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.

Women of Color in Business
2025-03-27 18:00 - 21:00 | 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.

Unlocking Opportunity: Harnessing the Power of Norway's International Talent
2025-08-26 17:30 - 20:00
Norway is brimming with highly skilled people who already call this country home — yet many remain on the sidelines of the labour market. While much of the national conversation focuses on attracting talent from abroad, this event flips the narrative: from “attracting talent” to “activating the talent that’s here.”
Join industry leaders, employers, policymakers, and changemakers for a powerful conversation on how Norway can fully leverage its international workforce to drive innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable growth. Hear from employers who have bridged the opportunity gap. Walk away with practical insights, actionable strategies, and fresh perspectives on transforming untapped skills into a national advantage.
The event will include an evening of networking, music, along with snacks and refreshments.
📅 Date: Tuesday, 26 August 2025
📍 Location: Thon Hotel Opera, Dronning Eufemias gate 4, Oslo
🕠 Time: 17:30 onwards
This event is organized by Diversify in partnership with Thon Hotel Opera.
Our speakers:
• Chisom Udeze – Executive Director, Diversify
• Sayantani Saha – Senior Manager, Diversify
• Siw Andersen – CEO, Oslo Business Region
• Wenche Fredriksen – SVP Head of Inclusion & Diversity, DNB
• Edson Lopes – Global Senior Leadership Development Manager & DEI, Yara International
• Ley (Ashley) Muller – Senior AI Product Manager
• Karol Baca Lopez – Low-code/No-code developer, Trondheim kommune
• Zainab Musa – HR Specialist /Talent Management Advisor – Norwegian Refugee Council
• Emma Jackson – People and Culture Specialist
RSVP Below!

Diversify Summit 2025 - Courage in Action
2025-10-24 07:30 - 17:00 | 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.
—

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!
