, who she affectionately calls the “floofs.” As a family, they are passionate about motocross and can often be found at national events around the country.
She/Her
Born with the gift of gab and an electric energy, Jessica can strike up a meaningful conversation with anyone, anywhere. She has an innate ability to make people feel comfortable and is looked upon as a trusted advisor to many. Jessica brings to the table an incredible drive for uncovering challenges and opportunities and then finding solutions for them. Her passion to help her clients, colleagues, and her family succeed is infectious.
Jessica comes to AWE with over 20 years of successful sales, marketing, and leadership experience, 15 of which were spent in the death care industry. She has curated sales and marketing strategies and built sales teams from the ground up, earning millions in annual revenue year over year, catapulting her company from an idea to a nationally respected resource. As a relationship builder with a consultative and big picture mindset paired with a work hard, play hard attitude, Jessica creates long-lasting relationships with her clients and brings 100% commitment to all that she does. In her role as Director of Business Development at AWE, Jessica is responsible for driving new logos and is dedicated to helping her clients identify and achieve their goals, while rapidly expanding AWE’s mission and reach.
A Hoosier native, Jessica earned her bachelor’s degree in Public Affairs and a minor in Communications from Indiana University, where she was also a 100M hurdler for the Women’s Track & Field team, until an injury earned her early retirement. She currently splits her time between Indiana and Florida with her husband, 3 kids, and 3 dogs, who she affectionately calls the “floofs.” As a family, they are passionate about motocross and can often be found at national events around the country.
Kim Hart
Director, Client Solutions
Kim HartDirector, Client SolutionsShe/Her
Kim is a highly accomplished strategic account management professional with over 20 years of experience and proven track record of delivering results. Recognized for exceptional leadership skills and a strategic mindset, with a strong focus on effectively managing portfolios and teams. Adept at driving revenue retention and spearheading successful business development initiatives for Fortune 500 companies.
In her role at AWE she will be responsible for closing new client business and collaborating with existing clients to address their evolving needs.
Kim is a native Texan having graduated from the University of Texas McCombs School of Business with a BA in Finance. She started her sales career in New York working for a global in-store media solutions company dedicated to elevating the customer experience.
Kim enjoys spending quality time with her husband, daughter and bonus son. She is a firm believer in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, dedicating time to regular workouts and mindful eating. On the weekends you can often find her working out, playing with her toddler or cheering passionately for her beloved Longhorn football team. Go Horns!
She/Her
Kim is a highly accomplished strategic account management professional with over 20 years of experience and proven track record of delivering results. Recognized for exceptional leadership skills and a strategic mindset, with a strong focus on effectively managing portfolios and teams. Adept at driving revenue retention and spearheading successful business development initiatives for Fortune 500 companies.
In her role at AWE she will be responsible for closing new client business and collaborating with existing clients to address their evolving needs.
Kim is a native Texan having graduated from the University of Texas McCombs School of Business with a BA in Finance. She started her sales career in New York working for a global in-store media solutions company dedicated to elevating the customer experience.
Kim enjoys spending quality time with her husband, daughter and bonus son. She is a firm believer in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, dedicating time to regular workouts and mindful eating. On the weekends you can often find her working out, playing with her toddler or cheering passionately for her beloved Longhorn football team. Go Horns!
Laura Civiello
Head of Operations
Laura CivielloHead of OperationsShe/Her
Laura is a producer and a problem-solver. No matter what the project, she brings to it a unique mix of project management savvy, an analytical mindset, purposeful persistence and a dash of creativity. Her latest project is being AWE’s Head of Operations which includes oversight of Marketing, Finance and HR.
Her producing career began at age eight when Laura talked her younger sister into acting in comedy skits for her new tape recorder (they got rave reviews from her parents). With that success under her belt, she went on to have a 28-year career in television as executive producer and network executive. An integral part of the launch teams for three cable networks (Paul Allen’s /TechTV/, Comcast’s /G4/ and NBCUniversal’s /Esquire/), Laura acquired, developed and oversaw more than 500 hours of programming, including American Ninja Warrior, which has gone on to become a prime time hit for NBC.
In addition to putting her extensive skills to work for AWE, she serves as Board member for the Village Green, a 627-unit, multi-family community in Los Angeles on the National Register of Historic Places. She graduated from Cornell University with a B.A. in History and is looking forward to resuming her road trips to the Southwest with her husband and two standard poodles.
She/Her
Laura is a producer and a problem-solver. No matter what the project, she brings to it a unique mix of project management savvy, an analytical mindset, purposeful persistence and a dash of creativity. Her latest project is being AWE’s Head of Operations which includes oversight of Marketing, Finance and HR.
Her producing career began at age eight when Laura talked her younger sister into acting in comedy skits for her new tape recorder (they got rave reviews from her parents). With that success under her belt, she went on to have a 28-year career in television as executive producer and network executive. An integral part of the launch teams for three cable networks (Paul Allen’s /TechTV/, Comcast’s /G4/ and NBCUniversal’s /Esquire/), Laura acquired, developed and oversaw more than 500 hours of programming, including American Ninja Warrior, which has gone on to become a prime time hit for NBC.
In addition to putting her extensive skills to work for AWE, she serves as Board member for the Village Green, a 627-unit, multi-family community in Los Angeles on the National Register of Historic Places. She graduated from Cornell University with a B.A. in History and is looking forward to resuming her road trips to the Southwest with her husband and two standard poodles.
Meiko Takayama
Founder & CEO
Meiko TakayamaFounder & CEOShe/Her
Meiko is a visionary CEO and entrepreneur who founded AWE, a global training company that helps Fortune 1000 companies develop talent and future leaders. Meiko is a connector, a change agent, and a tireless advocate for creating sustainable culture in the workplace. She is a sought-after thought leader and expert and speaks annually to thousands of professionals on topics like meritocracy in the workplace, branding, networking, sponsorship, and storytelling in business.
After graduating from Bryn Mawr College, Meiko had a successful career in the art field in Europe and New York before changing her focus to business consulting. She was a Managing Director with CEB (now Gartner). After many years of managing the West Coast business, Meiko became an executive recruiter, leading multiple C-suite searches and garnering a better understanding of human capital within organizations. When she discovered that there was an opportunity to partner with companies to create faster and more scalable talent advancements, AWE was founded in 2012.
Meiko is on the Advisory Board of Guild Education and the Executive Committee of the X Fund. She has been named a Woman of Influence by LA Biz and a Woman of Promise by Comerica Bank and the LA Lakers. Meiko speaks regularly at Fortune 500 companies and conferences, including Northwestern University, Occidental College, IIT Global Conference, Women in Technology Hollywood, UPWARD, Harvard Business School Association of Southern California, and Silicon Valley’s Influencer Series.
Meiko can also be found laughing with her husband and two sons in Los Angeles, enjoying a Grateful Dead jam, supporting social justice causes, and having a great meal and mahjongg with friends.
She/Her
Meiko is a visionary CEO and entrepreneur who founded AWE, a global training company that helps Fortune 1000 companies develop talent and future leaders. Meiko is a connector, a change agent, and a tireless advocate for creating sustainable culture in the workplace. She is a sought-after thought leader and expert and speaks annually to thousands of professionals on topics like meritocracy in the workplace, branding, networking, sponsorship, and storytelling in business.
After graduating from Bryn Mawr College, Meiko had a successful career in the art field in Europe and New York before changing her focus to business consulting. She was a Managing Director with CEB (now Gartner). After many years of managing the West Coast business, Meiko became an executive recruiter, leading multiple C-suite searches and garnering a better understanding of human capital within organizations. When she discovered that there was an opportunity to partner with companies to create faster and more scalable talent advancements, AWE was founded in 2012.
Meiko is on the Advisory Board of Guild Education and the Executive Committee of the X Fund. She has been named a Woman of Influence by LA Biz and a Woman of Promise by Comerica Bank and the LA Lakers. Meiko speaks regularly at Fortune 500 companies and conferences, including Northwestern University, Occidental College, IIT Global Conference, Women in Technology Hollywood, UPWARD, Harvard Business School Association of Southern California, and Silicon Valley’s Influencer Series.
Meiko can also be found laughing with her husband and two sons in Los Angeles, enjoying a Grateful Dead jam, supporting social justice causes, and having a great meal and mahjongg with friends.
Reena Kirspel
Director, Client Solutions
Reena KirspelDirector, Client SolutionsShe/Her
Reena’s diverse and storied career path spans the performing arts, education, and communications sectors within private, public, and nonprofit settings. She is an experienced content creator, curriculum developer, and dynamic instructor – having designed and delivered theater and public speaking programs for schools, as well as professional development workshops for Fortune 500 companies.
She holds a B.F.A. in Drama from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, and an M.P.A. in Strategic Performance Management from Rutgers University’s School of Public Affairs and Administration. Equipping individuals to realize their full potential as both leaders and team-players, while simultaneously encouraging them to be risk-takers is her passion. Along with helping organizations identify areas of needed growth and developing metrics that are in-line with company mission & vision.
Born in Zambia, raised in New York and currently residing in the Garden State (NJ) with her husband and teenage sons, Reena is an avid traveler – having visited Australia, Dubai, India, Singapore, South Africa and more! She cares deeply about people from all walks of life, as evidenced by her time spent mentoring inner-city youth, promoting anti-trafficking initiatives, and supporting women in recovery. Reena firmly believes that growth is on-going and learning is a life-long adventure!
She/Her
Reena’s diverse and storied career path spans the performing arts, education, and communications sectors within private, public, and nonprofit settings. She is an experienced content creator, curriculum developer, and dynamic instructor – having designed and delivered theater and public speaking programs for schools, as well as professional development workshops for Fortune 500 companies.
She holds a B.F.A. in Drama from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, and an M.P.A. in Strategic Performance Management from Rutgers University’s School of Public Affairs and Administration. Equipping individuals to realize their full potential as both leaders and team-players, while simultaneously encouraging them to be risk-takers is her passion. Along with helping organizations identify areas of needed growth and developing metrics that are in-line with company mission & vision.
Born in Zambia, raised in New York and currently residing in the Garden State (NJ) with her husband and teenage sons, Reena is an avid traveler – having visited Australia, Dubai, India, Singapore, South Africa and more! She cares deeply about people from all walks of life, as evidenced by her time spent mentoring inner-city youth, promoting anti-trafficking initiatives, and supporting women in recovery. Reena firmly believes that growth is on-going and learning is a life-long adventure!
Veronica Colborn
Manager, Client Solutions
Veronica ColbornManager, Client SolutionsShe/Her
Collaborative by nature, Ronnie thrives in relationship-building settings and brings this passion for connection to her work as a Client Solutions Manager at AWE. In prior positions, she has helped manage and scale a mentoring program for first-generation college students, trained volunteers on communication and mentoring skills, and advised and managed relationships with hundreds of students navigating the college search process. Ronnie is energized by those moments of communication where both parties feel seen and heard, and looks forward to many of those moments with her clients and colleagues at AWE.
Ronnie is a proud and passionate midwesterner, currently living in Cleveland, Ohio but traveling whenever she can. Her favorite travel partner is her husky, Oliver, who responds to the command ‘Mush!’ on hikes and uses his momentum to pull his mom up hills. Her favorite not-traveling partner is her cat, Wendy, who responds to zero commands but gets treats anyway! Besides hanging out with her pets, you can usually find Ronnie training for some upcoming half marathon, watching or thinking about Survivor, or reading on her porch.
She/Her
Collaborative by nature, Ronnie thrives in relationship-building settings and brings this passion for connection to her work as a Client Solutions Manager at AWE. In prior positions, she has helped manage and scale a mentoring program for first-generation college students, trained volunteers on communication and mentoring skills, and advised and managed relationships with hundreds of students navigating the college search process. Ronnie is energized by those moments of communication where both parties feel seen and heard, and looks forward to many of those moments with her clients and colleagues at AWE.
Ronnie is a proud and passionate midwesterner, currently living in Cleveland, Ohio but traveling whenever she can. Her favorite travel partner is her husky, Oliver, who responds to the command ‘Mush!’ on hikes and uses his momentum to pull his mom up hills. Her favorite not-traveling partner is her cat, Wendy, who responds to zero commands but gets treats anyway! Besides hanging out with her pets, you can usually find Ronnie training for some upcoming half marathon, watching or thinking about Survivor, or reading on her porch.
Vy Nguyen
Coordinator, Content & Delivery
Vy NguyenCoordinator, Content & DeliveryShe/Her
Vy is a coordinator for the content and delivery team. Her role coordinates logistics and provides support for AWE programs to ensure a seamless experience. As a first-generation Vietnamese American, Vy is passionate about creating equitable spaces and opportunities in the workplace. With just under a decade of experience in K-12 and higher education, Vy brings a love for both teaching and learning to her position. Her previous experience as an educator and program manager give her unique insight on effective strategies for instruction and program modification.
Vy is native to Las Vegas where she earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics and master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from UNLV. On the weekends, Vy can be found baking a loaf of sourdough at home with her dog and two cats, on the pickleball court, or on a campground in a neighboring state.
She/Her
Vy is a coordinator for the content and delivery team. Her role coordinates logistics and provides support for AWE programs to ensure a seamless experience. As a first-generation Vietnamese American, Vy is passionate about creating equitable spaces and opportunities in the workplace. With just under a decade of experience in K-12 and higher education, Vy brings a love for both teaching and learning to her position. Her previous experience as an educator and program manager give her unique insight on effective strategies for instruction and program modification.
Vy is native to Las Vegas where she earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics and master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from UNLV. On the weekends, Vy can be found baking a loaf of sourdough at home with her dog and two cats, on the pickleball court, or on a campground in a neighboring state.
Aanchal Jain
Facilitator
Aanchal JainFacilitatorShe/Her
Aanchal is a trained leadership and gender consultant and applied theatre practitioner. She manages and implements programs on gender mainstreaming, executive leadership, and diversity and inclusion. Her expertise lies in facilitating experiential trainings using the powerful tools of applied theatre, enabling participants to engage deeply and achieve transformative learning outcomes. With a passion for dismantling privilege and power structures, Aanchal employs intersectional pedagogies to unpack the complexities of feminist leadership, women’s issues in South Asia, gender equality, queer affirmation, disability-friendly practices, and anti-caste frameworks. Her approach fosters inclusive and progressive environments in interpersonal and professional spheres. Combining her academic training in Women’s Studies from the Tata Institute of Social Science, Mumbai, and training in Performance and Communication Studies from Yale and Trinity College London, she founded the India-based feminist training and research organization, Thought Project, that has forged strategic partnerships and collaborations with renowned organizations across Asia, North America, Africa, and Europe.
She/Her
Aanchal is a trained leadership and gender consultant and applied theatre practitioner. She manages and implements programs on gender mainstreaming, executive leadership, and diversity and inclusion. Her expertise lies in facilitating experiential trainings using the powerful tools of applied theatre, enabling participants to engage deeply and achieve transformative learning outcomes. With a passion for dismantling privilege and power structures, Aanchal employs intersectional pedagogies to unpack the complexities of feminist leadership, women’s issues in South Asia, gender equality, queer affirmation, disability-friendly practices, and anti-caste frameworks. Her approach fosters inclusive and progressive environments in interpersonal and professional spheres. Combining her academic training in Women’s Studies from the Tata Institute of Social Science, Mumbai, and training in Performance and Communication Studies from Yale and Trinity College London, she founded the India-based feminist training and research organization, Thought Project, that has forged strategic partnerships and collaborations with renowned organizations across Asia, North America, Africa, and Europe.
Alicia Richardson
Facilitator
Alicia RichardsonFacilitatorShe/Her
Alicia Richardson is the Founder of Black Create Connect, an Advisory Board Member for start-ups and experienced diversity, inclusion, and talent strategist passionate about diverse hiring and talent development. Alicia has over 6 years of experience in creating and executing diverse hiring strategies across the Creative, Tech, and Marketing industries. She has led successful talent acquisition and corporate branding programs to transform organizational culture, and the appointment of skilled black professionals to drive business performance.
Alicia is passionate about underrepresented talent rising to senior positions specifically within creative, marketing, and tech industries, due to the fact that she has first-hand experience with non-inclusive organizational culture within these types of industries. Alicia is a coach and mentor to a range of young black professionals and dedicates time to continue providing opportunities to underrepresented groups.
Alicia is a Podcast host, Speaker, Lead Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consultant at SyncD, and an experienced workshop facilitator. Companies and clients she has worked with included Spotify, Depop, Analog Folk, Media Cause, House 337 and Looping Group.
Alicia has created and executed diverse hiring strategies by conducting detailed audits, research, and data analysis. This has resulted in her impacting who companies attract, and how they successfully retain diverse talent.
Alicia has been featured on platforms such as BBC, Evening Standard, Tribe Urban Radio, and Women in CTRL and has partnered with a range of organizations including Access VFX, Four Communications, Coding Black Females, Black Recruiters Network, Word on the Curb and more.
As an international business graduate with experience living and working in San Jose, CA, Alicia has an ongoing desire to learn and understand other people’s experiences, so she travels regularly and has mastered how to adapt her approach to connecting with a range of individuals.
She/Her
Alicia Richardson is the Founder of Black Create Connect, an Advisory Board Member for start-ups and experienced diversity, inclusion, and talent strategist passionate about diverse hiring and talent development. Alicia has over 6 years of experience in creating and executing diverse hiring strategies across the Creative, Tech, and Marketing industries. She has led successful talent acquisition and corporate branding programs to transform organizational culture, and the appointment of skilled black professionals to drive business performance.
Alicia is passionate about underrepresented talent rising to senior positions specifically within creative, marketing, and tech industries, due to the fact that she has first-hand experience with non-inclusive organizational culture within these types of industries. Alicia is a coach and mentor to a range of young black professionals and dedicates time to continue providing opportunities to underrepresented groups.
Alicia is a Podcast host, Speaker, Lead Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consultant at SyncD, and an experienced workshop facilitator. Companies and clients she has worked with included Spotify, Depop, Analog Folk, Media Cause, House 337 and Looping Group.
Alicia has created and executed diverse hiring strategies by conducting detailed audits, research, and data analysis. This has resulted in her impacting who companies attract, and how they successfully retain diverse talent.
Alicia has been featured on platforms such as BBC, Evening Standard, Tribe Urban Radio, and Women in CTRL and has partnered with a range of organizations including Access VFX, Four Communications, Coding Black Females, Black Recruiters Network, Word on the Curb and more.
As an international business graduate with experience living and working in San Jose, CA, Alicia has an ongoing desire to learn and understand other people’s experiences, so she travels regularly and has mastered how to adapt her approach to connecting with a range of individuals.
Bami Kuteyi
Facilitator
Bami KuteyiFacilitatorShe/They
Bami Kuteyi is a Young Fearless Entrepreneur, having founded the international dance fitness brand Bam Bam Boogie when she was only 22 years old.
In February 2018, Bami decided to risk it all and leave her full-time job at Google Ireland as an advertising executive, to focus on empowering women and young girls all around the world through “Fearless Dance Fitness”.
She not only aims to transform the way that womxn feel about their bodies and minds, but she’s a huge advocate for diversity, inclusion, and equality. As someone who has been a minority within the workplace, she has a passion for long term change, and she’s driven change, growth and helped to reshape businesses through her engaging training and workshops.
Bami focuses on racial equality workshops, as this is the area where she has the most experience and knowledge. Bami has worked with Google, Facebook, Nike, Puma, Eventbrite and more.
She/They
Bami Kuteyi is a Young Fearless Entrepreneur, having founded the international dance fitness brand Bam Bam Boogie when she was only 22 years old.
In February 2018, Bami decided to risk it all and leave her full-time job at Google Ireland as an advertising executive, to focus on empowering women and young girls all around the world through “Fearless Dance Fitness”.
She not only aims to transform the way that womxn feel about their bodies and minds, but she’s a huge advocate for diversity, inclusion, and equality. As someone who has been a minority within the workplace, she has a passion for long term change, and she’s driven change, growth and helped to reshape businesses through her engaging training and workshops.
Bami focuses on racial equality workshops, as this is the area where she has the most experience and knowledge. Bami has worked with Google, Facebook, Nike, Puma, Eventbrite and more.
Bree Riley
Facilitator / Coach
Bree RileyFacilitator / CoachShe/Her
Bree Riley is a facilitator and coach with AWE. Trained as a social worker, Bree leverages a person-in-environment perspective and strives to take into consideration a client’s social context and intersectionality when co-designing person-centered solutions. Bree specializes in transitions and aims to help clients make life changes that align with their core values.
Bree is originally from the South and studied theatre and journalism at the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) She holds a Master’s in Social Work from Silberman School of Social Work. In addition to her work at AWE, she is a Senior Mental Health Clinician at a community-based organization in NYC. She also serves on the board of Housing Works, an NYC-based nonprofit specializing in housing and healthcare for people living with HIV/AIDS. In her free time, she is an avid runner and cyclist. She enjoys cooking as much as she enjoys eating. She resides in Brooklyn with her partner and pets.
She/Her
Bree Riley is a facilitator and coach with AWE. Trained as a social worker, Bree leverages a person-in-environment perspective and strives to take into consideration a client’s social context and intersectionality when co-designing person-centered solutions. Bree specializes in transitions and aims to help clients make life changes that align with their core values.
Bree is originally from the South and studied theatre and journalism at the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) She holds a Master’s in Social Work from Silberman School of Social Work. In addition to her work at AWE, she is a Senior Mental Health Clinician at a community-based organization in NYC. She also serves on the board of Housing Works, an NYC-based nonprofit specializing in housing and healthcare for people living with HIV/AIDS. In her free time, she is an avid runner and cyclist. She enjoys cooking as much as she enjoys eating. She resides in Brooklyn with her partner and pets.
Camilla Gordon
Facilitator
Camilla GordonFacilitatorShe/Her
Camilla is a passionate facilitator, bringing creativity and energy to spaces to help groups to achieve common goals. Based in the UK, with extensive international experience she uses facilitation as a tool to support change within people and organisations. Working across the public, private and charity sector Camilla works with groups at every level of an organisation from C-Suite to beneficiary groups using a range of tools to ensure the best outcomes for all involved. She has a wide range of experience of supporting communities facing discrimination and disadvantage to be heard and influence decision making.
Camilla is a director at the Refugee Youth Service and was elected to the board of the International Association of Facilitators England and Wales. She was recently awarded a Facilitation Impact Award, recognising her work with Bridge 47 at the Envision 4.7 event. Camilla is trained in LEGO Serious Play, Action Learning Set (ALS) facilitation, Advanced virtual facilitation (UNHabitat), Working with Trauma and holds a Drama BA(hons) degree from the University of Manchester.
Outside of post-it notes and pens Camilla loves baking and weightlifting, although preferably not at the same time.
She/Her
Camilla is a passionate facilitator, bringing creativity and energy to spaces to help groups to achieve common goals. Based in the UK, with extensive international experience she uses facilitation as a tool to support change within people and organisations. Working across the public, private and charity sector Camilla works with groups at every level of an organisation from C-Suite to beneficiary groups using a range of tools to ensure the best outcomes for all involved. She has a wide range of experience of supporting communities facing discrimination and disadvantage to be heard and influence decision making.
Camilla is a director at the Refugee Youth Service and was elected to the board of the International Association of Facilitators England and Wales. She was recently awarded a Facilitation Impact Award, recognising her work with Bridge 47 at the Envision 4.7 event. Camilla is trained in LEGO Serious Play, Action Learning Set (ALS) facilitation, Advanced virtual facilitation (UNHabitat), Working with Trauma and holds a Drama BA(hons) degree from the University of Manchester.
Outside of post-it notes and pens Camilla loves baking and weightlifting, although preferably not at the same time.
Carrie Gormley
Facilitator / Coach
Carrie GormleyFacilitator / CoachShe/Her
Carrie is an executive & leadership coach specializing in helping female executives develop their authentic leadership style while staying true their purpose, in turn increasing their efficacy and impact as leaders. She is driven to advance the growth of women in leadership, supporting them as they grow their influence, make their voices heard and take purposeful action to shift the status-quo in business.
Prior to becoming a coach, Carrie worked for 15 years as a creative executive in entertainment marketing. Most recently, she was the President and Partner of a top creative advertising agency, managing a large team of seasoned creatives and overseeing all aspects of agency management – including finance, HR and operations. During her time there, she discovered a different way to lead that felt more authentic to who she was as a female leader and not surprisingly, turned out to be effective in delivering business results.
Combining 20 years of personal development work, professional coach training, and leadership experience, Carrie holds a BA in Sociology from UC Berkeley, is a Hudson Institute Certified Coach and is ACC ICF certified. Carrie’s favorite role is being the mother of two children. She is a fierce advocate for working mothers and the unique challenges they face.
She/Her
Carrie is an executive & leadership coach specializing in helping female executives develop their authentic leadership style while staying true their purpose, in turn increasing their efficacy and impact as leaders. She is driven to advance the growth of women in leadership, supporting them as they grow their influence, make their voices heard and take purposeful action to shift the status-quo in business.
Prior to becoming a coach, Carrie worked for 15 years as a creative executive in entertainment marketing. Most recently, she was the President and Partner of a top creative advertising agency, managing a large team of seasoned creatives and overseeing all aspects of agency management – including finance, HR and operations. During her time there, she discovered a different way to lead that felt more authentic to who she was as a female leader and not surprisingly, turned out to be effective in delivering business results.
Combining 20 years of personal development work, professional coach training, and leadership experience, Carrie holds a BA in Sociology from UC Berkeley, is a Hudson Institute Certified Coach and is ACC ICF certified. Carrie’s favorite role is being the mother of two children. She is a fierce advocate for working mothers and the unique challenges they face.
Cori Wong
Facilitator
Cori WongFacilitatorShe/Her
Cori is a passionate speaker, writer, educator, and consultant with over 15 years of training and leadership experience related to intersectional feminism, antiracism, social justice, and inclusive culture change. Cori is committed to helping others clarify how and why their leadership matters to create more equitable and inclusive realities. With strengths in systems-thinking, vision, strategy, and facilitating difficult dialogues, she is a thought leader on how to connect everyday choices, behaviors, and practices to movements for systemic change. Her approach is rooted in feminist theory and liberatory praxis and fosters conditions for transformation by cultivating authentic relationships across differences. Values of love, creativity, and freedom inform the means and ends for her work, while support, truth-telling, care, humor, and playfulness are among the essential ingredients.
In addition to ten years college-level teaching, Cori developed concepts such as feminist friendship, positive philosophy, and honest confidence, and began publicly sharing reflections through her own YouTube channel and blog over a decade ago. Her work has since been featured in two TEDx talks, journal articles, and numerous podcasts. She also offers a unique approach to coaching and consulting services through her business, Positive Philosophy Consulting, LLC, which was featured in Oprah’s Spring 2021 Issue of O Magazine.
Cori previously led diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives as an Assistant Vice President at Colorado State University. She earned a dual-title PhD in Philosophy and Women’s Studies from the Pennsylvania State University and completed the Embodied Social Justice Certificate Program from The Embody Lab. Always an artist, she is consistently creating side projects that explore connections between writing, comedy, intimacy, community building, and performance art.
She/Her
Cori is a passionate speaker, writer, educator, and consultant with over 15 years of training and leadership experience related to intersectional feminism, antiracism, social justice, and inclusive culture change. Cori is committed to helping others clarify how and why their leadership matters to create more equitable and inclusive realities. With strengths in systems-thinking, vision, strategy, and facilitating difficult dialogues, she is a thought leader on how to connect everyday choices, behaviors, and practices to movements for systemic change. Her approach is rooted in feminist theory and liberatory praxis and fosters conditions for transformation by cultivating authentic relationships across differences. Values of love, creativity, and freedom inform the means and ends for her work, while support, truth-telling, care, humor, and playfulness are among the essential ingredients.
In addition to ten years college-level teaching, Cori developed concepts such as feminist friendship, positive philosophy, and honest confidence, and began publicly sharing reflections through her own YouTube channel and blog over a decade ago. Her work has since been featured in two TEDx talks, journal articles, and numerous podcasts. She also offers a unique approach to coaching and consulting services through her business, Positive Philosophy Consulting, LLC, which was featured in Oprah’s Spring 2021 Issue of O Magazine.
Cori previously led diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives as an Assistant Vice President at Colorado State University. She earned a dual-title PhD in Philosophy and Women’s Studies from the Pennsylvania State University and completed the Embodied Social Justice Certificate Program from The Embody Lab. Always an artist, she is consistently creating side projects that explore connections between writing, comedy, intimacy, community building, and performance art.
Ellie Starkwood
Facilitator
Ellie StarkwoodFacilitatorShe/Her
Ellie is a seasoned facilitator and coach with 8+ years delivering impactful learning experiences across the globe. She brings a wealth of experience in both in-house L&D at fast-growing tech companies and as an external Consultant, on projects ranging from Entrepreneurship skills in Kenya, Sales Strategy in the US and Brazil, to Professional Branding and Emerging Leadership in the UK. She is passionate about EDIB having seen first-hand the impact of when businesses engage with vs ignore inclusion.
As well as facilitation, Ellie is an accredited coach with a specialism in supporting women with ADHD, after being diagnosed herself in her 30s. She is also certified in Strengthscope™ and DiSC® profiling tools and uses these to add an additional dynamic to her coaching and workshop sessions. With a background in science, having been awarded Master of Physics from the University of Southampton, UK, Ellie loves everything data related – even a spreadsheet! This analytical mind allows her to break down complex concepts to present them in a digestible format for learners, while keeping everyone engaged.
Ellie’s ‘fun fact’ is that she has learnt 3 different Sign Languages: British, German and Kenyan. Her mother is profoundly Deaf and when working abroad Ellie often looks for a language exchange, teaching some British Sign Language in return for learning the local Sign Language.
She/Her
Ellie is a seasoned facilitator and coach with 8+ years delivering impactful learning experiences across the globe. She brings a wealth of experience in both in-house L&D at fast-growing tech companies and as an external Consultant, on projects ranging from Entrepreneurship skills in Kenya, Sales Strategy in the US and Brazil, to Professional Branding and Emerging Leadership in the UK. She is passionate about EDIB having seen first-hand the impact of when businesses engage with vs ignore inclusion.
As well as facilitation, Ellie is an accredited coach with a specialism in supporting women with ADHD, after being diagnosed herself in her 30s. She is also certified in Strengthscope™ and DiSC® profiling tools and uses these to add an additional dynamic to her coaching and workshop sessions. With a background in science, having been awarded Master of Physics from the University of Southampton, UK, Ellie loves everything data related – even a spreadsheet! This analytical mind allows her to break down complex concepts to present them in a digestible format for learners, while keeping everyone engaged.
Ellie’s ‘fun fact’ is that she has learnt 3 different Sign Languages: British, German and Kenyan. Her mother is profoundly Deaf and when working abroad Ellie often looks for a language exchange, teaching some British Sign Language in return for learning the local Sign Language.
Eve Thow
Facilitator
Eve ThowFacilitatorShe/Her
Eve is a passionate learning and development specialist. A strong background in Journalism, Marketing and Events, she is equipped with strong communication and stakeholder management skills. As a Consultant and Facilitator for more than 15 years, Eve has also helped senior leaders improve Team Communication and Collaboration, in particular, newly-formed APAC teams with high performers coming from diverse backgrounds. Certified in several highly renowned profiling tools, Eve uses these tools as the foundation to build on a wide spectrum of other soft skills with great success. The learners are able to relate to different situations with higher awareness of self and others. This mindfulness behavior leads to better self-management and improved social skills. The end result is effective communication for influencing behaviors and achieving desired outcomes. Effectively bilingual, Eve facilitates in Singapore, Malaysia, China, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia.
She/Her
Eve is a passionate learning and development specialist. A strong background in Journalism, Marketing and Events, she is equipped with strong communication and stakeholder management skills. As a Consultant and Facilitator for more than 15 years, Eve has also helped senior leaders improve Team Communication and Collaboration, in particular, newly-formed APAC teams with high performers coming from diverse backgrounds. Certified in several highly renowned profiling tools, Eve uses these tools as the foundation to build on a wide spectrum of other soft skills with great success. The learners are able to relate to different situations with higher awareness of self and others. This mindfulness behavior leads to better self-management and improved social skills. The end result is effective communication for influencing behaviors and achieving desired outcomes. Effectively bilingual, Eve facilitates in Singapore, Malaysia, China, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia.
Helen Fong
Training Support
Helen FongTraining SupportShe/Her
Helen Fong, based in San Francisco, CA, has 20+ years of experience in managing and delivering virtual learning experiences using various online collaboration tools. Her understanding of virtual synchronous tools, ability to read the virtual room and manage the technical aspects of the sessions enable presenters to focus on delivering the content. She enjoys interacting and communicating with people from around the world.
She/Her
Helen Fong, based in San Francisco, CA, has 20+ years of experience in managing and delivering virtual learning experiences using various online collaboration tools. Her understanding of virtual synchronous tools, ability to read the virtual room and manage the technical aspects of the sessions enable presenters to focus on delivering the content. She enjoys interacting and communicating with people from around the world.
Ilhiana Rojas Saldana
Facilitator
Ilhiana Rojas SaldanaFacilitatorShe/Her/Ella
Ilhiana Rojas is a certified Executive & Leadership Coach, a Diversity & Inclusion Consultant, a High-Performing Teamwork Trainer and Facilitator, a seasoned multicultural Business Strategist, a Best-Selling Author, and an International Motivational Speaker.
With over two decades as a highly respected and sought-after global business leader and strategist working at Fortune 500 companies domestically and abroad, Ilhiana partners with her clients to build resilient, inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing leaders and cultures. She has coached leaders of all levels, from individual contributors to C-Suite level executives, with a special focus on developing inclusive leadership mindset, habits, and behaviors. Through her proven successful and action-oriented strategies and tactics, Ilhiana has impacted thousands of professionals globally, fostering new skills, attitudes, and practices, resulting in positive workplace engagement and performance. She has also been the driving force in launching four women’s leadership development programs in Europe, LAM, and the US, helping participants gain the skills necessary to achieve next-level positions and reduce the gender gap.
In addition to coaching, Ilhiana serves on multiple Boards and organizations supporting DEIB efforts to empower women and the Hispanic community. She is an Associate Certified Coach by the ICF (International Coaching Federation), a Certified DISC+Values Coach by InstituteSuccess, a Certified Team Effectiveness Facilitator by AIIR Consulting, and has a Diversity & Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University. Ilhiana graduated with honors as a Chemical Engineer in Mexico City and lives in Rhode Island with her husband and two kids.
She/Her/Ella
Ilhiana Rojas is a certified Executive & Leadership Coach, a Diversity & Inclusion Consultant, a High-Performing Teamwork Trainer and Facilitator, a seasoned multicultural Business Strategist, a Best-Selling Author, and an International Motivational Speaker.
With over two decades as a highly respected and sought-after global business leader and strategist working at Fortune 500 companies domestically and abroad, Ilhiana partners with her clients to build resilient, inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing leaders and cultures. She has coached leaders of all levels, from individual contributors to C-Suite level executives, with a special focus on developing inclusive leadership mindset, habits, and behaviors. Through her proven successful and action-oriented strategies and tactics, Ilhiana has impacted thousands of professionals globally, fostering new skills, attitudes, and practices, resulting in positive workplace engagement and performance. She has also been the driving force in launching four women’s leadership development programs in Europe, LAM, and the US, helping participants gain the skills necessary to achieve next-level positions and reduce the gender gap.
In addition to coaching, Ilhiana serves on multiple Boards and organizations supporting DEIB efforts to empower women and the Hispanic community. She is an Associate Certified Coach by the ICF (International Coaching Federation), a Certified DISC+Values Coach by InstituteSuccess, a Certified Team Effectiveness Facilitator by AIIR Consulting, and has a Diversity & Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University. Ilhiana graduated with honors as a Chemical Engineer in Mexico City and lives in Rhode Island with her husband and two kids.
Jaclynn Robinson, Ph.D
Facilitator / Coach
Jaclynn Robinson, Ph.DFacilitator / CoachShe/Her
Dr. Jaclynn Robinson is an executive coach and workplace consultant that focuses on transformational culture change to build thriving workplaces and institutions. She has worked in international film sales, biotech, and most recently in management consulting at Gallup. During her nearly 9 year tenure at Gallup she coached and consulted with C-Suite, senior leadership, managers and teams across industries, including Stryker, Enterprise, University of Tennessee, Avalara, Hologic, and Southwest Airlines.
For 3 seasons, Dr. Robinson served as cohost of Gallup’s “CliftonStrengths Podcast,” where she shared common practices that support a thriving workplace. The podcast has generated over half a million downloads to date. Dr. Robinson is a member and contributor of Forbes Coaches Council and was a contributing editor to Gallup’s Wallstreet Journal Bestseller, “Wellbeing at Work: How to Build Thriving and Resilient Teams.”
She received a bachelor’s degree in sociology with an emphasis in criminology from the University of Oklahoma, a master’s degree in psychology from Pepperdine University, a master’s degree in criminology, law and society from the University of California – Irvine, and a doctorate degree in international psychology with an emphasis in organizations and systems from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
She is ACC certified with the International Coaching Federation, CliftonStrengths certified with Gallup, Inc., and Builder Profile 10 trained with Gallup, Inc.
She/Her
Dr. Jaclynn Robinson is an executive coach and workplace consultant that focuses on transformational culture change to build thriving workplaces and institutions. She has worked in international film sales, biotech, and most recently in management consulting at Gallup. During her nearly 9 year tenure at Gallup she coached and consulted with C-Suite, senior leadership, managers and teams across industries, including Stryker, Enterprise, University of Tennessee, Avalara, Hologic, and Southwest Airlines.
For 3 seasons, Dr. Robinson served as cohost of Gallup’s “CliftonStrengths Podcast,” where she shared common practices that support a thriving workplace. The podcast has generated over half a million downloads to date. Dr. Robinson is a member and contributor of Forbes Coaches Council and was a contributing editor to Gallup’s Wallstreet Journal Bestseller, “Wellbeing at Work: How to Build Thriving and Resilient Teams.”
She received a bachelor’s degree in sociology with an emphasis in criminology from the University of Oklahoma, a master’s degree in psychology from Pepperdine University, a master’s degree in criminology, law and society from the University of California – Irvine, and a doctorate degree in international psychology with an emphasis in organizations and systems from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
She is ACC certified with the International Coaching Federation, CliftonStrengths certified with Gallup, Inc., and Builder Profile 10 trained with Gallup, Inc.
Jennifer Linday-Finan
Facilitator
Jennifer Linday-FinanFacilitatorShe/Her
Based in the UK, Jennifer is passionate about empowering women to fulfill their potential. She delivers a variety of Learning and Development work for women leaders and women-owned businesses and has been in the training field for more than ten years. Jennifer has delivered leadership training programs designed to engage employees, elevate performance, and improve productivity. She has designed and facilitated on-boarding, leadership, and performance management programmes in organizations. She has also designed and facilitated coaching, mentoring, unconscious bias and entrepreneurship training programs for business owners and business support advisors.
Jennifer has a passion for training and enjoys sharing her knowledge with a calm and encouraging approach to help individuals and organizations achieve results.
She is an Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development with a Certificate in Learning & Development Practice, a member of The Institute of Leadership & Management and also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Business and Management.
She/Her
Based in the UK, Jennifer is passionate about empowering women to fulfill their potential. She delivers a variety of Learning and Development work for women leaders and women-owned businesses and has been in the training field for more than ten years. Jennifer has delivered leadership training programs designed to engage employees, elevate performance, and improve productivity. She has designed and facilitated on-boarding, leadership, and performance management programmes in organizations. She has also designed and facilitated coaching, mentoring, unconscious bias and entrepreneurship training programs for business owners and business support advisors.
Jennifer has a passion for training and enjoys sharing her knowledge with a calm and encouraging approach to help individuals and organizations achieve results.
She is an Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development with a Certificate in Learning & Development Practice, a member of The Institute of Leadership & Management and also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Business and Management.
Jessika Portney
Facilitator
Jessika PortneyFacilitatorShe/Her
Passionate about empowering women, Jessika Portney is an executive and leadership coach and founder of Journey On. Jessika has worked in the field of leadership development for over a decade, supporting leaders of all backgrounds and tenures. In addition to her work with private clients, Jessika coaches and facilitates leadership development training programs for non-profit organizations and government agencies. Her approach to leadership has been informed by the cross-cultural experiences she’s sought out: pursuing a graduate degree and teaching English in Rome, facilitating Fulbright fellowships for mid-career leaders from 90 different countries, and implementing USAID projects for Egyptian women pursuing a STEM education.
Clients value Jessika’s deep curiosity about the human experience and ability to create a warm environment for them to be vulnerable and dig deep. She became a coach to honor these gifts and create space for those who want to do similar transformational work. Jessika finds true joy in partnering with clients to embrace their superpowers and manifest their potential.
Jessika obtained an M.A. in Government and Politics with a concentration in International Relations and a certificate in Diplomacy and International Law from St. John’s University in Rome, Italy. She received a B.A. dual degree in Communication and Italian Language & Literature from the University of Maryland, College Park.
She/Her
Passionate about empowering women, Jessika Portney is an executive and leadership coach and founder of Journey On. Jessika has worked in the field of leadership development for over a decade, supporting leaders of all backgrounds and tenures. In addition to her work with private clients, Jessika coaches and facilitates leadership development training programs for non-profit organizations and government agencies. Her approach to leadership has been informed by the cross-cultural experiences she’s sought out: pursuing a graduate degree and teaching English in Rome, facilitating Fulbright fellowships for mid-career leaders from 90 different countries, and implementing USAID projects for Egyptian women pursuing a STEM education.
Clients value Jessika’s deep curiosity about the human experience and ability to create a warm environment for them to be vulnerable and dig deep. She became a coach to honor these gifts and create space for those who want to do similar transformational work. Jessika finds true joy in partnering with clients to embrace their superpowers and manifest their potential.
Jessika obtained an M.A. in Government and Politics with a concentration in International Relations and a certificate in Diplomacy and International Law from St. John’s University in Rome, Italy. She received a B.A. dual degree in Communication and Italian Language & Literature from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Karen Mazarello
Training Support
Karen MazarelloTraining SupportShe/Her
Karen Mazarello has over 18 years of corporate experience as a multi-course certified Senior Training Consultant. She has delivered programs for a wide range of clients, including Abbott, Allianz, Apple India, BMW, Central Bank of India, Cisco, Citibank, Credit Suisse, GE Healthcare, Hyundai Motors, KPMG, Microsoft, Nestle, PepsiCo, and The World Bank. She received her Bachelors of Commerce from St Andrew’s College, Mumbai University, and received professional certifications in instructional design, performance assessments, and various HR competencies.
She/Her
Karen Mazarello has over 18 years of corporate experience as a multi-course certified Senior Training Consultant. She has delivered programs for a wide range of clients, including Abbott, Allianz, Apple India, BMW, Central Bank of India, Cisco, Citibank, Credit Suisse, GE Healthcare, Hyundai Motors, KPMG, Microsoft, Nestle, PepsiCo, and The World Bank. She received her Bachelors of Commerce from St Andrew’s College, Mumbai University, and received professional certifications in instructional design, performance assessments, and various HR competencies.
Kate Anderson
Training Support
Kate AndersonTraining SupportShe/Her
Kate joined the world of Learning & Development as a Virtual Producer 3 years ago after the Covid pandemic unexpectedly changed her career path. It was a new world that she didn’t know existed, she has embraced the opportunity to learn and develop and follow this new path.
Before Kate joined the Learning & Development community she single handedly ran a successful interior design business for 25 years, focusing in commercial design but also working with several high end residential clients. She holds a Bachelor of Interior & Environmental Design honors degree gained in her home country of Scotland. Over the years she has developed many of the transferable skills she utilizes in the virtual classroom today.
When not working Kate likes to spend time outdoors with her dog and horse enjoying the beautiful Scottish countryside.
She/Her
Kate joined the world of Learning & Development as a Virtual Producer 3 years ago after the Covid pandemic unexpectedly changed her career path. It was a new world that she didn’t know existed, she has embraced the opportunity to learn and develop and follow this new path.
Before Kate joined the Learning & Development community she single handedly ran a successful interior design business for 25 years, focusing in commercial design but also working with several high end residential clients. She holds a Bachelor of Interior & Environmental Design honors degree gained in her home country of Scotland. Over the years she has developed many of the transferable skills she utilizes in the virtual classroom today.
When not working Kate likes to spend time outdoors with her dog and horse enjoying the beautiful Scottish countryside.
Kathryn Freund
Training Support
Kathryn FreundTraining SupportShe/Her
Kathryn has worked as a Virtual Producer, Facilitator and Coach for the past 7+ years, partnering with organizations such as the Co-Active Training Institute, General Assembly, WeWork, Adhouse, The One Club, various universities and colleges, consultants and more. She is an ICF-Accredited Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), focused on career & leadership coaching for professionals in advertising. She holds a B.A. from Fordham University in both English and Visual Arts.
Kathryn started her career as an ad agency creative in NYC and transitioned into talent management and recruitment in 2015, which ultimately led her to coaching, learning design and training production. Over the years she has worked with agencies & Fortune 500 brands in advertising – partnering with hiring managers, leaders and talent from junior to C-Suite level.
Learning, curiosity and growth are some of Kathryn’s biggest values. She deeply enjoys the process of taking information that might not otherwise be accessible and making it land in someone’s heart and mind to facilitate their personal and professional growth. She is passionate about creating an equitable world where individuals are empowered to live their fullest lives.
In her free time, Kathryn enjoys dancing (hip-hop) and her movement practice. She loves to write, collage and paint. She is a certified sound healer, Thanatologist and reiki practitioner and is honored to be able to use her intuitive and healing gifts to add a bit of magic to everything she does.
She/Her
Kathryn has worked as a Virtual Producer, Facilitator and Coach for the past 7+ years, partnering with organizations such as the Co-Active Training Institute, General Assembly, WeWork, Adhouse, The One Club, various universities and colleges, consultants and more. She is an ICF-Accredited Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), focused on career & leadership coaching for professionals in advertising. She holds a B.A. from Fordham University in both English and Visual Arts.
Kathryn started her career as an ad agency creative in NYC and transitioned into talent management and recruitment in 2015, which ultimately led her to coaching, learning design and training production. Over the years she has worked with agencies & Fortune 500 brands in advertising – partnering with hiring managers, leaders and talent from junior to C-Suite level.
Learning, curiosity and growth are some of Kathryn’s biggest values. She deeply enjoys the process of taking information that might not otherwise be accessible and making it land in someone’s heart and mind to facilitate their personal and professional growth. She is passionate about creating an equitable world where individuals are empowered to live their fullest lives.
In her free time, Kathryn enjoys dancing (hip-hop) and her movement practice. She loves to write, collage and paint. She is a certified sound healer, Thanatologist and reiki practitioner and is honored to be able to use her intuitive and healing gifts to add a bit of magic to everything she does.
Lara Gillett
Facilitator
Lara GillettFacilitatorShe/Her
Lara is passionate about engaging and fun learning, upholding principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of life, and empowering women in their professional and personal journeys. Lara brings 26+ years of “surviving and thriving” experience in corporate America, specifically in the financial services area, where she led teams on strategic initiatives and functions including training and project management.
Lara received a B.A. from University of California, Irvine and currently resides in the beautiful Hudson Valley of New York. She also attended Wharton University of Pennsylvania Executive Education and earned the Certified Regulatory and Compliance Professional designation.
As an immigrant from South Africa, Lara is an avid traveler and culture enthusiast. She has visited 35 countries and 48 states in the USA so far, and she loves meeting people (everyone has a story!). As an ambivert at heart, Lara also enjoys solitude in reading, hiking, motorcycle riding, camping, and creating pottery.
She/Her
Lara is passionate about engaging and fun learning, upholding principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of life, and empowering women in their professional and personal journeys. Lara brings 26+ years of “surviving and thriving” experience in corporate America, specifically in the financial services area, where she led teams on strategic initiatives and functions including training and project management.
Lara received a B.A. from University of California, Irvine and currently resides in the beautiful Hudson Valley of New York. She also attended Wharton University of Pennsylvania Executive Education and earned the Certified Regulatory and Compliance Professional designation.
As an immigrant from South Africa, Lara is an avid traveler and culture enthusiast. She has visited 35 countries and 48 states in the USA so far, and she loves meeting people (everyone has a story!). As an ambivert at heart, Lara also enjoys solitude in reading, hiking, motorcycle riding, camping, and creating pottery.
LáYínká Sánní
Facilitator
LáYínká SánníFacilitator
LáYínká is a dynamic change facilitator and leadership development expert with over 12 years of experience transforming individuals and teams. Known for her countercultural approach, she challenges conventional wisdom while maintaining unwavering authenticity, and her calm demeanor creates space for authentic connection and growth.
Whether working with senior executives or emerging leaders, LáYínká brings her signature blend of professionalism, collaborative spirit, and results-driven methodology to every engagement. She specialises in developing high-performing teams, cultivating psychological safety, and guiding leaders through transformative change, and excels in designing personalised development programs that optimise communication, enhance team dynamics, and foster lasting organisational change. With several coaching and facilitation certifications under her hijab, LáYínká’s commitment to transformative leadership development, coupled with her adaptive resilience and authentic presence, continues to inspire breakthrough results across organisations seeking to cultivate cultures of excellence and innovation.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, LáYínká leads the imaginary Earl Grey Lovers Club, nurtures plants and feline companions, indulges in solo jams with her frame drum, and cherishes quality time with her family.
LáYínká is a dynamic change facilitator and leadership development expert with over 12 years of experience transforming individuals and teams. Known for her countercultural approach, she challenges conventional wisdom while maintaining unwavering authenticity, and her calm demeanor creates space for authentic connection and growth.
Whether working with senior executives or emerging leaders, LáYínká brings her signature blend of professionalism, collaborative spirit, and results-driven methodology to every engagement. She specialises in developing high-performing teams, cultivating psychological safety, and guiding leaders through transformative change, and excels in designing personalised development programs that optimise communication, enhance team dynamics, and foster lasting organisational change. With several coaching and facilitation certifications under her hijab, LáYínká’s commitment to transformative leadership development, coupled with her adaptive resilience and authentic presence, continues to inspire breakthrough results across organisations seeking to cultivate cultures of excellence and innovation.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, LáYínká leads the imaginary Earl Grey Lovers Club, nurtures plants and feline companions, indulges in solo jams with her frame drum, and cherishes quality time with her family.
Nicola McGuinness
Facilitator
Nicola McGuinnessFacilitatorShe/Her
Nicola is a dynamic Executive Coach, Leadership Consultant, and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Trainer with over 20 years of professional experience. She is passionate about helping women advance in their careers, unlocking their potential to achieve roles that bring impact, recognition, and fulfillment.
Nicola has a proven track record of designing and delivering bespoke and transformative leadership programs that empower aspiring and senior-level leaders to thrive. She also delivers training, motivational talks, and workshops on equity, diversity & inclusion, unconscious bias, and allyship, creating awareness and driving action to foster inclusive and equitable workplaces.
Her expertise in challenging bias and building confidence is further reflected in her role as a Gold Tier #IAmRemarkable facilitator, where she helps women and underrepresented groups overcome modesty norms and amplify their voices and visibility in the workplace.
Nicola’s innovative coaching sessions, including ‘Power Hours’ on interview confidence, career clarity, and visibility, have helped countless women chart their paths to success. As the host of the ‘Me For A Change’ podcast, Nicola amplifies inspiring stories of personal transformation and professional growth.
As Founder and Regional Leader of the Lean In Newry Network, Nicola supports a 400+ membership of women by fostering peer support and networking for career growth. Her role has also connected her with a global network of Lean In leaders, allowing her to champion the growth of women on an international scale.
Nicola holds an MSc in Business and Management from Queen’s University Belfast and brings her extensive experience in managing cross-border economic development research and programme delivery to her work.
A busy and proud mother of four, Nicola is driven by a belief that no one should settle for a life of ‘what ifs.’ She channels energy and enthusiasm into every aspect of her life and career, inspiring those around her to push beyond limits, seize opportunities, make bold choices, and create lives rich with purpose and meaning.
She/Her
Nicola is a dynamic Executive Coach, Leadership Consultant, and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Trainer with over 20 years of professional experience. She is passionate about helping women advance in their careers, unlocking their potential to achieve roles that bring impact, recognition, and fulfillment.
Nicola has a proven track record of designing and delivering bespoke and transformative leadership programs that empower aspiring and senior-level leaders to thrive. She also delivers training, motivational talks, and workshops on equity, diversity & inclusion, unconscious bias, and allyship, creating awareness and driving action to foster inclusive and equitable workplaces.
Her expertise in challenging bias and building confidence is further reflected in her role as a Gold Tier #IAmRemarkable facilitator, where she helps women and underrepresented groups overcome modesty norms and amplify their voices and visibility in the workplace.
Nicola’s innovative coaching sessions, including ‘Power Hours’ on interview confidence, career clarity, and visibility, have helped countless women chart their paths to success. As the host of the ‘Me For A Change’ podcast, Nicola amplifies inspiring stories of personal transformation and professional growth.
As Founder and Regional Leader of the Lean In Newry Network, Nicola supports a 400+ membership of women by fostering peer support and networking for career growth. Her role has also connected her with a global network of Lean In leaders, allowing her to champion the growth of women on an international scale.
Nicola holds an MSc in Business and Management from Queen’s University Belfast and brings her extensive experience in managing cross-border economic development research and programme delivery to her work.
A busy and proud mother of four, Nicola is driven by a belief that no one should settle for a life of ‘what ifs.’ She channels energy and enthusiasm into every aspect of her life and career, inspiring those around her to push beyond limits, seize opportunities, make bold choices, and create lives rich with purpose and meaning.
Patricia Ee
Facilitator
Patricia EeFacilitatorShe/Her
Patricia is a Certified Coach, Facilitator, Trainer & Speaker. Sometimes known as the Human Hacker through her extensive social experiments. In over 25 years of diverse corporate and training experience, spanning 17 countries in 3 continents, Patricia has acquired deep knowledge and understanding of the challenges that organizations and their employees face. Drawing on this rich experience, she creates opportunities for her workshop participants to resonate and respond to those challenges with a positive mindset and outcome.
Patricia approaches life with an extraordinary dose of can-do attitude. Her vision and life work is to help individuals in organizations “find their cape and become the superheroes that they are”. She firmly believes that individuals have power to transcend learning barriers – if given the opportunity to learn after being positively encouraged and coached.
Patricia is also a Certified Trainer in Insights Discovery ® Profiling, DISC Flow ® Profiling, Lego Serious Play®, Points Of You®, Genos Emotional Intelligence® and Mental Toughness®, enablers to support, transform and develop talents for business sustainability and growth.
Being naturally people-centric, Patricia is ever ready to support all levels of individuals to stand tall and stand strong, both personally and professionally, amidst a VUCA world. empowering them to make significant contributions to their organizations and to society. Based in Malaysia and Singapore, she loves having #conversationthatmatter with people from different walks of life over a nice cup of coffee or tea!
She/Her
Patricia is a Certified Coach, Facilitator, Trainer & Speaker. Sometimes known as the Human Hacker through her extensive social experiments. In over 25 years of diverse corporate and training experience, spanning 17 countries in 3 continents, Patricia has acquired deep knowledge and understanding of the challenges that organizations and their employees face. Drawing on this rich experience, she creates opportunities for her workshop participants to resonate and respond to those challenges with a positive mindset and outcome.
Patricia approaches life with an extraordinary dose of can-do attitude. Her vision and life work is to help individuals in organizations “find their cape and become the superheroes that they are”. She firmly believes that individuals have power to transcend learning barriers – if given the opportunity to learn after being positively encouraged and coached.
Patricia is also a Certified Trainer in Insights Discovery ® Profiling, DISC Flow ® Profiling, Lego Serious Play®, Points Of You®, Genos Emotional Intelligence® and Mental Toughness®, enablers to support, transform and develop talents for business sustainability and growth.
Being naturally people-centric, Patricia is ever ready to support all levels of individuals to stand tall and stand strong, both personally and professionally, amidst a VUCA world. empowering them to make significant contributions to their organizations and to society. Based in Malaysia and Singapore, she loves having #conversationthatmatter with people from different walks of life over a nice cup of coffee or tea!
Pilar Reyes Bernal
Facilitator
Pilar Reyes BernalFacilitatorShe/Her
Pilar is driven by her love for learning, curiosity, and a desire to connect authentically with others. She is passionate about co-creating a better working culture where individuals can add value by being their true selves. Pilar is inspired by the opportunity to share her knowledge and guide deep reflections that foster mutual growth and learning.
With over seven years of experience applying positive psychology principles, Pilar supports organizations in improving workplace culture, productivity, and well-being. She uses practical tools from positive psychology to help teams and leaders reach their full potential, promoting a collaborative and learning-focused environment.
In addition to her work in this field, Pilar has more than 15 years of experience in accounting, which helps her bring order and clarity to consulting projects and ensures a clear understanding of how different departments collaborate to achieve shared goals.
Pilar holds a Master’s in Positive Leadership and a Master’s in Emotional Competencies in Organizations, as well as several international certifications, including Strategic Human Capital Management (Tec de Monterrey), EMCC Global Coach/Mentor Accreditation (EIA), and Facilitator in Appreciative Inquiry for Organizational Flourishing (IDEIA).
She/Her
Pilar is driven by her love for learning, curiosity, and a desire to connect authentically with others. She is passionate about co-creating a better working culture where individuals can add value by being their true selves. Pilar is inspired by the opportunity to share her knowledge and guide deep reflections that foster mutual growth and learning.
With over seven years of experience applying positive psychology principles, Pilar supports organizations in improving workplace culture, productivity, and well-being. She uses practical tools from positive psychology to help teams and leaders reach their full potential, promoting a collaborative and learning-focused environment.
In addition to her work in this field, Pilar has more than 15 years of experience in accounting, which helps her bring order and clarity to consulting projects and ensures a clear understanding of how different departments collaborate to achieve shared goals.
Pilar holds a Master’s in Positive Leadership and a Master’s in Emotional Competencies in Organizations, as well as several international certifications, including Strategic Human Capital Management (Tec de Monterrey), EMCC Global Coach/Mentor Accreditation (EIA), and Facilitator in Appreciative Inquiry for Organizational Flourishing (IDEIA).
Priscila Amaro
Facilitator
Priscila AmaroFacilitatorShe/Her
Priscila Amaro’s purpose is boosting women’s potential so they can build an extraordinary life.
She’s a behavioral transformation mentor with 20 years of experience, having spent 17 years as an HR executive in multinationals such as P&G, Danone, and Nike, and 5 years as a facilitator and consultant in Catalise School, co-founded with her friend Claudia Lima.
She’s also a mom, triathlete, ballerina, musician, wrote the book “Overcome your limits” in co-authorship with other women, created the “Be the protagonist of your life” Program, and co-founded Blue Break, a new food concept that aims to contribute to people’s longevity.
She/Her
Priscila Amaro’s purpose is boosting women’s potential so they can build an extraordinary life.
She’s a behavioral transformation mentor with 20 years of experience, having spent 17 years as an HR executive in multinationals such as P&G, Danone, and Nike, and 5 years as a facilitator and consultant in Catalise School, co-founded with her friend Claudia Lima.
She’s also a mom, triathlete, ballerina, musician, wrote the book “Overcome your limits” in co-authorship with other women, created the “Be the protagonist of your life” Program, and co-founded Blue Break, a new food concept that aims to contribute to people’s longevity.
Sapna Padmanabhan
Facilitator
Sapna PadmanabhanFacilitatorShe/Her
Sapna is a leading learning consultant who has helped transform some of the world’s best known companies. She specializes in creating positively disruptive, sustainable learning journeys using simple, powerful, practical techniques. With a career in Learning and Development that spans over 20 years, Sapna began with a nine year stint at IBM where she facilitated professional and leadership development programs. As a freelance learning consultant and facilitator, she has worked with a wide-range of industries including banking, aviation, technology, hospitality, insurance, FMCG, computing, logistics, fast food, and apparel and has delivered programs across Asia, Europe and Africa. Sapna has also been intimately involved in nurturing the start-up ecosystem in India through her talk shows on radio and television.
She/Her
Sapna is a leading learning consultant who has helped transform some of the world’s best known companies. She specializes in creating positively disruptive, sustainable learning journeys using simple, powerful, practical techniques. With a career in Learning and Development that spans over 20 years, Sapna began with a nine year stint at IBM where she facilitated professional and leadership development programs. As a freelance learning consultant and facilitator, she has worked with a wide-range of industries including banking, aviation, technology, hospitality, insurance, FMCG, computing, logistics, fast food, and apparel and has delivered programs across Asia, Europe and Africa. Sapna has also been intimately involved in nurturing the start-up ecosystem in India through her talk shows on radio and television.
Shanaia Samtaney
Training Support
Shanaia SamtaneyTraining SupportShe/Her
Shanaia has worked as a Virtual Producer for the past 3 years for Virtual Production/Training companies across the globe, on platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Adobe Connect, WebEx Training Centre and Meeting Centre. She has a strong customer support mindset and enjoys working with the facilitator and participants to ensure that the event runs smoothly.
Shanaia is proficient in English and Hindi (the national language of India). Her strengths lie in the field of Communication Skills and Presentation Skills (both virtual and face to face).
She/Her
Shanaia has worked as a Virtual Producer for the past 3 years for Virtual Production/Training companies across the globe, on platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Adobe Connect, WebEx Training Centre and Meeting Centre. She has a strong customer support mindset and enjoys working with the facilitator and participants to ensure that the event runs smoothly.
Shanaia is proficient in English and Hindi (the national language of India). Her strengths lie in the field of Communication Skills and Presentation Skills (both virtual and face to face).
Sonna D’Costa
Training Support
Sonna D’CostaTraining SupportShe/Her
Sonna has over 17 years of experience in the fields of recruitment, administration, sales, and virtual production/training. For the last 3 years, she has been a virtual producer for a global training organization, working with many international clients and training session participants. She is adept at virtual training with experience in Webex, Zoom, MS Teams and Google Meet and considers her willingness to learn and research new things one of her greatest assets.
Sonna holds a Bachelor’s degree in Arts, a Masters in Theology, and more recently, a Diploma in Child Psychology.
She/Her
Sonna has over 17 years of experience in the fields of recruitment, administration, sales, and virtual production/training. For the last 3 years, she has been a virtual producer for a global training organization, working with many international clients and training session participants. She is adept at virtual training with experience in Webex, Zoom, MS Teams and Google Meet and considers her willingness to learn and research new things one of her greatest assets.
Sonna holds a Bachelor’s degree in Arts, a Masters in Theology, and more recently, a Diploma in Child Psychology.
Supriya Venkatesan
Facilitator
Supriya VenkatesanFacilitatorShe/Her
Supriya Venkatesan works with executives and entrepreneurs across the globe to unlock their total potential. Her focus areas include interpersonal communications, overcoming subconscious blocks, achieving peak performance, and broader culture change within organizations while exceeding business metrics.
With over 18 years of experience across a diverse career spanning marketing, journalism, and the military combined with extensive coaching training, she helps clients achieve professional and business goals by mastering the three levels of communication: Unconscious communication with the self, conscious communication with the other, and collective conscious communication within group dynamics.
Supriya holds a Masters degree in Strategic Communications from Columbia University, is a certified Trainer and Master coach in Neuro-linguistic Programming. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Media & Communications from Maharishi University with a minor in Vedic Science and a certificate in Yoga Philosophy from Oxford University.
In 2020, she was awarded the ADCOLOR award by ADWEEK for exemplary leadership in DEI. in 2007 she was given the Commandant’s Award by the US Army for performing in the top 10% at the US Army Leadership Academy. Supriya is a combat veteran having served 6 years in the US Army where she first honed her leadership skills leading teams of 100+ personnel of soldiers and civilians while stationed across 3 continents.
Her writings have been published in the New York Times, Washington Post, CNN, Playboy, Teen Vogue, Redbook and elsewhere.
She/Her
Supriya Venkatesan works with executives and entrepreneurs across the globe to unlock their total potential. Her focus areas include interpersonal communications, overcoming subconscious blocks, achieving peak performance, and broader culture change within organizations while exceeding business metrics.
With over 18 years of experience across a diverse career spanning marketing, journalism, and the military combined with extensive coaching training, she helps clients achieve professional and business goals by mastering the three levels of communication: Unconscious communication with the self, conscious communication with the other, and collective conscious communication within group dynamics.
Supriya holds a Masters degree in Strategic Communications from Columbia University, is a certified Trainer and Master coach in Neuro-linguistic Programming. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Media & Communications from Maharishi University with a minor in Vedic Science and a certificate in Yoga Philosophy from Oxford University.
In 2020, she was awarded the ADCOLOR award by ADWEEK for exemplary leadership in DEI. in 2007 she was given the Commandant’s Award by the US Army for performing in the top 10% at the US Army Leadership Academy. Supriya is a combat veteran having served 6 years in the US Army where she first honed her leadership skills leading teams of 100+ personnel of soldiers and civilians while stationed across 3 continents.
Her writings have been published in the New York Times, Washington Post, CNN, Playboy, Teen Vogue, Redbook and elsewhere.
Sydney Butler
Facilitator
Sydney ButlerFacilitatorShe/Her
Sydney is a people-first conflict transformation and restorative justice practitioner. She is an educator, facilitator, coach, partner, and lifelong learner in the work of unpacking cultural conflicts and identity and creating liberated spaces for all people to thrive and belong. She is a mental health advocate, an empowerer of womanhood, and has a heart for truth, humility, restoration, dignity, and community.
Her background in DEIJB work is in education. She previously worked as a Black Student Achievement Program Liaison in Howard County Public Schools in Maryland to advance racial equity education and decrease achievement gaps for black high school students. She is a trained facilitator with Maryland Leadership Workshops and she now works with a Baltimore non-profit to increase the academic and personal capacity of black youth attending Baltimore City Public Schools and private schools.
Sydney graduated cum laude from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development & Community Engagement, and a focus on African American Studies and Sociology. She spent time in Philadelphia with the Urban League, AVID, and served in numerous middle and high schools supporting urban education. She is currently working towards her M.A. in Restorative Justice from Eastern Mennonite University with a specific focus on racial trauma healing.
In her work, Sydney uses her education, experiences, passions, and skills to connect the head and the heart of understanding across differences and how the concepts of power, privilege, oppression and bias affect us all interpersonally and in policy. Sydney is energized by peeling back the layers of this complex human experience, guiding people in self-reflection, and taking their personal, relational and organizational development to the next level.
She/Her
Sydney is a people-first conflict transformation and restorative justice practitioner. She is an educator, facilitator, coach, partner, and lifelong learner in the work of unpacking cultural conflicts and identity and creating liberated spaces for all people to thrive and belong. She is a mental health advocate, an empowerer of womanhood, and has a heart for truth, humility, restoration, dignity, and community.
Her background in DEIJB work is in education. She previously worked as a Black Student Achievement Program Liaison in Howard County Public Schools in Maryland to advance racial equity education and decrease achievement gaps for black high school students. She is a trained facilitator with Maryland Leadership Workshops and she now works with a Baltimore non-profit to increase the academic and personal capacity of black youth attending Baltimore City Public Schools and private schools.
Sydney graduated cum laude from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development & Community Engagement, and a focus on African American Studies and Sociology. She spent time in Philadelphia with the Urban League, AVID, and served in numerous middle and high schools supporting urban education. She is currently working towards her M.A. in Restorative Justice from Eastern Mennonite University with a specific focus on racial trauma healing.
In her work, Sydney uses her education, experiences, passions, and skills to connect the head and the heart of understanding across differences and how the concepts of power, privilege, oppression and bias affect us all interpersonally and in policy. Sydney is energized by peeling back the layers of this complex human experience, guiding people in self-reflection, and taking their personal, relational and organizational development to the next level.
Yennie Rautenberg-Loya
Facilitator
Yennie Rautenberg-LoyaFacilitatorShe/Her/Ella
Yennie Rautenberg-Loya empowers and develops leaders to flourish and leave a positive mark in the world. Through her proprietary Authentic Inclusive Collaboration® framework, she enables teams and individuals to build inclusive, productive and collaborative work environments where everyone experiences a sense of belonging, is empowered to participate and has equal opportunity to thrive.
Originally from Mexico, she is a bilingual (Spanish/English) and multicultural ICF-certified leadership coach with 25+ years of global experience in corporate and executive communications, and 15+ years delivering life and executive coaching and training programs to hundreds of people. She has championed, participated and served as an ally of multiple inclusion and diversity initiatives, and collaborated with teams in 25+ countries.
Yennie designs customized programs in the areas of inclusion and belonging, employee resource groups (ERGs), emotional intelligence, leadership, resilience, communication, career advancement, and career/life transitions (relocation, job termination and retirement). Based on client’s needs, the programs may include one-on-one coaching, facilitated group/team sessions, workshops and/or consulting services.
Yennie has provided services in different capacities to multiple organizations including Accenture, ASML, Autodesk, Edmunds, Global Foundries, Google, Intel, Meals on Wheels, Meta, Metlife, NAB, National Restaurants Association, New York Times, NHL, Pinterest, Qualcomm, Tesla, UNICEF, University of California San Diego, VMWare and Yelp.
For 11 years, Yennie worked at Qualcomm, where she was responsible for global communications programs for India, Latin America, Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia. During her tenure, she also championed diversity and inclusion initiatives, supported corporate social responsibility projects, as well as high-visibility programs such as the company’s partnership with the World Economic Forum.
Yennie worked at Porter Novelli in Mexico City and South Florida for nine years managing local and Latin American programs for several accounts including Fortune 500 companies.
Education and Certifications
Yennie is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credentialed through the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and an Emotional Intelligence (EQ-i2.0 and EQ360) Certified coach. She holds a Certification in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace by Muma College of Business at the University of South Florida and a Leadership Coaching Certification by the University of San Diego School of Leadership and Education Sciences. She’s also a certified Gold-tier facilitator of Google’s #IamRemarkable global initiative.
In 2019, Yennie graduated from Cornell University’s Certificate Program in Strategic Human Resources Leadership, and from the Latina Success Leadership Program by MANA de San Diego, a National Latina Organization.
Before immigrating to the U.S., Yennie received a Diploma on Organizational Communications and Behavior by Universidad Panamericana in Mexico City, a Diploma in International Marketing by Universidad La Salle in Mexico City, and a Trade Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations by Colegio Alemán Alexander von Humboldt in Mexico City.
She/Her/Ella
Yennie Rautenberg-Loya empowers and develops leaders to flourish and leave a positive mark in the world. Through her proprietary Authentic Inclusive Collaboration® framework, she enables teams and individuals to build inclusive, productive and collaborative work environments where everyone experiences a sense of belonging, is empowered to participate and has equal opportunity to thrive.
Originally from Mexico, she is a bilingual (Spanish/English) and multicultural ICF-certified leadership coach with 25+ years of global experience in corporate and executive communications, and 15+ years delivering life and executive coaching and training programs to hundreds of people. She has championed, participated and served as an ally of multiple inclusion and diversity initiatives, and collaborated with teams in 25+ countries.
Yennie designs customized programs in the areas of inclusion and belonging, employee resource groups (ERGs), emotional intelligence, leadership, resilience, communication, career advancement, and career/life transitions (relocation, job termination and retirement). Based on client’s needs, the programs may include one-on-one coaching, facilitated group/team sessions, workshops and/or consulting services.
Yennie has provided services in different capacities to multiple organizations including Accenture, ASML, Autodesk, Edmunds, Global Foundries, Google, Intel, Meals on Wheels, Meta, Metlife, NAB, National Restaurants Association, New York Times, NHL, Pinterest, Qualcomm, Tesla, UNICEF, University of California San Diego, VMWare and Yelp.
For 11 years, Yennie worked at Qualcomm, where she was responsible for global communications programs for India, Latin America, Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia. During her tenure, she also championed diversity and inclusion initiatives, supported corporate social responsibility projects, as well as high-visibility programs such as the company’s partnership with the World Economic Forum.
Yennie worked at Porter Novelli in Mexico City and South Florida for nine years managing local and Latin American programs for several accounts including Fortune 500 companies.
Education and Certifications
Yennie is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credentialed through the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and an Emotional Intelligence (EQ-i2.0 and EQ360) Certified coach. She holds a Certification in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace by Muma College of Business at the University of South Florida and a Leadership Coaching Certification by the University of San Diego School of Leadership and Education Sciences. She’s also a certified Gold-tier facilitator of Google’s #IamRemarkable global initiative.
In 2019, Yennie graduated from Cornell University’s Certificate Program in Strategic Human Resources Leadership, and from the Latina Success Leadership Program by MANA de San Diego, a National Latina Organization.
Before immigrating to the U.S., Yennie received a Diploma on Organizational Communications and Behavior by Universidad Panamericana in Mexico City, a Diploma in International Marketing by Universidad La Salle in Mexico City, and a Trade Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations by Colegio Alemán Alexander von Humboldt in Mexico City.
