Adonica Black is the Director of Global Diversity and Inclusion for LexisNexis Legal & Professional. Her experience includes working with clients globally to strategically build a culture of inclusion where people can live to their full potential and organizations realize an advantage in business. The DEI initiatives counter unconscious bias in recruitment by promoting diverse perspectives, equitable processes, and inclusive hiring practices, fostering a more representative workforce. In her personal time, Adonica sits on Duke University’s Global Board of Directors, is Chair of the Women’s Forum, and leads the Women of Color Coalition for Duke Alumni. Adonica’s legal, professional, and volunteership experience evidences that she is passionate about justice, equity, and advancing all with a particular focus on those who experience the nexus between being a woman and a person of color.
Ingrid is a HR leader and Director of Leadership Development at GAP. In her previous role, she led the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Learning at organzations such as Meta and Capital One. Ingrid is also a certified coach. Her extensive experience is centered on leadership, inclusion, and fostering a sense of belonging within organizations. Ingrid's expertise encompasses executive and team coaching, as well as the creation of tailored learning experiences geared towards empowering women and leaders of color. Her illustrious career spans across diverse sectors, including nonprofit organizations, social justice initiatives, academia, public media, financial technology, and the realm of big tech.
Beth Berila, Ph.D., is an Equity-Focused Coach, Consultant, Facilitator, and Educator. With over twenty years of experience in social justice and DEI education, Beth is skilled at meeting people and groups where they are and engaging them in transformation toward justice. Her approach combines mindfulness, somatics, transformational coaching, and best practices in equity and inclusion to help transform individuals and organizations. She holds a certificate in Organizational Development Consulting and Change Leadership from Georgetown University.
Beth is also an engaging speaker and workshop facilitator who speaks on a variety of topics around transformational leadership, equity and inclusion, and mindfulness. She is relatable, funny, and real, helping people apply DEI training to their lives, leadership, and organizations.
In her coaching, she is a thought-partner to help leaders integrate DEI principles in their lives and work. She helps clients connect to their insights and wisdom to lead with an equity approach.
Casey has twenty years of experience in Leadership Development, Strategic Planning, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Casey envisions and believes in creating an equitable and sustainable world. They do this with humility, vulnerability, empathy, and rooted in love and joy. Casey possesses a proven track record of leveraging their excellent interpersonal skills to converse clearly and compassionately and build lasting relationships with individual and organizational clients. Additionally, Casey is an exceptional motivator and collaborator who effectively spearheads improvements for clients that enable their personal and professional growth.
Jessica is recognized internationally as an inspirational keynote speaker. Born without arms, Jessica flies airplanes, drives cars, and otherwise lives a normal life using her feet as others use their hands. She is the first person without arms to earn a black belt in ATA Martial Arts and the Guinness World Record for being the first armless person in aviation history to earn a pilot's certificate. Convinced that the way we think has a more significant impact on our lives than our physical constraints, Jessica chose to pursue a degree in psychology at the University of Arizona. Since then, she has traveled to 26 countries on six continents, sharing her inspirational message.
Highly sought-after keynote speaker, leadership expert, author, and coach Michelle Edelen is one of the most compelling, captivating, and charismatic voices in motivational speaking today. She empowers audiences with her transformational principles. Fondly revered as 'The Excellence Engineer,' she facilitates robust workshop training and brings a unique perspective of diversity, equity, and inclusion to high-level corporate leaders and their employees. Leveraging over 30 years of leadership experience in the public and private sectors, Michelle has a unique talent for making meaningful connections with audiences and the ability to help others maximize their strengths. Michelle's leadership expertise has landed her on major stages. She has given keynote speeches on live and virtual international stages including Shawn Fair's Leadership Experience Tour, and Cardinal Innovations DEandI Conference.
Ruth Rathblott is a disability diversity expert on inclusion within organizations. She is an inspiring TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and an award-winning former nonprofit leader. She was born with a limb difference and speaks with leaders on issues of equity and belonging, the gifts of being unique, and the freedom of accepting our differences. Ruth was profiled as a CEO in The New York Times’ Corner Office and received Goucher College’s Excellence in Public Service Award, among other awards, for her outstanding leadership in the nonprofit sector. She has spent her entire career focused on providing opportunities for those who have been underrepresented. She serves as a board member of The Lucky Fin Project.
Ady is a results-oriented Professional, Enterprise Coach, and IC Agile accredited trainer, boasting two decades of expertise in steering intricate projects, portfolios, and multidisciplinary teams across diverse sectors within iterative environments. His career spans strategic and operational roles, fostering high-functioning teams and robust stakeholder engagement for startups and established enterprises.
An adept Enterprise Architect and Leadership Agility coach, Ady excels in managing intricate teams and driving organizational change. Customer-centric, adaptable, and driven by challenges, he thrives in hands-on roles. Currently, he leverages his wealth of skills and experience to empower leaders, teams, and organizations, aiding them in excelling in delivery execution and embarking on successful agile transformation journeys.
Breandan Ward is an engaging and purpose-driven leader, He brings a proven track record of developing and unlocking potential, delivering excellence in service, change and governance, and achieving strategic outcomes in various leadership capacities within both corporate and non-profit sectors on a global scale. Guided by a steadfast commitment to core values of inclusion, innovation, and collective achievement, his passion lies in empowering individuals with lived experiences of disability and promoting diversity at all levels of organisations. With a 15-year background in investment banking in London and New York, he currently support leaders, teams and organisations to deliver more inclusive impact and outcomes through coaching, consulting and education.
Afua Hagan is an award-winning Broadcaster, Journalist, and TV Commentator who has become one of the most prominent voices on diversity and inclusion in Britain. Regularly appearing on ITV’s This Morning, Good Morning Britain, Jeremy Vine, BBC, Sky, CNN, LBC, Times Radio, and talkRADIO, she is known for her opinionated, charismatic, and thought-provoking commentary. Afua is also a distinguished commentator on the British Royal Family, offering expert insights across both UK and international media.
With an extensive background in journalism and editorial leadership, including serving as Editor-in-Chief of Glam Africa magazine and Features Editor at Pride magazine, Afua brings depth and authority to her work. As a keynote speaker and moderator, she covers topics such as Diversity and Inclusion, Unconscious Bias, Gender Equality, Sustainability, Resilience, and Personal Empowerment. Celebrated for her advocacy and influence, Afua Hagan continues to shape vital conversations in media, culture, and society.
Kate Walsh, an English Hockey gold medalist, leads as Team Captain for Great Britain and England. With unwavering dedication, she's secured two Hockey Writers Club UK Player Of The Year titles and earned recognition as a finalist for the World Player Of The Year Award in 2003. Named Great Britain Hockey Athlete Of The Year in 2007, Walsh's illustrious career spans from her debut in 1999 to commanding international tournaments, including three Olympics and four Hockey World Cups. Despite setbacks, like a broken jaw in the 2012 Olympics, Walsh persevered, epitomizing resilience. Honored with an MBE, she inspires as both an athlete and motivational speaker.
Kellie Maloney, formerly known as Frank Maloney, made history in 2014 as the most prominent British boxing promoter to undergo gender reassignment. Her courageous journey has significantly advanced visibility and support for the LGBT community. Before her transition, she managed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, elevating him to global stardom and setting new standards in boxing promotion. Kellie’s career spans three decades, including promoting boxer David Haye to a world cruiserweight title. Her resilience through personal challenges in the public eye has made her a role model for embracing authenticity and overcoming adversity. Recognized as the 'Transgender Champion' at the 2015 Glamour Women of the Year Awards, Kellie continues to raise awareness through public speaking and media engagements. Recently returning to boxing to support women’s boxing, Kellie remains a powerful advocate for inclusion and acceptance, sharing her inspiring story globally.
Charlie Martin is a trailblazing racing driver and LGBTQ+ activist. In 2020, she made history as the first transgender driver to compete in the Nurburgring 24-hour race. In 2024, she finished 2nd in class at the Lamborghini Super Trofeo support race at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, proudly waving a Pride flag on the podium. Realizing she was transgender at age 7, Charlie's journey to becoming a professional racer was marked by overcoming significant adversity without family support. Starting with just £1,500 from a summer job, she has risen to prominence in a male-dominated sport. Charlie works with charities like Stonewall to enhance LGBTQ+ visibility in sports and sits on Motorsport UK’s LGBTQ+ inclusion committee. She’s a BMW ‘Friend of the Brand’ and an ambassador for the FIA’s Girls on Track UK program.
Jason Robinson is a legendary sportsman, excelling in both Rugby League and Rugby Union. As the first Black British man to captain the England Rugby Team, Jason is renowned for his sidestep, speed, and defensive prowess. He began his career at Wigan before playing for Bath, Sale Sharks, Fylde, the England National Team, and the British & Irish Lions. Over his illustrious career, Jason played 281 games and scored 171 tries, earning MBE and OBE honors. Now retired, Jason founded JR Talks and JR Sports Stars to inspire underprivileged communities. Despite a challenging upbringing marked by domestic abuse and racial identity struggles, Jason became a world-class athlete. His story of overcoming adversity and achieving success is shared through motivational speaking, emphasizing mental resilience, social mobility, diversity, and inclusion. He has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Lycamobile British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards.
Martina Witter is a Director at Rapha Therapy & Training Services, an award-winning Cognitive Behaviour Therapist, Confidence Coach, and keynote speaker. She hosts the podcast Rivers to Resilience and is an author and resilience expert. Martina founded Black Mental Wealth and co-founded Black Women in Business and Professionals Network. As Vice Co-Chair of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Race Equality Panel and Co-Chair of the Pro-Manchester Wellbeing Champions Committee, she leverages over 20 years of experience in wellbeing and mental health. Martina underscores the importance of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in leadership, focusing on how managing one's emotions enhances personal resilience and effective leadership. She integrates self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills into her work, employing scientific techniques and mindfulness to boost mental health and resilience.
Fehinti Balogun is a distinguished multimedia creative who uses his platform and artistry to drive conversations on climate justice and equality. As an acclaimed actor, Fehinti has starred in major projects across HBO, Netflix, ITV, BBC, and Paramount Plus, addressing critical societal issues through compelling performances.
Beyond acting, Fehinti is an accomplished writer whose work has been featured in top publications like the New York Times, highlighting his ability to engage audiences with complex issues. He has also delivered powerful talks at prestigious platforms, including Cambridge University, the UN’s COP 26, and NBC Universal, with his TED Talk on climate action reaching over a million viewers.
Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Fehinti emphasizes the importance of human connection to shift perspectives. Through his art, advocacy, and speaking engagements, Fehinti continues to inspire and empower individuals, driving meaningful action for climate change and equality.
Smita Tharoor is the co-founder of Culturelytics, leveraging artificial intelligence to understand organisational culture, and founder of Tharoor Associates, a coaching, training, and organisational development firm. A TEDx speaker, broadcaster, and award-winning thought leader, she specialises in Unconscious Bias, leadership development, cultural agility, and behavioural change. Smita’s global experience spans the UK, India, Europe, Asia, and the USA, working with sectors including healthcare, banking, education, and B2B industries. An Associate of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development, certified NLP Practitioner, ICF-accredited coach, and mindfulness practitioner, she is also a visiting lecturer at leading universities. Her acclaimed podcast Stories Seldom Told ranks in the top 5% globally, heard in over 100 countries. Recipient of the Global Diversity Leadership Award, Smita is passionate about fostering self-awareness, embedding coaching cultures, and helping leaders and organisations navigate bias, resilience, and change for lasting impact.
Zafar Bhunnoo is a real estate developer, entrepreneur, and educator with nearly two decades of experience at the intersection of urban design, mental wellbeing, and inclusivity. He has been involved in projects and portfolios valued at over £2.5 billion, combining commercial acumen with a deep commitment to systemic change. Growing up in London as the child of first-generation immigrant parents, Zafar was shaped by strong family values, traditional expectations, and the challenge of navigating systemic barriers. His leap into entrepreneurship, while raising a young family, brought both risks and strains on mental health—experiences that fuel his passion for speaking openly about anxiety, identity, and the importance of inner work. Today, his work focuses on aligning capital with conscience, developing projects that prioritize community wellbeing and environmental sustainability, and advocating for greater inclusion in both business and sport.
Audrey Pantelis is an inclusion strategist, speaker, and leadership coach who helps organisations turn good intentions into lasting impact. With over 30 years in education - including as the founding Head of a Free special needs school - Audrey blends deep practical experience with insights into how systems work, and how people thrive. She speaks on inclusive leadership, cultural intelligence, and creating workplace cultures where everyone can belong and succeed - not just be included on paper. Audrey’s sessions are engaging, story-rich, and grounded in real-world practice. She brings both challenge and compassion, helping audiences shift mindsets, build confidence, and walk away with tools they can use immediately. An accredited Resilient Leaders Elements coach, Cultural Intelligence (CQ®) facilitator, and C-Me profiling practitioner, Audrey works nationally and internationally with schools, trusts, corporates, and nonprofits. If you're looking for a speaker who makes inclusion real, practical, and powerful - Audrey brings depth and clarity.
