Diversify

DNS2024 Best Practices Manual: From Insight To Action
2025-02-13 12:00 - 13:00 (Europe/Oslo)
Join us for an engaging conversation where we delve into the key learnings and transformative ideas from the DNS2024 Best Practices Manual. This session will not only explore the diverse insights shared during the Diversify Nordics Summit 2024 but also provide practical guidance on how to implement these strategies in your own work and communities.
What to Expect:
– Highlights from the Manual: Discover key takeaways on fostering inclusion, enhancing leadership, advancing sustainability, and leveraging technology to drive societal well-being.
– Interactive Discussions: Engage in conversations on how these insights can translate into actionable strategies for creating lasting impact.
– Toolkit in Action: Learn how the manual serves as a practical resource for leaders, advocates, organizations, and changemakers.
– Sneak Peek into Diversify Summit 2025: Get a glimpse of the upcoming Diversify Summit 2025 and the exciting opportunities it offers under the theme “Courage in Action.”
Why Attend?
Whether you attended DNS2024 or not, this event is designed for you!
– If you’re passionate about advancing equity, sustainability, and innovation, this session offers invaluable tools and strategies.
– If you’re planning to attend Diversify Summit 2025, this is the perfect opportunity to dive into the conversations that will set the stage for the year ahead.
RSVP Below!

To join us for Diversify Summit 2025, get your earlybird tickets here

Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace and Society: Navigating the Shifting Tides—What’s Next?
2025-02-26 13:00 - 14:30 (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 February: Navigating the Shifting Tides—What’s Next?As the landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) continues to shift, we find ourselves at a crossroads. With increasing resistance, funding cuts, and political backpedaling, what does the future of DEI in workplaces and society look like? How do we move forward strategically while staying true to the principles of equity and justice?
Join us for this timely discussion featuring Jeff Kwasi Klein, Chisom Udeze and Thandi Dyani where we will explore the complexities of the current climate, the evolving language of DEI, and practical strategies for resilience, adaptation, and collective action. This conversation will not shy away from the hard truths—it will be a space to grapple with the challenges, reflect on what’s at stake, and chart a path forward.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Understanding the global shifts impacting DEI in workplaces and beyond✅ Strategies for sustaining equity work amidst political and corporate resistance✅ Navigating the tension between moral integrity and financial realities✅ How we organize and communicate effectively in this climate
Expect an engaging discussion with interactive elements—your insights and reflections are welcome.
Join us for this digital discussion on February, 26, 2025 at 13.00 CET by RSVP-ing below.
RSVP HERE!

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.

Jeff Kwasi Klein (He/Him) Political Innovator & Strategist
Jeff Kwasi Klein is a dedicated advocate, strategist, and thinker for social justice, equity, and political innovation. As the former Co-Director of the Multitudes Foundation, he supported individuals and initiatives across Europe in reimagining more inclusive, representative, and human politics. Before this role, Jeff led the community-based funding project May Ayim Fonds and Germany’s first anti-discrimination counseling center for Black, African, and African Diasporic people at Each One Teach One (EOTO). Jeff is currently a member of the Berlin Senate’s Equality Advisory Board, which focuses on combating anti-Black racism in Berlin, and has served in many committees and political initiatives over the years. In these roles, he advocates for the interests of Black, Indigenous, and Communities of Colour and various (post-)migrant community organizations. Jeff is dedicated to addressing structural and institutionalized forms of racism, focusing on community building, leadership, and political innovation.
Thandi Dyani (She/Her) Regional Network Organizer, Africa and The Nordics – BMW Foundation
Thandi Dyani is an independent consultant, and external Network Organizer for Africa Region & the Nordics in the Emergent Team of the BMW foundation working with Leaders to inspire responsible leadership and catalyze change aligned with the SDGs.She is a fiercely passionate advocate for gender and racial equity and works with different organizations to foster justice, equity, diversity and belonging.
Thandi loves humanizing spaces and designs strategy and programs, provides training, keynotes and awareness for those that want to start their EDB journeys.Thandi co-initiated The UnLearning Journey for racial equity as well as the Gender Alliance, both platforms for reflection, awareness, training, leadership transformation and deep listening for a more just future. She has also been a DJ for more than 20 year and splits her time and work between the Nordics and Sub- Saharan Africa.

What role does DEI play in shaping the humanitarian and development sectors?
2025-02-27 07:30 - 09:00 (Europe/Oslo) | Norwegian Refugee Council, Prinsens gate 2, Oslo, 0152, Norway
The humanitarian and development sectors are pivotal in addressing global challenges, but how inclusive are they in their approaches? In collaboration with Norwegian Refugee Council, Diversify is hosting a breakfast seminar to examine how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) can shape these sectors to ensure they are more representative, equitable, and impactful.
Key Topics:

DEI in Action: What DEI looks and feels like from an organizational perspective in the current climate.
Unconscious Bias: How biases influence hiring, funding decisions, and program implementation within humanitarian organizations.
Who Benefits?: Who gets hired, from where, and how funding decisions are made—unpacking the power dynamics in allocation and resource flows.
Funding Models: Comparing project funding with flexible and organizational funding and exploring their impact on equity and inclusion.
Donor Inclusivity: The importance of challenging donors to adopt more inclusive funding practices and make diverse hires.

This interactive session will include a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring experts from Diversify, the humanitarian sector, and development organizations. Together, we’ll explore how DEI can address systemic challenges, create equitable opportunities, and drive meaningful change in the sector.
Tentative Agenda:

7:30 AM – Doors Open; Breakfast and networking
8:00 AM – Welcome and Introduction; Framing DEI by Diversify: A brief overview of what Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) means in the context of the humanitarian and development sectors.
8:15 AM – Panel Discussion
8:40 AM – Audience Q&A

Please Note: This event is by invite only. If you would like to attend, please send an email to sayantani@diversify.no to request an invitation.

Our 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.
Iva Ogrizovic (She/Her), Director at Diversify and People & Culture Partner at Diversify Consult
Iva Ogrizovic is the 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. She is also the Program Director for Diversify’s non-profit arm, where 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. With a Master’s in Philosophy and Comparative Literature, Iva’s background includes cultural event management, theater, and TV production. She is passionate about professional and personal development as well as empowering people to realize and use their potential for positive life changes.
Ama Afrifa-Tchie (She/Her), Global Lead, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) at NRC
As the Global Lead, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) for NRC, Ama Afrifa-Tchie is responsible for leading NRC’s work to become an even more inclusive and diverse organisation and is responsible for defining and implementing policies and measures to promote and embed an organisational culture that embraces and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in NRC. This includes designing, creating and implementing plans to promote diversity and inclusion within the organisation and to ensure a common understanding amongst managers and employees about what diversity, equity and inclusion mean throughout NRC’s country and regional offices, representative offices and at the Head Office.
Ama has built her career and expertise (20 years’ experience) within different industries which include -start-ups, tech, professional services, legal, financial services, media & entertainment, humanitarian. She is the founder of The Inclusion Agilist (a culture and inclusion consultancy).
Ama has an LLB in Law and a MA in Public Relations and Public Communications, and certification in Behavioural Therapy. She is a Fellow of The Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce UK.
As well as serving on Conciliation Resources Board of Trustees, she is also a Trustee on MAC-UK’s Board. Previous Board roles also include The Boxing Academy, Women in Cable & Telecommunications (WITC UK), and Artswork.
Ama’s passions and interests include travelling, fitness, outdoors activities, theatre and movies, animation, and interior decor. She is an avid foodie and loves spending time with her family and socialising with friends.

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.

Diversify Global Roadshow – Hague: Courage in Leadership
2025-04-24 14:00 - 16:00 (Europe/Oslo) | The Norwegian Residence, Andries Bickerweg 4, The Hague, Netherlands
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 the Netherlands and countries across the world navigate shifting socio-economic, political, and ideological landscapes—alongside rapid advancements in technology and AI—how do we chart a path forward?
Tentative Overarching Discussion Themes

AI & Tech
Leadership for the Future
People, Planet & Profit

The event will include an interactive ‘seat at the table’ discussion, keynotes and panel discussion followed by a reception from 16.00 CET.
📍 Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
⏰ Time: 14.00 – 16.00 CET
📍 Location: The Norwegian Residence, Andries Bickerweg 4, The Hague, Netherlands
This intimate, cross-sector gathering is hosted by Diversify and the Royal Norwegian Embassy in The Hague.
Limited space available. To request an invitation, please email Sayantani at sayantani@diversify.no.

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.

Building With, Not For: The Process of Community Co-Creation
2025-09-25 12:00 - 13:00 (Europe/Oslo)
What does it really mean to co-create with community?
This discussion is an invitation to explore the practice of co-creation — how it works, why it matters, and what co-creation makes possible. Co-creation is about listening deeply, sharing power, and building with people rather than for them.
Real change doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in community — when we choose to build together. Co-creation strengthens trust, creates belonging, and ensures that what we make is not only lasting, but also relevant across different contexts.
In this session, we’ll share our journey of co-creating an equity framework with artists, cultural practitioners, and organizations across the Nordics — the lessons we learned along the way, and why this way of working is essential for meaningful, sustainable change.
This is an invitation to reflect on what co-creation asks of us, what it makes possible, and why it matters for anyone who wants to create change that endures.
Join us digitally on September 25th at 12.00 CEST. RSVP below to attend!

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!
