Diversify

Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace & Society: Bridging the Generational Gap
2025-03-26 13:00 - 14:00 (Europe/Oslo)
Our Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace series is a global platform dedicated to fostering open conversations and learning around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in workplaces and communities worldwide. Since 2020, these monthly sessions have brought together professionals, leaders, and advocates from across the globe to explore best practices, share personal experiences, and discuss actionable strategies for creating more inclusive environments. These free, virtual sessions serve as a space for collective growth, critical reflection, and meaningful dialogue on DEI’s evolving role in society.
The topic for March: Bridging the Generational Gap
In today’s evolving workplace, five generations are working side by side—each shaped by different historical, social, and technological contexts. While generational diversity can be a source of innovation and strength, it can also lead to misunderstandings, biases, microaggressions and communication gaps that hinder collaboration.
Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking session on Bridging the Generational Gap, where we will explore:
Intergenerational Dynamics: How different generations perceive work, leadership, and inclusion—and how these perspectives shape workplace culture.
🔹 Challenging Assumptions: The pitfalls of generational labeling and how to foster dialogue that respects lived experiences rather than reinforcing biases.
🔹 Bridging the Divide: Practical strategies for building workplaces where knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and psychological safety allow individuals across generations to thrive.
🔹 The Future of Work: How organizations can create inclusive policies and cultures that respond to shifting generational expectations, from career development to flexibility and purpose-driven work.
Join us for this discussion featuring Chisom Udeze, Charlie Fonda and Sarah Campbell.
Join us for this digital discussion on March 26, 2025 at 13.00 CET by RSVP-ing below.

Speakers:
Chisom Udeze (She/Her), Economist, Strategist & Executive Director of Diversify
Chisom is an accomplished Economist, Strategist, Investor, and Founder with nearly two decades of experience leading impact-driven companies and actioning societal change. She serves on multiple boards, including as chair, and holds advisory roles across three continents.
Her global work spans seven countries and includes collaborations with organizations like the European Commission and Boston Consulting Group. Chisom champions democracy, sustainability, justice, and community driven and multi-stakeholder change-making. She also spearheads the Diversify Nordics Summit, a leading conference for leadership and innovation. A passionate advocate for mental health, Chisom enjoys tennis, reading, writing, and has published on Forbes.
Sarah Campbell (She/Her), Head of Programmes at Stonewall
Sarah Campbell (she/her) is the Head of Programmes at Stonewall, an LGBTQ+ rights charity. She oversees the delivery of Stonewall’s suite of expert support for workplaces around LGBTQ+ inclusion including the Diversity Champions programme, Workplace Equality index and LGBTQ+ Leadership Programme.

Women of Color in Business
2025-03-27 18:00 - 21:00 (Europe/Oslo) | Atelie, Ruseløkkveien 30, Oslo, 0251
Our Women in Business series is a platform designed and led by women to equip you with valuable and necessary business skills to drive growth at your company or venture. Whether you’re running a startup, managing an SME, or dreaming of launching your own business, this series connects you with professional and highly skilled women to share expertise and practical tools for success.
In March, we’re proud to partner with Women of Color in Biz to present this special session.
Together, we’ll explore:

Shifting Narratives: Reclaim and reshape the stories of women of color in business by highlighting success stories and celebrating the innovations driven by women of color.
Money Matters: Break the stigma around talking about money, including asking for what you’re worth. Foster financial independence, enhance financial literacy, and create sustainable wealth.
Creating Pathways for Success: Discover tools, networks, and strategies that empower women of color to seize opportunities, amplify their impact, and thrive in business and leadership.
Building Wealth and Sharing Power: Explore how women of color can collectively build economic power by investing in one another’s businesses, fostering supportive financial networks, and ensuring wealth creation is inclusive and equitable.

Tentative Agenda:

18.00: Doors open
18.10: Introduction & welcome by Chisom Udeze
18.20: Presentation by Ruthie Semere & Mam Foon | Women of Color in Biz: Story, Mission, Work, and Impact
18.30: Panel Discussion with Grace Iche, Ruthie Semere & Mam Foon; Moderated by Sayantani Saha | Owning Our Narratives: Building Wealth, Power & Pathways for Women in Business
19.00: Audience Facilitated Discussion; Moderated by Chisom Udeze | Chisom will facilitate a discussion where the audience can share perspectives, insights, and ask questions.
19.45: Networking and Business Showcases

Who Should Attend:
This session is for entrepreneurs, professionals, and changemakers seeking to reclaim narratives, enhance their financial knowledge, and build networks of mutual support.
While this event focuses on the experiences and perspectives of women of color, it is open to everyone who wants to learn, engage, and support an inclusive business community.
We will have light snacks and refreshments. Register below to secure your spot!
REGISTER HERE!

Speakers:
Grace Iche (She/Her)
Grace Iche is a skilled and trained fashion designer and stylist who has a deep passion for creating clothes that tell a story. She is proudly leading her emerging independent slow fashion brand, Grace Ucha in customizable designs and bespoke tailoring with a mission to celebrate women of all colours and sizes.

Ruthie Semere (She/Her)
Ruthie Semere is a business developer, entrepreneur, and ICF-accredited leadership coach with over 12 years of international experience in digital media and business development. Since 2017, she has coached individuals, entrepreneurs, and companies globally in self-leadership and success creation. Ruthie is also the co-founder of Women of Color in Biz, a network that champions women of color entrepreneurs.
As a trilingual daughter of Eritrean immigrants with experience in navigating two cultures, Ruthie’s biculturalism has shaped her ability to deeply understand people from all walks of life. This unique perspective allows her to hold a global and inclusive mindset that resonates across diverse backgrounds. She holds a master’s degree in International Management from King’s College London and hosts the podcast Zanta on personal development.

Chisom Udeze (She/Her)
Chisom is an accomplished Economist, Strategist, Investor, and Founder with nearly two decades of experience leading impact-driven companies and actioning societal change. She serves on multiple boards, including as chair, and holds advisory roles across three continents.
Her global work spans seven countries and includes collaborations with organizations like the European Commission and Boston Consulting Group. Chisom champions democracy, sustainability, justice, and community driven and multi-stakeholder change-making. She also spearheads the Diversify Summit, a leading conference for leadership and innovation. A passionate advocate for mental health, Chisom enjoys tennis, reading, writing, and has published on Forbes.

Mam Foon (She/Her)
Mam Foon is a Business Developer and Music Entrepreneur with over 14 years of international experience in branding, business development, and the creative industries. She is the founder of We Deh Culture, an events platform celebrating African heritage, and the co-founder of Women of Color in Biz, a network championing women of color entrepreneurs.

The proud daughter of Gambian parents, Mam’s bicultural background and global experience have enabled her to build meaningful connections, create success, and foster cultural exchange through her work in the creative and cultural industries, globally. She holds a degree in Graphic Design from the University of the Arts London and has advanced her expertise in business development, events, and the music industry, working internationally in Gambia and across the continent.

Sayantani Saha (She/Her)
Sayantani is a Senior Manager and Chief of Staff at Diversify, where she leverages her diverse background in journalism, retail, social media management, and community development to excel in her role. Sayantani is instrumental in fostering inclusive environments, organizing strategic gatherings, and spearheading community development efforts. Providing direct support to the Executive Director, she drives measurable change for Diversify’s clients, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission.

Beyond her work at Diversify, Sayantani runs a small macrame business called Sew and Saw—a creative passion project that perfectly complements her multifaceted career.

Diversify Global Roadshow - Riga: Courage in Leadership
2025-05-22 09:30 - 14:00 (Europe/Riga) | Swedbank Latvia, Swedbank, Balasta dambis 15, Riga, LV, LV-1048, Riga, 1048, Latvia
Courage in Leadership
Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about the courage to challenge the status quo, make bold decisions, and lead with integrity in times of uncertainty.
Join us for Courage in Leadership, where key stakeholders from the public, private, and civil society sectors will engage in a solutions-driven dialogue on what it takes to lead with conviction in today’s rapidly evolving world.
As Latvia and countries across the world navigate shifting socio-economic, political, and business landscapes—alongside rapid advancements in technology and AI—how do we chart a path forward?
Tentative Overarching Discussion Themes

Leadership for the Future
Investments
AI & Tech
Navigating Diversity & Inclusionin the current climate

This in-person event will feature interactive roundtable discussions, keynotes, and a panel discussions to foster actionable insights and cross-sector collaboration.
Hosted by Diversify, the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency, Swedbank and the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Riga in collaboration with PwC Latvia, Reitan Convenience and DNB.
📍 Date: Thursday, May 22, 2025
⏰ Time: 10.00 – 14.00 EET (Doors open at 09.30 EET)
📍 Location: Swedbank, Balasta dambis 15, Riga, LV, LV-1048
🎟️ Free to attend – Register below!
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This event is part of the Diversify Summit roadshow, a global initiative leading up to the Summit on October 24 in Norway. Diversify Summit is a premier conference where leaders connect, innovate, and tackle urgent societal and workplace challenges under the theme Courage in Action.
To deepen engagement, we’re hosting roadshow events worldwide, bringing together local and global stakeholders.
Upcoming stops include the Netherlands (April 24), Latvia (May 22), Germany (June), Nigeria (August), and more.
Interested in partnering? Contact us at contact@diversify.no.
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Meet our Speakers:
Agnese Lāce is the Minister for Culture of the Republic of Latvia, with over a decade of experience in migration, integration, and public policy. Her career spans government, international organizations, and research institutions, including work with the European Pact for Integration and the UN Refugee Agency (Geneva).
Before her current role, she served as Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Culture and as a Senior Policy Analyst at the Centre for Public Policy PROVIDUS.
Agnese holds multiple advanced degrees in political science and international migration, and was a PhD candidate in International Relations and Migration at Koç University and the University of Amsterdam, under the Marie Curie INTEGRIM programme.
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Chisom Udeze is the Executive Director of Diversify. She is an accomplished Economist, Strategist, Investor, and Founder with nearly two decades of experience leading impact-driven companies and actioning societal change. She serves on multiple boards, including as chair, and holds advisory roles across three continents.
Her global work spans seven countries and includes collaborations with organizations like the European Commission and Boston Consulting Group. Chisom champions democracy, sustainability, justice, and community driven and multi-stakeholder change-making. She also spearheads the Diversify Summit, a leading conference for leadership and innovation. A passionate advocate for mental health, Chisom enjoys tennis, reading, writing, and has published on Forbes.
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Sandija Novicka is a Partner at COBALT Latvia office and heads the Tax Law practice group. She is an expert in Tax, State Aid, Public Procurement and Insurance matters. Sandija has acted as a lead advisor in large number of complex taxation matters, in particular advising on tax planning and representing clients in tax litigation.
Due to her profound knowledge of broader legal framework Sandija is able to offer the most efficient solutions both in transactional and litigation assignments. Sandija has lectured at the Latvian Judicial Training Center, Latvian School of Public Administration and Riga Graduate School of Law on taxation, EU law and state aid topics and has written extensively on those subjects.
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Zane Čulkstēna is a visionary entrepreneur, strategist, and leader at the intersection of business, culture, and creativity. She is the founder of ERDA, a consultancy specializing in employer branding and organizational development, where she supports businesses in attracting and retaining top talent through innovative strategy and insight.
Zane is also the founder and Chair of kim? contemporary art center, a leading nonprofit promoting contemporary art in Latvia. She serves on the Supervisory Board of the Art Academy of Latvia, bringing her strategic expertise to support the institution’s long-term development. Her work reflects a deep commitment to innovation, impact, and cross-sector transformation.
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Artin Shams leads Swedbank Group’s efforts in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. He has served in advisory roles to senior management and worked as a Senior Project Manager in sustainability. Additionally, he founded Swedbank’s LGBTQ+ network to support diverse communities within the organization.
Artin’s previous experience as a Management Consultant at Oliver Wyman, focusing on strategic topics throughout the European banking industry, has provided him with a deep understanding of the sector. He applies this expertise to drive impactful change within Swedbank. Artin believes that integrating DEI initiatives with business strategies is crucial for achieving sustainable success and promoting an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
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Agnese Cimdiņa is an internationally certified Diversity Manager and Business Anthropologist. She has contributed to awareness raising, knowledge transfer and consulting in diversity management to local and international organizations since 2019. Agnese has conducted research, led projects, consulted, published, been a lecturer, speaker & moderator on such topics as Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging (DEIB), Diversity Competence and Management, Internationalization of Nordic organizations, Intercultural understanding & Trust, Sustainability & Development, Culture & Business in Nordic, Baltic and Middle East societies.
Agnese holds Masters’ and PhD degrees in Social Anthropology from the University of Bergen (Norway). She has extensive international experience working with Nordic organizations in academic, corporate and diplomatic sectors. Agnese is also a writer and has recently published a monograph “Searching Sustainability in Arabian Deserts. An Anthropology of Market and Oil” based on her research on social and environmental sustainability in the Arab Gulf.
At PwC Latvia Agnese is Pan-Baltic Diversity & Inclusion Leader and a member of the CEE Inclusion & Diversity team, helping companies to develop competence and implement strategies that promote diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities in the workplace.
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Wenche Fredriksen is the Head of Inclusion & Diversity and at DNB. She has worked at Accenture for 30 years, having roles within consulting, HR and as Nordic Inclusion & Diversity Lead for many years. Wenche is an inspirational storyteller who actively uses her life experiences to open people’s hearts and minds, and to build a more diverse and inclusive world.
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Sayantani Saha is the Senior Manager and Chief of Staff at Diversify, where she leverages her diverse background in journalism, retail, social media management, and community development to excel in her role.
Her unique skill set enables her to manage high-impact projects, such as the HerTech Incubator, while maintaining strong communication with a variety of stakeholders. Sayantani is instrumental in fostering inclusive environments, organizing strategic gatherings, and spearheading community development efforts.
Working closely with senior leaders and providing direct support to the Executive Director, she drives measurable change for Diversify’s clients, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission. Her interdisciplinary expertise, backed by a Bachelor’s in Political Science and a Master’s in Fashion Management, strengthens her capacity to navigate complex, evolving challenges with a well-rounded approach.
Beyond her work at Diversify, Sayantani runs a macrame business called Sew and Saw — a creative passion project that perfectly complements her multifaceted career.

Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace: Psychological Safety or Psychological Bravery?
2025-05-28 13:00 - 14:15 (Europe/Oslo)
Our Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace series is a global platform dedicated to fostering open conversations and learning around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in workplaces and communities worldwide. Since 2020, these monthly sessions have brought together professionals, leaders, and advocates from across the globe to explore best practices, share personal experiences, and discuss actionable strategies for creating more inclusive environments. These free, virtual sessions serve as a space for collective growth, critical reflection, and meaningful dialogue on DEI’s evolving role in society.
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Our topic for May is Psychological Safety or Psychological Bravery?
Psychological safety has become a buzzword in organizations — often equated with kindness, comfort, and open dialogue. But what happens when “safety” is mistaken for harmony at the expense of truth? Or when it’s used to avoid difficult conversations rather than engage with them?
This session will explore the evolving conversation around psychological safety — not to discard its value, but to interrogate its limitations and reimagine its role in brave, courageous leadership.
We’ll explore how psychological bravery asks something more. It builds upon the foundation of safety but goes further — allowing individuals to challenge the status quo, take bold actions, give and receive honest feedback, speak up even when it’s uncomfortable, and drive innovation, even in uncertain or high-stakes situations. In cultures striving for inclusion, justice, and equity, bravery isn’t optional. It’s essential.
Join our speakers Chisom Udeze, Economist, Strategist, Investor & Executive Director of Diversify, Tendai Angela Jambga-Rokkones, Yoga Teacher, Wellness Curator & International Speaker, Christopher Vasquez Hovind, Inclusion & Diversity Trainee at SpareBank 1 North Norway, and Iva Ogrizovic, Director at Diversify and People & Culture Partner at Diversify Consult, as we unpack:

Why psychological safety alone may no longer be enough
How it can unintentionally stifle growth when misapplied
What psychological bravery looks like in practice, and who models it
How to build cultures that support both safety and courage

This conversation will invite leaders, teams, and changemakers to reflect deeply: Are we building environments that foster courage — or comfort that avoids it?
Join us for this digital discussion on May 28, 2025 at 13.00 CEST by RSVP-ing below.

Speakers:
Chisom Udeze (She/Her), Economist, Strategist & Executive Director of Diversify
Chisom is an accomplished Economist, Strategist, Investor, and Founder with nearly two decades of experience leading impact-driven companies and actioning societal change. She serves on multiple boards, including as chair, and holds advisory roles across three continents.
Her global work spans seven countries and includes collaborations with organizations like the European Commission and Boston Consulting Group. Chisom champions democracy, sustainability, justice, and community driven and multi-stakeholder change-making. She also spearheads the Diversify Nordics Summit, a leading conference for leadership and innovation. A passionate advocate for mental health, Chisom enjoys tennis, reading, writing, and has published on Forbes.
Christopher Vasquez Hovind (He/Him), Inclusion & Diversity Trainee at SpareBank 1 North Norway
Christopher Hovind holds a bachelor’s degree in HR and personnel management and is currently working in Tromsø as a trainee in diversity and inclusion. He has also been involved in volunteer work with organizations such as the KUN Center for Equality, the VI Foundation, and Equal Workplaces to help create more inclusive spaces for people from diverse backgrounds. Drawing from his own experiences, he is committed to making the world a more inclusive place where everyone has the opportunity to participate on equal terms.
Tendai Angela Jambga-Rokkones (She/Her), Yoga Teacher, Wellness Curator & International Speaker
Tendai Angela Jambga-Rokkones is a yoga teacher trained in vinyasa yoga, restorative yoga, and yoga Nidra; wellness curator, international speaker, and avid reader.
Tendai curates programs and talks derived from the fields of Wellbeing, Yoga, African philosophy, Ayurveda, and Self-care as a form of innovative transformation for one’s Self and communities.
She has led workshops, talks, and programs for diplomatic agencies, TedX, Film with Fashion Revolution, Children’s Home’s, Tamba Africa Circus, Women’s groups and was recently invited by Christian Dior Couture in partnership with UNESCO for the Women@Dior Mentorship Program: ‘Women, Leadership, sustainability and education’ as a guest speaker.
Tendai believes that practices of Self-Care rituals are inner engineering for the body, mind, and soul that sustain personal power in the direction to fulfill your mission and purpose.
Iva Ogrizovic (She/Her), Director at Diversify and People & Culture Partner at Diversify Consult
At Diversify Consult, Iva focuses on developing and implementing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) strategies and co-designs and delivers DEIB training and development programs.
As the Director at Diversify, she co-creates and manages many of its initiatives including, but not limited to, The Blaze Inclusion Award, The Annual Gala, various Mentorship Programs and Entrepreneurial Incubators and Accelerators. Her passion lies in fostering professional and personal development as well as empowering individuals to use their potential for transformative growth.

Diversify Summit 2025 - Courage in Action
2025-10-24 07:30 - 17:00 (Europe/Oslo) | Thon Congress Gardermoen, Balder allé 2, Gardermoen, 2060, Norway
Courage in Action is a rallying call to lead with boldness, challenge the status quo, and turn vision into transformative change.
It’s about more than bravery—it’s about acting on convictions, pushing boundaries, and creating tangible change. Together we step beyond comfort zones and move from dialogue to decisive action for a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable future.
Join us in redefining what’s possible, one courageous step at a time.
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The Diversify Summit is a premier global conference, offering a unique platform for leaders to connect, innovate, and address urgent global, societal, and workplace challenges.
Renowned as the most intersectionally inclusive conference in Europe, it presents a vital opportunity to deepen your knowledge, expand your network, and cultivate meaningful, lasting partnerships.
Since our inception in 2022, we have been committed to driving positive, measurable impacts in organizations and communities, empowering leaders and individuals to catalyze lasting transformation.

Sign up here!
