Renowned DEI Thought Leader
Meet the Cohort
The Team
Dr. Rohini Anand is Founder and CEO of Rohini Anand LLC providing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) advisory services to clients in the public and private sectors. She is a strategic business leader and trusted board member who has successfully transformed cultures and built an iconic brand with an enduring reputation, resulting in accelerating new business creation.
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With expertise that spans executive leadership, human capital, global corporate responsibility, wellness and diversity equity and inclusion, Rohini brings a unique perspective on the critical alignment of the business culture and the triple bottom line to drive exceptional performance. Rohini is recognized as a pioneer in the DEI field and is a sought- after expert by leaders around the world. She is a thought leader and a published author of the best selling book, Leading Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: A Guide for Systemic Change in Multinational Organizations.
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In her former role as SVP Corporate Responsibility and Global Chief Diversity Officer for Sodexo. Rohini successfully positioned Sodexo as a global thought leader in DEI and Corporate Responsibility. Sodexo’s remarkable global culture change, led by diversity and inclusion, is featured in a Harvard Business School case study entitled Shifting the Diversity Climate: the Sodexo Solution
Laura Shipler Chico has worked in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) since 1994 in Africa, Asia, North America and Europe. An experienced manager, facilitator, trainer, writer, and conflict resolution practitioner, Laura works in the non-profit, faith-based, and corporate sectors. She specializes in cross-cultural communication, contextualizing global DEI strategies in local settings, and cultural considerations in peacebuilding, anti-trafficking, and development.
She has managed programs in a variety of complex and challenging contexts – including conflict zones – spanning continents, cultures, languages, and time zones. She is skilled in communication and in securing buy-in from multiple stakeholders. Her recent freelance work has included managing a multi-year Early Warning and Early Response peacebuilding project in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and a youth peacebuilding project Pakistan, Mali, and the Central African Republic for Peace Direct. For the O.L. Pathy Family Foundation, she developed an online educational resource on “Cultural Considerations when Assisting Survivors of Human Trafficking,” building on her past work in that arena. She has worked within the women’s movement of the Myanmar democracy movement, and is the author of This Light that Pushes Me: Stories of African Peacebuilders. Most recently she assisted Conciliation Resources to develop a concept note on providing culturally relevant and gender transformative mental health services in the Central African Republic.
As a Diversity and Inclusion consultant, Laura researched the quality of life for Sodexo’s employees living with disabilities; developed resource and training materials to help front line managers encourage healthy discussions on race in the workplace; and conducted a global survey analysis of Sodexo best practices when working with Ethnic Minorities, First Nations, Refugees and Migrants, and Faith communities. Laura collaborates closely with Dr. Rohini Anand as a speechwriter and researcher, helping her to write articles on current DEI trends and dilemmas. She assisted Dr. Anand in the writing of her book, Leading Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, with a specialty on localizing global change efforts, and addressing race and racism in varying cultural contexts.
Laura is a dual citizen of the UK and US and has lived for extended periods in North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. She speaks both English and French.
Imraan is a Director at Women of the Future, an organization which includes a portfolio of events, initiatives, and networks designed to support the next generation of female leaders – a programme that has impacts thousands of women globally. The flagship initiative - The Women of the Future Awards - provides a platform for progression of women across diverse sectors and countries creating a vibrant and impactful community of inspirational women.
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Imraan conceptualised and developed the framework and vision to globalise the Women of the Future brand successfully, moving into the Southeast Asia market in 2016. Eight years on, the Southeast Asia Awards is a thriving initiative with multiple sponsors and over 300 alumnae across 10 countries in the region. With Women of the Future, Imraan also manages their schools programme connecting the women alumnae to over 50 partner schools to inspire the next generation of talent.
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As a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion consultant Imraan has worked across many of the different diversity dimensions including researching and developing a white paper titled Guiding Gen Z from campus to corporate life which explored the key engagement drivers of this generational cohort and how organizations can develop strategies to optimise engagement and motivation.
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Imraan also has over 10 years of experience working in the hospitality industry with industry leading brands such as Disney, Marriott and Starwood. Imraan gained his Human Resources Masters degree specialising in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from Georgetown University in 2016.
Leanne is a passionate marketing professional with over 13 years of experience, dedicated to supporting individuals and organizations that are making a positive impact on the world. She partners with clients primarily in the USA and UK, working across a diverse range of industries, including:
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A global organization focused on empowering the next generation of female leaders through events, initiatives, and networks that reach thousands of women worldwide.
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A pioneer in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, leading transformative change for corporations, non-profits, and government agencies.
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Life coaches and therapists who help individuals turn challenges into opportunities for growth and success.
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Career coaches who guide individuals in transforming their career paths into dynamic, successful journeys.
​​With a foundation in marketing from the University of St Andrews (Scotland) and continuous professional development through the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Leanne has a proven track record of implementing successful marketing strategies consistently drives business growth and success.
Cohort Members
Kaumudi Goda
The Human Conversation, Founder
European Women on Boards, DEI Lead
ICF Global Diversity Council, Council Member
I have helped transform Fortune 500 companies in Asia, Europe, and North America as a leadership development strategist, culture builder, executive coach, conflict resolution specialist, trainer, and program manager.
I deliver industry-leading results in learning and development, people management, and diversity and inclusion. I am a trusted business advisor and have extensive global experience in client leadership, business development, and P&L responsibilities.
With over 18 years of client and project leadership experience, I have a master's degree in Law and Business from the University of Virginia and the Indian School of Business respectively. I have worked as an attorney at law for seven years in the U.S. with a license to practice law in India and U.S. I am an ICF-certified executive coach, trainer, negotiator, and mediator.
I am an award-winning public speaker, bestselling author, and executive coach who is a passionate mentor and advocate of sustainability, diversity, and inclusion.
Areas of Expertise
People and Culture Strategy; Learning & Development; Sustainable Development, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging; Employee Engagement; Conflict Management; Policy, Ethics, and Governance
Audrietta Coleman Izlar is a native of Ocala, FL and also a graduate of both Howard University in Washington, DC and the University of Maryland Global Campus where she received her M.S. in Management and an MBA. She is a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE) with an extensive background working in Human Resources Centers of Excellence, including Corproate Benefits and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at both Marriott International and Verizon. She has a passion for community service, passed down from her parents, and a burden for voter education and engagement.
Dr. Kristi Kelly is the Enterprise DEI Lead for HAVI Group LP based in Chicago, IL. In this role, Kristi is the supporter of DEI progress working closely with global businesses, executives, and DEI practitioners.
Kristi brings a wealth of inclusion experience having worked in higher education near twenty years. Most recently, she was Vice President for Diversity and Associate Provost for Student Engagement, Equity and Inclusion at Lewis University where she led the advancement of the University’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as well as justice and belonging.
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Kristi has a collaborative working style and strong relationship building skills. Kristi volunteers in the community through non-profit organizations to advance the well-being of humanity.
Kristi has a BA degree in Sociology, a MA in Organizational Leadership, and EdD in Educational Leadership.
Vivian Santora is a Managing Director with Alvarez & Marsal Global Transaction Advisory Group in New York. She brings more than 25 years of experience in non-profit, politics, and government affairs, serving in senior management and executive positions with a deep commitment to and focus on advancing equality and social justice.
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Ms. Santora serves on the TAG US executive committee and leads the group’s internal and external inclusive diversity efforts. She supports the Environmental, Social and Corporate (ESG) Advisory practice and helps clients work toward best practices around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
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Prior to joining A&M, Ms. Santora served as President and CEO of PowerPlay NYC, a non-profit dedicated to advancing the lives of girls and gender non-conforming youth through sports. Over 90 percent of participants are girls of color (primarily Black and Latinx) from low-income neighborhoods who face systemic barriers to success. Under her leadership, PowerPlay received the Sports Business Journal Celebration of Service Award and Youth Inc.’s Non-Profit of the Year Award.
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Previously, Ms. Santora served as National Finance Director for Hillary Clinton’s Senate re-election campaign and leadership PAC and worked in government affairs for Cablevision. She was also Senior Director, Major Gifts for the Girl Scouts of the USA and Chief Development Officer for Women’s World Banking. ​
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Ms. Santora earned a bachelor’s degree in English and women’s studies from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a master’s degree in public administration and policy from American University. She holds a Diversity and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University.
I am the founder and director of Chiaro Business Transformation, a consulting firm that specialises in creating workplaces with engaged employees who feel that they belong. Chiaro works closely with businesses to address the critical and complex issues surrounding diversity and inclusion. My team and I have served numerous clients in the retail, banking, manufacturing and technology industries.
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My work for these multinationals focus on awareness training in terms of race, gender, LGBTQA+, age, nationalities, religion and others. It speaks to unconscious bias, in-group/out-group dynamics and rank, power and privilege dynamics. I care deeply about the relationship between mainstream and marginalised groups and work to bridge the gap and facilitate both groups to come into the right relationship for equity and justice.
As I base my work on Arnold Mindell's Process Work, I include the concept of deep democracy where every voice is heard, but also every voice within each individual, bringing congruence to individuals and groups. I believe my team and I can make a difference in society by engaging with organisations to change their cultures from within.
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I have presented my work at various international conferences, such as The Forum for Workplace Inclusion (2022), IODA (2017 and 2021), Globally Conscious Peacemakers (2021) and I served on an expert panel for ORSC (Organisational and Relationship Systems Coaching)(2020), amongst others.
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I have an MBA from Stellenbosch University (South Africa), am a trained ORSC and Process Work facilitator, OD practitioner and accredited Enneagram Coach.
​Ann brings over 20 years of experience in managing complex international health programs with a focus on equity and data. Previous experience includes developing sustainable strategies and program implementation, with geographical experience in the US, Europe, West and East Africa, India, and Haiti. Ann’s current role is with the Gates Foundation DEI Center of Excellence as a Senior DEI Partner. In this role, Ann leads change and acts as a strategic thought and implementation partner to divisions and teams across the organization. Ann holds a Master of Science degree in International Health Policy and Management from Brandeis University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies and Intercultural Communication from the University of Kansas. Ann is also in the process of completing certification as a Diversity Professional (CCDP) through Cornell University.
Blanca Villela is a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), driving impactful change across Latin America and beyond. Born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, she earned her law degree and an MBA from the University of San Pedro Sula. With over 28 years of experience leading strategic initiatives in diverse sectors - including agribusiness, consumer goods, manufacturing, and sustainability - she has a proven track record of fostering inclusive cultures and building high-performing teams.
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Blanca began her career at Cargill Honduras in 1995 as a Corporate Legal Advisor, gradually assuming responsibilities across Mexico and Central America. From 2008 to 2013, she served as General Manager of Cargill's meat business in Honduras, before transitioning to the role of Global Diversity and Business Impact Leader in 2013. In this capacity, she was responsible for global operations and contacts in Latin America. In 2016, Blanca moved to Corporate Affairs as Regional Communications Manager for Central America and Colombia, later also managing the Corporate Social Responsibility strategy in the region.
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As a DEI practitioner and Certified Executive Coach, Blanca is dedicated to empowering women and dismantling barriers to professional growth, creating diverse environments where all individuals can thrive. She actively volunteers with organizations like Vital Voices, focusing on women’s empowerment and development, and serves on the regional board for Teleton Honduras, a nonprofit organization that supports people with disabilities.
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Blanca is also a respected thought leader and serves on the boards of Ternova Group, Searchin Group, and ALZU Group, where she leverages her extensive experience to drive business development and growth initiatives. In her personal life, she is married and a proud mother of two—Carlos Andrés (21) and Mariana (19). In her free time, she enjoys family and friends’ activities, exercising, and reading.