Diversify

Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace: 4 Practical Tips to Amplify DEIB in 2023
2022-12-14 13:00 - 15:00 (Europe/Oslo)
Diversity and inclusion in the workplace is imperative for a sustainable, competitive and innovative company and society at large. Diversity also goes beyond the outward perception of a company – it includes how the internal structures work and signal the value systems of an organization’s management or leadership team.
This series is designed by Diversify to centre Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace. We look forward to seeing you!

In December we will explore 4 practical tips that you can easily implement at your workplace in 2023, that will amplify and promote awareness of DEIB. The session will be co-facilitated by Diversify founder, Chisom Udeze, and Program Director, Iva Ogrizovic.
More information coming soon.
This event is FREE to attend. Please register below HERE to receive the zoom link.

Chisom Udeze (She/Her)

Chisom is an Economist, Organizational Design and DEI Strategist, and a 3 times founder of impact driven companies. She has over 13 years of experience working with organizations like the European Commission, The United Nations, ExxonMobil and The Economist Group. Chisom is a data enthusiast and analytical. She is passionate about interrogating the cross-sectoral relationship between society’s inhabitants, resources, production, technology, distribution and output. She efficiently and effectively unlocks complex systems, interprets data, forecasts socio-economic trends and conducts research.

Having lived in 7 countries across 3 continents, she is highly adaptable to different circumstances and people, and thrives in uncertain environments.

As the founder of Diversify, Chisom works with companies, governments and civil society to facilitate measurable diversity and inclusion initiatives in the workplace and society. In 2020, mid-pandemic, she founded HerSpace, a diverse and inclusive co-creation community for all genders, with particular focus on women. HerSpace is launching a Women in Tech incubator in August 2022, for women-led companies, with a focus on the inclusion of diverse founders.

Chisom is a thought-leader in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) and a passionate advocate for mental health and wellness. She is an entrepreneur at heart and committed to life-long learning. She enjoys playing tennis, reading, binge-watching TV shows and cooking.

Iva Ogrizovic (she/her)
Iva holds a Master’s in Philosophy and Comparative Literature and in her home country, Croatia, she mostly worked as a freelancer in culture event management (film and music festivals) and in production (theater and TV). For the past three years of living in Norway, she has been working for a non profit organisation, Diversify, as a Program Director. Here she co-designs and manages programs for skilled immigrants addressing the difficulties they face when trying to secure relevant employment. The programs center on entrepreneurship, mentorship and professional development. Her work also involves supporting Diversify’s DEIB consultancy and training. Iva is passionate about professional and personal development and empowering people to realize and use their potential to make positive changes in their lives.

Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace: Race and Masculinity
2022-11-21 08:00 - 17:00
Diversity and inclusion in the workplace is imperative for a sustainable, competitive and innovative company and society at large. Diversity also goes beyond the outward perception of a company – it includes how the internal structures work and signal the value systems of an organization’s management or leadership team.
This series is designed by Diversify to centre Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace. We look forward to seeing you!

In November, we take on the topic of masculinity and race.
More information coming soon.
This event is FREE to attend. Please register by the LINK to receive the zoom link.

Women in Business: Personal Branding with Rebeca Hazelnut
2022-11-02 18:00 - 18:30
Women in Business is a series designed and led by women to share their knowledge about valuable and necessary business skills needed to drive growth at your company. Whether you are a startup or an SME, this series will introduce you to professional and highly skilled women. Each session will cover a specific topic and will provide valuable expertise to people who are looking to improve their skills to increase their employability or to develop or start their own businesses.

If people like you they will listen to you, but if they trust you, they’ll do business with you. – Zig Ziglar
Personal branding is a way of marketing yourself and your work as a brand. Your personal brand will help you establish yourself as an authority or thought leader in an industry by highlighting your unique set of skills, experiences, values and principles that are important to you. It is about creating a public persona in the digital world that reflects your real-life personality.
In our upcoming Women in Business session, Rebeca Hazelnut, brand designer, personal brand strategist and CEO of Rebeca Hazelnut Studio, will run a workshop on how to use your personal brand to promote your business on digital media. Whether you’re a business owner or have a job, this session will help you create a personal brand.
The workshop will focus on:

Learning key points to gain authority and trust on digital channels and social media,
The art of storytelling
The importance of building your personal brand
It will include exercises that will help you discover what parts of your story are potentially impactful and worth sharing (storytelling), and what key topics you should focus on in positioning your brand.

This will be a hybrid event– online and in-person tickets available.
Cost: 100, (in-person) / 80 (online). Please follow the link to register HERE
**This event is free for HerSpace members**

About the Speaker:
Rebeca Hazelnut is a creative and adventurous entrepreneur.
As the CEO of her own branding studio, she helps businesses become brands that have a unique and memorable personality that will help attract customers in an authentic way through branding and strategy.
In a fast-paced world, Rebeca advocates for human-focused businesses in the fields of physical and mental health, innovation and sustainability.
You can find Rebeca on Instagram at @rebeca.hazelnut.studio and @rebeca.hazelnut.

Sister Circle: A Gathering for Black, Brown and Women of Colour
2022-10-25 18:00 - 20:00
As Black, Brown and women of colour, sometimes, we might feel that we exist in a world, with systems and structures that were not built for us. So, we navigate, negotiate, cover or fit in, because it makes us feel safe. Nonetheless, it can be very isolating.
The Sister Circle is a non judgmental space created exclusively for Black, Brown and Women of Colour to hold space and safely explore their experiences, feelings and emotions in a supportive environment where you neither have to explain or defend your reality.
The session, facilitated by Chisom Udeze, is an opportunity to find connection and solidarity; a space to speak your truth, share your feelings to whatever degree you feel comfortable, celebrate your wins, simply listen, or find solace in the company of other women.
This session is for Black, Brown and women of colour who are: strong, loud, quiet, mothers, shy, bold, working, stay-at-home, entrepreneurs, students, job-seekers, multi-taskers… we invite you to come as you are. You are magical, worthy and needed.
We invite you to make and take S P A C E in authentic connection, to benefit from the wisdom of your sisters as we connect over stories, challenges and triumphs. Sisters’ Circle is a much needed space for women of colour to exhale, and connect with people who truly see and hear you, as you are.
When you leave this session, we hope you will feel loved, seen, heard and empowered. We look forward to seeing you.** Please note that in order to create a safe and supportive space, we will “close the doors” and begin promptly at 18:05. Please arrive on time. **

Cost: NOK100 To pay please follow the link HERE
**This event is free for HerSpace members.**
Maximum attendees: 20
We want this event to be accessible to all. If your financial situation is preventing you from attending this event, please email sayantani@diversify.no

Bodily Autonomy, Women’s Right and the Hijab
2022-10-24 18:00 - 19:30
A discussion on Bodily Autonomy, Women’s Right and the Hijab
There is an ongoing fight for women’s freedom to choose across the world, from Iran and El Salvador, to India and the United States. Women, men and people are taking to the streets – women burning their head scarves and cutting their hair – to protest against the murder of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody for allegedly wearing her headscarf improperly in Tehran, while women in India are fighting for their right to wear one. In El Salvador and the United States, women are demanding abortion rights.
These ongoing protests are a fight for bodily autonomy, agency and freedom to make choices over oneself. Women in different parts of the world are still fighting for their basic human rights, to be seen, heard and to choose for themselves.

Join us for a nuanced discussion about the situation in Iran and beyond with with Sherry Hakimnejad, Chisom Udeze, Stephanie Alvarez and Sayantani Saha.
This is a hybrid event. Join us in person at HerSpace or online. Please register below to receive the zoom link.
This event is FREE to attend. Follow the link to register HERE

About the speakers:
Sherry Hakimnejad is an entrepreneur and social worker. She was born in Iran but moved to Norway at the age of 5 because of war. Sherry co-founded the company DivInc to help companies with diversity and inclusion in the development of their services, products and strategies. She is passionate about empowering the silent voices in the Norwegian society – whether that be the youth, the elderly or immigrant women.

Stephanie Alvarez is an International Development and Human Rights practitioner who has dedicated her professional career to helping international social justice organisations grow and scale their operations and programs. She holds a Masters in International Relations and Conflict Resolution from the Externado University of Colombia and a BA in Political Science and International Studies from Franklin & Marshall College in the United States. Stephanie is passionate about intersectionality and social justice causes. Her passion has led her to work in numerous fields including genocide and mass atrocity prevention, transitional justice, DDR, protective accompaniment (of human rights leaders) and disaster relief.

Chisom Udeze is an Economist, Organizational Design and DEI Strategist, and a 3 times founder with over 12 years of experience working with organizations like the European Commission, The United Nations and ExxonMobil. Chisom has an analytical mind and works to interrogate the cross-sectoral relationship between society’s resources, production, distribution and output. She is adept at efficiently and effectively unlocking complex systems, data management, forecasting economic and social trends, and thrives in uncertain environments.
As the founder of Diversify, Chisom works with companies, governments and civil society to facilitate measurable diversity and inclusion initiatives in the workplace and society. In 2020, mid-pandemic, she founded HerSpace, a diverse and inclusive co-creation community for all genders, with particular focus on women-led companies and mothers. She is a thought-leader in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) and a passionate advocate for mental health and wellness.

Sayantani Saha is the community manager at HerSpace. She has a diverse work experience across different fields. Sayantani has worked as a copy editor in a leading Indian newspaper, a buyer and merchandiser in a retail organisation and as a social media professional in various organisations, including her own business. She has a masters degree in fashion management. At Diversify, she takes care of all things social media.

Community Plant Swap
2022-10-20 17:00 - 18:00 | HerSpace, Strandgata 19, Oslo, 0152, Norway
Join us for our first plant swap at HerSpace!

Whether you’re a newbie or and plant pro, everyone is welcome to join us, with a plant or a cutting, of course. You can also bring pots and seeds that you think another plant lover could re-use.

Connect with your local community of plant lovers and learn gardening tips and tricks from them.

All the plants and cuttings will be set out on a table. Once the event begins, everyone will get a chance to walk around the table to to see what’s available. Then the swap begins – Choose a plant/cutting you want to take home.

Rules:

Please bring along one or more plants or cuttings with you to swap. That way everyone leaves with a new plant at the end of the evening. Make sure the plant you’re bringing is healthy and not infested with pests.
If you know the plant type, please label them.
Bring cuttings wrapped in damp kitchen towel, plastic bag or container so they survive the ride to their new home.
If you’re bringing a potted plant, please make sure it’s a pot you’re happy to give away or bring them in temporary pots like yoghurt pots, tins and takeaway cups.

This event is free to attend!
Please RSVP HERE so that we know the number of attendees and can prepare the space accordingly.
We look forward to meeting you and talking plants!

Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace: Microaggressions vs. Microaffirmations
2022-10-19 13:00 - 15:00 | HerSpace, Strandgata 19, Oslo, 0152, Norway
Diversity and inclusion in the workplace is imperative for a sustainable, competitive and innovative company and society at large. Diversity also goes beyond the outward perception of a company – it includes how the internal structures work and signal the value systems of an organization’s management or leadership team.
This series is designed by Diversify to centre Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace. We look forward to seeing you!

In our Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace session for September, we will discuss microaggressions and microaffirmations.
Microaggressions are defined as the everyday, subtle, intentional — and oftentimes unintentional — interactions or behaviors that communicate some sort of bias toward historically marginalized groups.

Micro-affirmations are small acknowledgment of another person’s value. It’s a subtle act of inclusion and kindness that goes a long way in building a culture of belonging.

Speakers to be announced soon!
This event is FREE to attend. Please register HERE to receive the zoom link.

Secondhand Treasures
2022-10-08 12:00 - 17:00 | HerSpace, Strandgata 19, Oslo, 0152, Norway
Secondhand Treasures: A Saturday Market for Pre-Owned Clothes and Other Items
Drop by at HerSpace for a secondhand items treasure hunt! Find high quality affordable hidden gems from different vendors. There will be clothes, accessories, books and so much more to choose from. Update your wardrobe or home with pre-loved goods. Shop sustainably and give secondhand items a new life.
If you want to book a stall to sell secondhand items at the market, send us an email to sayantani@diversify.no

The market will run from 12:00-17:00
Please RSVP for all the latest updates and information on future events!

Women in Leadership: Isabella Håkenstad
2022-10-05 18:00 - 19:30 | HerSpace, Strandgata 19, Oslo, 0152, Norway
At HerSpace, we are proud to be part of a collective and necessary effort to be active participants in helping women advance in their social, personal and professional lives. We have designed the Women in Leadership series as a way to amplify the voices, stories and experiences of women. Our featured women speakers have diverse backgrounds, have reached milestones in their careers, and have made an impact in their industry and communities. We all benefit when stories of challenges and wins are shared. We offer their stories, knowledge and insights to help empower you in your own journey.
Women in Leadership is a recurring event that will feature an inspirational female leader every month. If you would like to nominate a woman in your network as a way to honor her work, please reach out so our collection can grow with our community.

About our guest: Isabella Håkenstad

Isabella Håkenstad (She/They), can easily be called a young human rights activist. At the age of 14 she founded her local pride called FossePride. Being the youngest of 3 sisters, she has learned from a very young age to speak up and speak her mind. Today, she uses her voice to speak about topics close to her heart such as LGBTQ+ rights. Being a member of the rainbow family herself, and having experienced violence because of it, she is trying to create a platform for young people to be themselves and feel safe to love who they love regardless of their gender. As a young activist and spokesperson, she understands the importance of allyship through education and regularly holds lectures about topics such as the importance of allyship and pronouns.

This is a hybrid event.
Cost:
In-person: 150NOK (includes light refreshments)
Online: 100NOK
This event is co-produced by HerSpace, Diversify and Africa Connect.
Please book your ticket HERE

Women in Leadership: Isabella Håkenstad
2022-10-05 08:00 - 17:00 | HerSpace, Strandgata 19, Oslo, 0152, Norway
At HerSpace, we are proud to be part of a collective and necessary effort to be active participants in helping women advance in their social, personal and professional lives. We have designed the Women in Leadership series as a way to amplify the voices, stories and experiences of women. Our featured women speakers have diverse backgrounds, have reached milestones in their careers, and have made an impact in their industry and communities. We all benefit when stories of challenges and wins are shared. We offer their stories, knowledge and insights to help empower you in your own journey.
Women in Leadership is a recurring event that will feature an inspirational female leader every month. If you would like to nominate a woman in your network as a way to honor her work, please reach out so our collection can grow with our community.

About our guest: Isabella Håkenstad

Isabella Håkenstad (She/They), can easily be called a young human rights activist. At the age of 14 she founded her local pride called FossePride. Being the youngest of 3 sisters, she has learned from a very young age to speak up and speak her mind. Today, she uses her voice to speak about topics close to her heart such as LGBTQ+ rights. Being a member of the rainbow family herself, and having experienced violence because of it, she is trying to create a platform for young people to be themselves and feel safe to love who they love regardless of their gender. As a young activist and spokesperson, she understands the importance of allyship through education and regularly holds lectures about topics such as the importance of allyship and pronouns.

This is a hybrid event.
Cost:
In-person: 150NOK (includes light refreshments)
Online: 100NOK
This event is co-produced by HerSpace, Diversify and Africa Connect.

Women's Circle
2022-09-19 18:00 - 20:00 | HerSpace, Strandgata 19, Oslo, 0152, Norway
Women’s Circle is a non judgmental, gently facilitated listening and support group for women to hold space and show up for ourselves and each other. The session is an opportunity to find stillness, connection and solidarity; a space to speak your truth, if you feel moved to and process what is present in you. Inspired by peer counselling approaches and Brigid Russell’s Spaces for Listening, the format provides equal opportunity for all who want to share what is on their mind and in their heart.
We invite you to make S P A C E and find sanctuary in compassionate connection, to benefit from the wisdom of other women by witnessing their stories, pains and triumphs. Women’s Circle is a unique and rare space to let go of the identity veils we maintain, to come exactly as you are and connect with people that empathise with your situation and hold space for your unique set of circumstances and experiences. You are invited to share as much or as little as you wish, or just listen to others.
The session will be gently facilitated and will include poems, prose and other offerings to guide discussion and support reflection.
Women’s Circle is held at HerSpace (Strandgata 19, 0152 Oslo) where there will be opportunity to stay and chat after the session, with warm tea by candlelight.
When you leave this session we hope you will feel nurtured and lifted in your spirit. We look forward to seeing you.
** Please note that in order to create a safe and supportive space, we will “close the doors” and begin promptly at 18:05. Please arrive on time. **

Cost: NOK100
**This event is free for HerSpace members.**
Maximum attendees: 12
We want this event to be accessible to all. If your financial situation is preventing you from attending this event, please email nikki@herspace.no.

Selena Støback
Selena Støback is a mental health innovation advocate and women’s rights activist, with a background in driving policy and systems change through radical collaboration and capacity building. Selena is a trained peer counsellor, qualified Mental Health First Aid instructor, and a long serving active listener with Samaritans UK. Selena values deep listening and dialogue as the best way to solve problems.

Women in Leadership: Sudipa Chakraborty
2022-09-14 08:00 - 17:00 | HerSpace, Strandgata 19, Oslo, 0152, Norway
At HerSpace, we are proud to be part of a collective and necessary effort to be active participants in helping women advance in their social, personal and professional lives. We have designed the Women in Leadership series as a way to amplify the voices, stories and experiences of women. Our featured women speakers have diverse backgrounds, have reached milestones in their careers, and have made an impact in their industry and communities. We all benefit when stories of challenges and wins are shared. We offer their stories, knowledge and insights to help empower you in your own journey.
Women in Leadership is a recurring event that will feature an inspirational female leader every month. If you would like to nominate a woman in your network as a way to honor her work, please reach out so our collection can grow with our community.

About The Speaker: Sudipa Chakraborty

Sudipa Chakraborty is the Project Lead of JobbAsker, a diversity and inclusion project in Asker municipality, Norway. Through her unwavering commitment and thought leadership, she works toward creating a sustainable and inclusive society which has room for everyone. As a diversity and inclusion champion, she empowers people to realize their full potential, influences leaders to think out of the box, and collaborates with companies to work towards UNs Sustainability Development goals in the space of equality, decent work and economic growth.
With close to 15 years of international experience in storytelling and cross-cultural communication from global companies like Microsoft, CGI and the BBC, among others, Sudipa is committed to using the power of storytelling to bring about a positive change in society.

This is a hybrid event.
Cost
In-person: 150NOK (includes light refreshments)
Online: 100NOK
This event is co-produced by HerSpace, Diversify and Africa Connect.

Diversify Nordics Summit
2022-08-26 07:30 - 17:00 | Scandic Holmenkollen, Kongeveien 26,, Oslo, 0787, Norway
Our sister organisation, Diversify, is organising the first-ever conference on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging that brings together stakeholders from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
Now more than ever, there’s a need to:
– create inclusive and human-centric hybrid workplace environments to recruit and build productive and efficient teams.
– ensure a collective Nordic society that is inclusive of all its inhabitants across social systems and structures.
The DNS is a meeting place for practitioners in the Nordics to share their work and discuss themes across diversity parameters including but not limited to gender, ethnicity, religion, neurodiversity, race, sexual orientation, identity, disability, age and other topics relevant to the priorities that intersect with the workplace and society at large. Engage in this full-day event that addresses current challenges in the Nordics, and gain insight into practical, impactful and measurable solutions.

JOIN US TO EXCHANGE IDEAS, EXPLORE SOLUTIONS TO DEIB RELATED CHALLENGES IN THE WORKPLACE AND SOCIETY. LEARN ACTIONABLE BEST PRACTICES TO IMPLEMENT TODAY.
Book your tickets here

Why attend the summit?
Join the first-ever Nordic-wide DEIB conference that gathers practitioners, leaders and companies to:
Get Targeted Insights

Attract and retain visibly diverse talents
Gain and share innovative ideas, insights & best practices
Improve your employer brand
Understand your customer better
Focus on the issues & solutions
Strategies to navigate workplace culture

Build Network

Learn & network with people in your field
Meet thought-leaders & industry experts
Make new connections & grow your network
Collaborate with industry leaders, DEIB practitioners & enthusiasts
Unlock diverse viewpoints
Decrease your diverse talent shortage

Be Inspired

Be inspired by best practices you can implement today
Springboard cultural & sustainable change at your workplace
Make better decisions & drive high performing teams
Expose yourself to bold ideas & exciting projects
Break out of your comfort zone
Learn something new

Who Should Attend?
C-Level Executives including but not limited to:

Chief Executive Officers
Chief Marketing Officers
Chief Diversity Officers
Chief Financial Officers
Chief Operating Officers
Chief Sustainability Officers

Vice Presidents and Directors of:

Sustainability
Human Resources
People & Talent Management
Operations
Sales & Partnerships

Professionals with responsibility for:

Diversity & Inclusion
Employee Relations & Engagement
Global Business, Ethics & Compliance
Learning and Development
Organization Culture
Talent Acquisition
DEIB practitioners, consultants, service providers & enthusiasts
All-level employees, job-seekers, students and individuals with an interest in DEIB
Policy makers, politicians, media personnel, journalists, writers, civil society, cross-sectoral NGOs

Cross-Cultural Soirée
2022-07-07 18:00 - 20:30 | HerSpace, Strandgata 19, Oslo, 0152, Norway
Join us for an evening soiree to celebrate the multiculturalism and diversity that surrounds us.

There will be food from different cultures, entertainment and discussions around our orange couch on allyship and cross-cultural communication.
Speakers and performers to be announced soon!
This event is being held in collaboration with Manifold and Stiftelsen RKF.
This event is FREE to attend.

About the Speakers
Mona Frank (she/her)
Mona is a social and cultural psychologist, the co-founder of Manifold Norway, and currently completing her second master’s degree in Social Anthropology, researching the Norwegian integration system with a focus on refugee politics. She was previously engaged as board member in the African Student Association at UiO. For several years, Mona has planned and arranged a wide range of seminars, anti-racism campaigns, lectures, solidarity events, and panel discussions addressing schemes related to the African diaspora in Norway.
In 2020, she was one of the main organizers of the “We can’t breathe: Justice for George Floyd” BLM demonstration in Oslo, as well as a series of events within the topics of racism, Islamophobia etc. This year, she has been assisting the initiative Noir Society (in Munich, Germany) in coordinating and providing humanitarian support for POC refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine. Through her academic learning and her engagement in antiracist environments, Mona has grown to gain a deeper understanding of both theoretical and practical manifestations of racism and discrimination, prejudice, and intercultural communication. Mona practices allyship by emphasizing social justice, inclusion, and equity as well as continuing to learn, listen, and practice solidarity through her work and civic engagement.
Nikki Hayes (she/her)
Nikki is a development practitioner who is passionate about creating conscious and responsible communities. Nikki is analytical, energetic and creative in her work. She completed her Masters of International Development with a practical focus on participatory forms of development at RMIT University, Melbourne. She has experience working with immigrant and asylum seeker communities which where she began to develop curiosity and skill in diversity and inclusion, cultural intelligence and cross-cultural communication. She continues working within these areas at Diversify, where she project manages various events, discussions and initiatives.

Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace: LGBTQIA+
2022-06-22 13:00 - 15:00 | HerSpace, Strandgata 19, Oslo, 0152, Norway
Diversity and inclusion in the workplace is imperative for a sustainable, competitive and innovative company and society at large. Diversity also goes beyond the outward perception of a company – it includes how the internal structures work and signal the value systems of an organization’s management or leadership team.
This series is designed by Diversify to centre Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace. We look forward to seeing you!

Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace: LGBTQIA+
June is Pride Month, a month dedicated to uplifting LGBTQIA+ voices, celebrating LGBTQIA+ culture and supporting LGBTQIA+ rights. It commemorates the years of struggle for civil rights and the ongoing pursuit of justice, equity and equality for the LGBTQIA+ community.
LGBTQIA+ is an inclusive acronym that describes either a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/queer, intersex, asexual/aromantic/agender, pansexual, and allies.
Gender identity describes a person’s internal sense of being female, male, or someone outside of that gender binary, while sexual orientation refers to ‘a person’s sexual and emotional attraction to another person and the behavior and/or social affiliation that may result from this attraction.’
People from the LGBTQIA+ community face discrimination and hate regularly in their personal lives, workplaces and in public spaces. Furthermore, the intersectionality of traits such as race, ethnicity, religion can influence their experience and lead to discrimination on multiple fronts. In the workplace, they’re subjected to microaggressions like being asked inappropriate questions and hearing homophobic jokes and comments. Conscious and unconscious bias can prevent them from being hired or getting a promotion or opportunity at work. Many LGBTQIA+ individuals feel the need to hide their identity in the workplace for fear of discrimination, which causes high levels of stress, anxiety and other mental health issues among them.
During this session of Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace, we will discuss how workplaces and organisations can create a genuinely inclusive culture for LGBTQIA+ employees. On an individual level, using pronouns in email signatures, on social media profiles, and stating them in meetings, being mindful of using gender neutral language and calling out discriminatory behaviours are some of the ways to be active allies.
For companies, using gender neutral language, diverse visuals on the website and options beyond male and female on the job application can help attract a more diverse workforce, while including anti-discrimination and harassment policies that address sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as prohibited grounds of discrimination can help retain this workforce.
In this session, we will discuss

How can we ensure that workplaces have strong inclusive policies and practices in place?
How can they attract, successfully recruit and retain LGBTQIA+ talent?
How can companies create a safe environment for employees of all sexualities and gender expressions to reveal as much or as little as they want?
How can we, as individuals, be active allies to the LGBTQIA+ community?

Join us to explore these questions and many more.

This event is FREE to attend. Please register below to receive the zoom link.

About the speakers:

Chi Lee (they/them/theirs)
Chi is a practicing artist with over two decades of design/build experience, working with global retail companies such as Tiffany & Co., Ralph Lauren, Reed Krakoff, Tommy Hilfiger, and others. They are currently the resident carpenter of the Brooklyn Museum in Brooklyn, New York, focused on curating more accessible and inclusive experiences with art and culture through the built environment. Presently, Chi is completing their Masters Degree in Museum Studies at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Hannah Christin Lerfaldet (she/her)

Hannah is a diversity advisor and project manager at Vi er OSS. She is especially passionate about LGBTQIA+, diversity and mental health, and holds a masters degree in equality and diversity, from NTNU, Trondheim.
In addition to being the head of Trondheim Pride in 2018 and 2019, one of the biggest pride festivals in Norway, she has in recent years developed a chat service for young adults for Youth Mental Health Norway. When she’s not working, Hannah runs her own podcast about mental health.
Chisom Udeze (she/her)
Chisom is an Economist, Organizational Design and DEI Strategist, and a 3 times founder with over 12 years of experience working with organizations like the European Commission, The United Nations and ExxonMobil. Chisom has an analytical mind and works to interrogate the cross-sectoral relationship between society’s resources, production, distribution and output. She is adept at efficiently and effectively unlocking complex systems, data management, forecasting economic and social trends, and thrives in uncertain environments.
As the founder of Diversify, Chisom works with companies, governments and civil society to facilitate measurable diversity and inclusion initiatives in the workplace and society. In 2020, mid-pandemic, she founded HerSpace, a diverse and inclusive co-creation community for all genders, with particular focus on women-led companies and mothers. She is a thought-leader in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) and a passionate advocate for mental health and wellness.

Women in Leadership: Anne Omholt
2022-06-08 18:00 - 19:30 | HerSpace, Strandgata 19, Oslo, 0152, Norway
At HerSpace, we are proud to be part of a collective and necessary effort to be active participants in helping women advance in their social, personal and professional lives. We have designed the Women in Leadership series as a way to amplify the voices, stories and experiences of women. Our featured women speakers have diverse backgrounds, have reached milestones in their careers, and have made an impact in their industry and communities. We all benefit when stories of challenges and wins are shared. We offer their stories, knowledge and insights to help empower you in your own journey.
Women in Leadership is a recurring event that will feature an inspirational female leader every month. If you would like to nominate a woman in your network as a way to honor her work, please reach out so our collection can grow with our community.

About The Speaker: Anne Omholt
Anne is the PA to the CEO of Telenor Digital. She spent 24 years in the Telco industry and has reinvented herself over and over within the Telco environment. As a Portal Manager for the Intranet for Telenor Broadcast, she was responsible for internal communication. In her current role at Telenor Digital, she plans and ensures successful implementation of development and management activities for the management team and organization.
She is a relationship builder and believes that empowering employees and co-workers leads to increased productivity and instills a sense of pride. She is comfortable switching between strategic and operational thinking. She has a strong ability to execute work with a diversity, equality and inclusion lens. She is a lifelong learner and has experience from various industries and roles.

This is a hybrid event.
Cost
In-person: 150NOK (includes light refreshments)
Online: 100NOK
This event is co-produced by HerSpace, Diversify and Africa Connect.

Sharing the Power: Measurable practices to amplify DEIB initiatives.
2022-05-18 12:00 - 13:30
Blaze Inclusion Awards presents:
Sharing the Power: Measurable practices to amplify DEIB initiatives.
Panel Discussion #3

How can we ‘share the power’ to ensure that diverse voices, and particularly voices of people of minority and marginalised groups are heard and amplified? How can DEIB initiatives be measured to ensure lasting, conscious and positive impact? Moreover, how can DEIB initiatives further create an enabling environment that bridges the inequality and inequity gap across intersections?
The previous panel discussion (in March) explored ‘Including diverse voices in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging process’. To build on this discussion, it is important to assess the next steps – how exactly can we include diverse voices? How do we get them in the rooms where decisions are made, and how can we ensure that DEIB initiatives are conscious and inclusive?
During this event, we will speak with five DEIB practitioners who represent each of the participating countries.
More information on the panelists coming soon.
In the meantime, register your participation below.
The Blaze Inclusion Awards are an initiative by Diversify, and co-produced by HerSpace and The Annual.

The Blaze Inclusion Awards celebrate and illuminate the trailblazers – individuals and organizations – who actively and passionately uplift Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives in their workspaces, communities and society overall. With a focus on the Nordic region, the Blaze Awards highlight the champions in each country and finally give recognition to the outstanding individuals and organisations whose practices within the DEIB agenda shine beyond borders.

We are currently in the nomination phase of the Blaze Inclusion Awards!
Do you know a company or individual who is doing outstanding work to further DEIB? You can nominate them here. There are six different categories to choose from: The Trailblazer, The Catalyst, The Synergist, The Guardian, The Spark and The Groundbreaker.
Each category seeks to shine a light on a different area, from individual practitioners, to workplaces, to those working with innovation, the media, community engagement and the environment.

Finland: Kamilla Sultanova

Kamilla is a bridge-builder, public speaker and diversity and inclusion expert, mother and mentor based in Helsinki, Finland.
Previously Kamilla has held a successful career in corporate sales in Scandinavian shipping companies including Maersk Line, where she combined her advocacy roles in European women’s lobby and local Danish and Finnish NGO to support access to job market for immigrants and international talents. Combining her business and non-profit expertise from Global Dignity NGO, Kamilla speaks to and trains executives, students and educators on benefits of diverse teams in organizational innovation and growth for small and large, public and private employers.
Kamilla was born in Karshi, Uzbekistan. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Corporate Communication from Aarhus University in Denmark.

ity
Denmark: Jessica Pedraza
Jessica Bridgette Pedraza’s educational and professional background has heavily centred on addressing the inequities facing under-resourced communities and dismantling inequity and prejudice through different mediums such as educational inclusion and strengthen-based research. Recently, she has used her qualitative and quantitative skills have allowed her to help organizations co-create working environments that move diversity, equity, and inclusion forward for employees worldwide.

This event is FREE to attend. Please register HERE to receive the zoom link.

Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace: Neurodiversity
2022-04-20 13:00 - 15:00
Diversity and inclusion in the workplace is imperative for a sustainable, competitive and innovative company and society at large. Diversity also goes beyond the outward perception of a company – it includes how the internal structures work and signal the value systems of an organization’s management or leadership team.
This series is designed by Diversify to centre Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace. We look forward to seeing you!

Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace: Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one “right” way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits. (Harvard Health)
The word neurodiversity refers to differences within ALL people. However, it is often used to refer to those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as other neurological or developmental conditions such as ADHD or learning disabilities, where differences in behaviour and learning can be more apparent.
During this session of Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace we will explore how workplaces, recruiters and we as individuals in our everyday interactions can become more aware of neurodiversity. By making conscious “accommodations”, neurodivergant people can be better included. With this awareness of neurodivergant ways of learning and behaving, neurodiversity can be accepted and celebrated, rather than excluded.
These accommodations can be things such as:

the way we communicate (avoiding sarcasm, euphemisms, and implied messages)
paying attention to what words you use (person first language)
the set up of a workplace to be considerate of sound sensitivity and movement (allowing regular breaks or the use of fidget toys, for example)

Join us to hear from our panelists about their lived experience and to learn what can be done to create a more inclusive workplace and society.

This event is FREE to attend. Please register HERE to receive the zoom link.

Panelists
Rune-André Tveit (he/him)

Rune-André is an entrepreneurial minded person with a passion for sharing his knowledge and experience. Rune has started Excalibur Startup Academy which aims to democratize knowledge on entrepreneurship by offering webcourses, coaching and workshops. Their webcourse Grunderformelen, which is a fully self paced online course, consists of twelve modules on a variety of topics which will give aspiring entrepreneurs the tools they need to execute their ideas. In the course you will learn from entrepreneurs, investors, consultants and people that teach business.
At the age of seven, Rune was diagnosed as dyslectic. This became a negative label for him all throughout school, and because of it he had to work twice as hard! But at the age 30 he realized he had been wrongly diagnosed as a kid, as he realized he had ADHD. That’s when things fell in to place and things got easier. In this session he’ll share his perspectives on the importance of Neurodiversity.

Nesceda Blake (she/her)
Nesceda Blake is an autistic woman and performing arts producer from Melbourne, Australia. She endeavours to create positive change in the world around her by sharing her neurodivergent experiences.
Her posts and article on LinkedIn have received over 900,000 views, with thousands of individuals learning how to make the working world a better place for neurodivergent people. Nesceda has also begun speaking with employers, entrepreneurs and recruiters to spread the word about neuro-inclusivity, and challenges businesses to rethink how diversity and inclusion practices can achieve actual equity.
Nesceda currently works as a Senior Officer, Student Theatre and Engagement at La Trobe University, where she gets to share her passion for the arts with emerging student creatives.

Chisom Udeze (she/her)
Chisom is an Economist, Organizational Design and DEI Strategist, and a 3 times founder with over 12 years of experience working with organizations like the European Commission, The United Nations and ExxonMobil. Chisom has an analytical mind and works to interrogate the cross-sectoral relationship between society’s resources, production, distribution and output. She is adept at efficiently and effectively unlocking complex systems, data management, forecasting economic and social trends, and thrives in uncertain environments.
As the founder of Diversify, Chisom works with companies, governments and civil society to facilitate measurable diversity and inclusion initiatives in the workplace and society. In 2020, mid-pandemic, she founded HerSpace, a diverse and inclusive co-creation community for all genders, with particular focus on women-led companies and mothers. She is a thought-leader in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) and a passionate advocate for mental health and wellness.

Women's Circle
2022-04-19 18:00 - 20:00 | HerSpace, Strandgata 19, Oslo, 0152, Norway
Women’s Circle is a non judgmental, gently facilitated listening and support group for women to hold space and show up for ourselves and each other. The session is an opportunity to find stillness, connection and solidarity; a space to speak your truth, if you feel moved to and process what is present in you. Inspired by peer counselling approaches and Brigid Russell’s Spaces for Listening, the format provides equal opportunity for all who want to share what is on their mind and in their heart.
We invite you to make S P A C E and find sanctuary in compassionate connection, to benefit from the wisdom of other women by witnessing their stories, pains and triumphs. Women’s Circle is a unique and rare space to let go of the identity veils we maintain, to come exactly as you are and connect with people that empathise with your situation and hold space for your unique set of circumstances and experiences. You are invited to share as much or as little as you wish, or just listen to others.
The session will be gently facilitated and will include poems, prose and other offerings to guide discussion and support reflection. There will be an opportunity to stay and chat after the session, with warm tea by candlelight.
When you leave this session we hope you will feel nurtured and lifted in your spirit. We look forward to seeing you.
** Please note that in order to create a safe and supportive space, we will “close the doors” and begin promptly at 18:05. Please arrive on time. **

Cost: NOK100. You can buy ticket HERE.
**This event is free for HerSpace members.**
Maximum attendees: 12
We want this event to be accessible to all. If your financial situation is preventing you from attending this event, please email nikki@herspace.no.

Selena Støback
Selena Støback is a mental health innovation advocate and women’s rights activist, with a background in driving policy and systems change through radical collaboration and capacity building. Selena is a trained peer counsellor, qualified Mental Health First Aid instructor, and a long serving active listener with Samaritans UK. Selena values deep listening and dialogue as the best way to solve problems.

Diverse Founders and Entrepreneurs
2022-03-30 17:30 - 19:00 | HerSpace, Strandgata 19, Oslo, 0152, Norway
Are you an entrepreneur of immigrant or minority background?

Would you like to take part in a conversation to outline, challenge and find solutions to barriers that stand in the way of establishing and growing your business?

We would like to welcome you to join us.
This event aims to gather people and share experiences with regards to starting your own business in Norway as an immigrant or person or minority background.
We are interested in exploring topics such as access to resources and mentorship, securing finances and funding, business development opportunities, and other structural barriers that diverse entrepreneurs face, such as endorsement within, and support by the Norwegian society.

The program for the evening is as follows:

17:30-18:00- Panel discussion with guest speakers- to be announced soon!
18:00-18:45- Group experience sharing and conversation.
18:45-19:00- Networking and mingling.

This event is developed in collaboration with Chr. Michelsens Institute (CMI) Bergen who are conducting a research project on Muslim immigrant entrepreneurs in Norway and financing gaps: https://www.cmi.no/projects/2579-the-invisible-ceiling.

Attendance at this event is free of charge.
The event will be delivered in hybrid- online via zoom and in-person at HerSpace.
Tea, coffee and snacks will be provided.

Beyond the Binary Gender: Transgender Inclusion
2022-03-30 08:00 - 10:30 | Bull & Co, Universitetsgata 9, Oslo, 0164
International Transgender Day; India is leading the way!
Millions have watched Pose on HBO. In India, people don’t watch! Government acts! While recognition of genders outside of male and female has only recently been discussed in Western societies, in the Indian society, people of non-binary gender expressions have played important roles for over 2000 years.
India’s Supreme Court has ruled that transgender people are created as a third gender in the country. The decision is seen as a milestone in India. This was the first time in world history that a Supreme Court recognizes transgender people as a separate gender.
Diversity campaigns and Pride flagging notwithstanding: Research indicates that it is difficult to be a trans person in working environments. According to the report “Sexual orientation, gender diversity and living conditions” from 2021, transgender people stand out in terms of mental health, life satisfaction and experiences of discrimination. Transgender rights matters!
We are excited to share that we will have Miriam Hardarson as one of our speakers.

Schedule:
08.00 Welcome by Hans Geelmuyden by Chair DMI
08.05 India´s Supreme Court establishes third gender category. How did this happen? Speaker: Laxmi Singh, Deputy Country Representative – UN Women, India
08.20 Meaningful Inclusion starts from the Bathroom to the Boardroom – Speaker: Celia Sandhya Daniels, Trans Evangelist & Human Rights Activist
08.50 Cracking the glass ceiling – Speaker: Miriam Hardarson, Agency Director Sopria Steria
09.10 Lessons to be learned for Norway Lars Arnesen, Lawyer and Compliance Officer at Dignio
09.20 Q&A Miriam Hardarson and Chisom Udeze, Founder, Diversify
09.45 Mingling
10.30 End
*There might be changes in the program
This is a free event. To attend, register below.

Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace: Creating a Human-centric Hybrid Work Environment
2022-03-23 13:00 - 15:00
Diversity and inclusion in the workplace is imperative for a sustainable, competitive and innovative company and society at large. Diversity also goes beyond the outward perception of a company – it includes how the internal structures work and signal the value systems of an organization’s management or leadership team.
This series is designed by Diversify to centre Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace. We look forward to seeing you!

Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace: Creating a Human-centric Hybrid Work Environment
Technology has been a saviour during the last two years, allowing us to continue to work, learn and stay connected.
However, the online platforms, like zoom and teams, were not designed to replicate the working environment in every regard. They lack a space for casual human interactions, kitchen talk and the opportunity to feel the energy in the room. Subtle body language is also often lost, impacting how we receive and interpret information.
Furthermore, like humans, these platforms were not prepared for our sudden and oftentimes complete transition to remote working in early 2020. With the instant increase in use, has there been the opportunity to humanize the way in which these systems operate? And have we made a conscious effort to change the way we use and communicate to one another on these platforms?
In many cases, hybrid working is here to stay, and there are many benefits. Accessibility, efficiency, and increased opportunities to collaborate across geographic distances, to name a few. So how can we centre people in hybrid working environments to ensure that diversity and inclusion continue to be upheld and developed?
During this edition of Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace we will look at the experiences of those coming from across organisational structures and varying stages of business development. We will discuss strategies to ingrain best practices for the future of hybrid work to ensure to incorporate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging values. Join us!

Sumeet Singh Patpatia (he/him)

Sumeet Singh Patpatia is Schibsted´s first Global Head of Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging. He has a Master of Science in Business and a Major in Economics from the Norwegian School of Business (BI) and broad experience from multinational companies, working with innovation and transformation. In addition, he has a long experience building diversity in society. He has established and led the organization Young Sikhs and the annual event “The Norwegian Turban Day”. He sits on the board of Impact Norway, is a member of the council for religious and life stance communities in Norway and is a deputy member of the Council for Multicultural Minorities in Oslo, appointed by Oslo City Council.

Norbert Stuger (he/him)
Norbert Stuger is the Head of Talent, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at The Economist. He has been working within Human Resources for over 20 years. He has experiences in many fields including film, retail and fashion, and the media. Within HR, Norbert has experience particularly with talent acquisition, HR Consulting and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Norbert is passionate about equipping leaders and management level with the skills they need to create spaces which are inclusive, while providing ways to retain diverse talent so that in the long run, the benefits are seen in sustainable business development and growth, but also for the individual’s wellbeing and personal and professional development.
Norbert wears many hats. In addition to his official role, he is currently building 2 fashion brands. Norbert has a degree in Fine arts and animation and is also a painter and sculptor. To mix it up even more, he volunteers as a soccer coach, where he holds level 1 certification.

Chisom Udeze (she/her)

Chisom is an Economist, Organizational Design and DEI Strategist, and a 3 times founder with over 12 years of experience working with organizations like the European Commission, The United Nations and ExxonMobil. Chisom has an analytical mind and works to interrogate the cross-sectoral relationship between society’s resources, production, distribution and output. She is adept at efficiently and effectively unlocking complex systems, data management, forecasting economic and social trends, and thrives in uncertain environments.
As the founder of Diversify, Chisom works with companies, governments and civil society to facilitate measurable diversity and inclusion initiatives in the workplace and society. In 2020, mid-pandemic, she founded HerSpace, a diverse and inclusive co-creation community for all genders, with particular focus on women-led companies and mothers. She is a thought-leader in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) and a passionate advocate for mental health and wellness.

Moderator:
Zuzana Warden (she/her)

Zuzana has a professional background in social work, international development cooperation and project management. Her experience from working with marginalized groups stretches across a number of countries. Besides volunteering with various groups such as homeless people and marginalized members of the Roma minority, she coordinated inclusive empowerment projects aiming to support women and persons with disabilities from rural and slum areas via training in entrepreneurship and vocational skills. As a Project and Research Manager at Diversify she continues to broaden her expertise within organizational work and operation, with high focus on monitoring and evaluation and project management.

Women in Leadership: Shine Theory
2022-02-17 18:00 - 19:30 | HerSpace, Strandgata 19, Oslo, 0152, Norway
At HerSpace, we are proud to be part of a collective and necessary effort to be active participants in helping women advance in their social, personal and professional lives. We have designed the Women in Leadership series as a way to amplify the voices, stories and experiences of women. Our featured women speakers have diverse backgrounds, have reached milestones in their careers, and have made an impact in their industry and communities. We all benefit when stories of challenges and wins are shared. We offer their stories, knowledge and insights to help empower you in your own journey.
Women in Leadership is a recurring event that will feature an inspirational female leader every month. If you would like to nominate a woman in your network as a way to honor her work, please reach out so our collection can grow with our community.

Join us to hear Chisom Udeze and Sarah Przedpelska discuss Shine Theory.

Shine Theory, developed by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman, is described as the practice of mutual investment in each other. Shine Theory represents an intentional commitment to collaborate with and support each other instead of competing with each other.
Rather than engage in insecurity, Shine Theory encourages us to come into our power and have the confidence to be excited and supportive of someone else’s success. It embodies the attitude of “I don’t shine if you don’t shine.” It’s a practice of cultivating a spirit of genuine happiness and excitement when your friends are doing well, and being there for them when they aren’t. When we find ways to elevate each other and help each other thrive, it becomes contagious.
This is the second time we take on this topic, and in the 17 months since out last discussion, A LOT has changed.
This conversation will explore what builds energy, how we support one another in rebuilding or reinventing in a pandemic world and how we navigate our human capacity in times of scarcity.

This discussion will run from 18:00-19:00, and for those who attend in-person, from 19:00-19:30 you will have the opportunity mingle and network.
Cost:
In-person: 150NOK
Online: 100NOK
This event is free or discounted for HerSpace members.

About our speakers:
Chisom Udeze
Chisom Udeze, according to Sarah Przedpelska:
“When Chisom Udeze encounters a problem that irks her, you can be certain she does not rest until something moves. She’s done it for over a decade within business development and economics, and more recently, she has been moving things in Oslo to create social impact through Diversify and HerSpace. Chisom is seldom perplexed by problems, instead she sees them as puzzles in need of new constellations. The constellations she forms depend on collaborating with others and lifting together to form synergies and new solutions. No wonder the concept of Shine Theory has such a great appeal to her.”

Sarah Przedpelska

Przedpelska is a curious, brave, warm, and brilliant individual. She approaches every situation with an open mind, and a willingness to truly learn. She sees and values people as they are. In the years I have known Sarah she has been a confidante and a force of nature who I can reach out to when I need unfiltered honesty and advice. She expects me to be better than I am, and she encourages me to aim higher. While I have practiced Shine Theory in one way or another throughout my adult life, it was with Sarah that we first decided to make it intentional. She introduced me to the concept of Shine Theory and I look forward to continuing learning from her.”

Women in Leadership: Frederikke Antonie Schmidt
2021-12-02 08:00 - 17:00 | HerSpace, Strandgata 19, Oslo, 0152, Norway
At HerSpace, we are proud to be part of a collective and necessary effort to be active participants in helping women advance in their social, personal and professional lives. We have designed the Women in Leadership series as a way to amplify the voices, stories and experiences of women. Our featured women speakers have diverse backgrounds, have reached milestones in their careers, and have made an impact in their industry and communities. We all benefit when stories of challenges and wins are shared. We offer their stories, knowledge and insights to help empower you in your own journey.
Women in Leadership is a recurring event that will feature an inspirational female leader every month. If you would like to nominate a woman in your network as a way to honor her work, please reach out so our collection can grow with our community.

We are delighted to announce our upcoming guest of honour
Frederikke Antonie Schmidt
Frederikke Antonie Schmidt has founded Roccamore with a mission to make more women stand strong and take their place in the world.
It all started in 2014 when she decided she wanted to create a product that would make women’s lives better; she would invent a high heel that didn’t feel like torture.
Roccamore shoes are handmade in Italy by some of the world’s best shoemakers, and scientifically validated to relieve 44% of the pressure in your arch, 26% in your forefoot and 19% in your heel.
Frederikke used herself as a baseline for testing and developing the comfort, using the shoes every day and always adjusting the insole for about 2 years, until she finally had the perfect product.
Roccamore wants to make women feel good about standing up for who they are. Since the beginning Frederikke has been including her followers in the designing process, asking them what they want, making them part of the designing process, voting for new products and giving their feedback. She even names all her designs after real women, who are nominated by the people who follow her. Because every woman deserves to have a shoe named after her.
Frederikke also sits on ByFounders Collective, the Board of Representatives for Kolding Design School and as Chairman of the government’s Restart Team for Fashion & Textile.

Cost
In-person: 150NOK (includes light refreshments)
Online: 100NOK
This event is co-produced by HerSpace, Diversify and Africa Connect.

Prinsens gate is becoming THE destination for female founders!
As Roccamore just became our neighbours in Prinsens gate, following the conversation at HerSpace we will wander up the street and visit their sparkling new store for a celebratory drink.
We hope you will join us!

Community Lunch
2021-11-19 11:30 - 13:00 | HerSpace, Strandgata 19, Oslo, 0152, Norway
Join us to connect with a diverse and versatile community of wonderful souls, over a delicious and nutritious vegetarian food.

This time we will have Sandra Brastein in the kitchen, who as a nutritionist, has a passion for good food!
Sandra will be serving a Spicy Sweet Potato and Pumpkin Soup– a perfect way to celebrate the end of Autumn!
Sandra has worked in a broad range of areas within nutrition including individual consultations, as well as seminars, workshops and cooking demonstrations. Her focus is on providing evidence-based nutrition advice, and she specialises in the areas of gut health and the microbiota, and women’s health.
This dish is vegan and doesn’t contain any gluten.

Cost: NOK150

Max attendees: 15
**This event is free or discounted for HerSpace Members.**

Women in Leadership: Melanie Coffee
2021-10-21 18:00 - 19:30 | HerSpace, Strandgata 19, Oslo, 0152, Norway
At HerSpace, we are proud to be part of a collective and necessary effort to be active participants in helping women advance in their social, personal and professional lives. We have designed the Women in Leadership series as a way to amplify the voices, stories and experiences of women. Our featured women speakers have diverse backgrounds, have reached milestones in their careers, and have made an impact in their industry and communities. We all benefit when stories of challenges and wins are shared. We offer their stories, knowledge and insights to help empower you in your own journey.
Women in Leadership is a recurring event that will feature an inspirational female leader every month. If you would like to nominate a woman in your network as a way to honor her work, please reach out so our collection can grow with our community.

Guest of Honour: Melanie Coffee

Melanie Coffee is a communications executive focused on sharing the best stories to bring awareness to a cause, business or product.
She is an award-winning journalist with 20 years of editorial and journalistic planning, content development and management experience across both traditional and digital media platforms. She is currently the PR and Media Relations Director at Crayon, an innovation and IT services company that focuses on the power of technology to drive the greater good.
She’s passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion and is a Certified Scrum Master.

*This event is a hybrid event
** This event is free or discounted for HerSpace Members.
This event is co-produced by HerSpace, Africa Connect and Diversify.
Program:
18:00-19:00- Presentation by Melanie Coffee
19:00-19:30- Networking
Cost (in-person): NOK 150
Maximum attendees: 20
Cost (online): NOK 100
The online ticket will provide you admission to the talk by Melanie from 18:00-19:00. If you would like to join the networking segment, please attend this event in-person.

ORBIT
2021-10-16 10:00 - 17:30 | HerSpace, Strandgata 19, Oslo, 0152, Norway
Join us for a one day in-person immersion retreat to launch ORBIT, an inclusive community to support our personal, social and professional evolution.

Orbit is an arena for people who crave authenticity, truth and belonging. We choose a compassionate and radical acceptance of self, and in the process, we embrace and come into our collective and individual power.
The past two years has strengthened our resolve in the value of community and amplified our need to consciously create a safe kinship where we can thrive in all aspects of our lives. We created Orbit with the knowledge that flourishing isn’t always about taking a straight path to success or wellness, but about blooming where we are planted. Not without difficulty, but despite it.
Orbit encourages you to unlock your inner self: by taking space, breaking through limitations and connecting with ourselves and each other. The orbit community is supportive and uplifts its members through workshops, retreats and gatherings that center reflection, acceptance, alignment and profound joy.
As a community, Orbit is inclusive. Regardless of your identity or gender, we welcome you to come as you are, or as you would like to be.
What is included:

Introduction to the Orbit Community
Yoga and movement with Tendai Angela Rokkones
Breaking through limitations with Chisom Udeze and Lucy Mason
Taking and creating space with Selena Støback
Dropping weight – A ceremony with Chisom Udeze
Ritual and intention setting to align you with your potential
Healthy, veggie, delicious lunch
All day snacks and refreshments
Your attendance at our launch event secures your place in the Orbit community and unlocks access to further programming including ‘The Village’, ‘The Circle’ and our year-round retreats.

Cost:
Early Bird Ticket: NOK1199 until Monday 13th October
HerSpace member discount (-30%): NOK 1050
Full price: NOK1499
This event will be held in person, at HerSpace, Strandgata 19, 1512 Oslo.

The Facilitators

Chisom Udeze
Chisom Udeze is a 3x Founder, Economist, and Business Strategist. She has over 12 years of professional experience from various industries including the oil and gas, research, maritime, finance and higher education sectors. Chisom is the Founder at Diversify where she intentionally works as a Cultural Innovator and Inclusion Strategist to implement measurable change and facilitate a truly inclusive culture and environment in workplaces across the world. In 2020 (mid-pandemic), Chisom also founded HerSpace which provides the support women and women-led companies need to start their businesses, promote their brands and projects and work while caring for their children. Chisom is a thought leader within Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, a passionate advocate for mental health and wellness and building a strong and resilient community through supporting personal and professional development. She works tirelessly to create space for people across personal, professional and societal structures. Chisom’s can-do, take a plunge and learn by doing approach is inspiring, and her many achievements are testament to her resilience and courage.

Selena Støback
Selena Støback is a senior social impact and mental health innovation consultant and women’s rights activist, with a background in driving policy and systems change through radical collaboration and capacity building. Selena was identified as an emerging leader of the NFP sector by AMEX/Common Purpose early in her career and went on to work within civil society organising and social model mental health interventions; working with governments across Europe to innovate public policy and in Asia Pacific within advocacy, programmes and feminist movement building. Selena currently consults for INGO’s and social impact start-ups to support them to raise and maximise funding, meet the needs of their beneficiaries and secure sustainable futures. Selena is a trained peer counsellor, qualified Mental Health First Aid instructor, keen mindfulness student and a long serving active listener with Samaritans UK. Selena is passionate about inclusion, belonging and centering compassionate approaches to changing organisational, community and individual outcomes, for a more authentic, truthful and meaningful existence for all.

Tendai Angela Jambga-Rokkones
Tendai is a Zimbabwean born 200hr certified yoga teacher living in Trondheim, Norway; her journey into yoga began in 2003. This culminated to her work in Zimbabwe where she led workshops, classes, discussions’ and programs for diplomatic agencies, children’s homes, a film for Fashion Revolution, Tamba Africa Circus, TEDXHarare, women’s groups and her community.
Tendai believes that yoga is embodied on and off the mat as a lifestyle that is accessible to any one and by using the tools yoga prescribes one can lead a fulfilled life. Drawing from the teachings of the sutras by Patanjali, Yogananda, BKS Iyengar, David Frawley and the Bhagavad Gita Tendai weaves in ancient wisdom, self inquiry, subtle body anatomy and modern scientific research into her vinyasa, yin and yoga nidra classes that have been described by students as ‘deeply inspiring, nourishing and emotional’, ‘returning home to your self with clarity’ and ‘not simply a class but an experience that explores the whole; body, mind and soul’.

Guest Speaker

Lucy Mason
Lucy Mason has been a social justice activist for over 20 years, growing up in the heart of the inclusion movement she learnt peer counselling techniques at an early age and has gone on to strengthen the capacities of other social justice campaigners in over 20 countries, with the intention to empower people to understand their rights, their ability and their potential.
Lucy is an educator, campaigner and seasoned movement builder, she’s been challenging and disrupting oppressive structures for a life-time. Lucy founded Helping Empower Youth Activism as a young person herself, working to improve outcomes at a community level, build solidarity and affect disability and inclusion policy, particularly in UK, Bangladesh, Russia and Papua New Guinea. Lucy has made television appearances and spoken at prominent events and political rallies, she’s a skilled facilitator, public speaker, writer, counsellor, human rights advocate and ally to many.

Community Lunch
2021-10-15 11:30 - 13:00 | HerSpace, Strandgata 19, Oslo, 0152, Norway
Join us to connect with a diverse and versatile community of wonderful souls, over a delicious and nutritious vegetarian food.

On the menu is:
Autumnal inspired yellow lentil dalh with accompanying beetroot and cucumber salad

Cost: NOK150

Max attendees: 15
**This event is free or discounted for HerSpace Members.**

Community Lunch
2021-09-17 11:30 - 13:00 | HerSpace, Strandgata 19, Oslo, 0152, Norway
Join us to connect and share over a delicious and nutritious vegetarian food.
This month Mamma Afrika, aka Fatoumata Simaha will be filling our bellies with African inspired taste sensations!

The menu :

Domoda: Vegan Gambian Peanut Stew
Jollof Rice: a staple west African dish, packed with vegies!

Chakri: a sweet dessert made from Sorhgum millet flour.

Nut free, gluten free and lactose free options will be available.

This event is free for HerSpace Members.
Cost: NOK150
Max attendees: 15

Community Lunch
2021-08-20 11:30 - 13:00 | HerSpace, Strandgata 19, Oslo, 0152, Norway
It is with great excitement that we announce the return of Community Lunch!
Join us to connect and share over a delicious and nutritious vegetarian food.
Using her own curry paste, Cassey will serve a Sweet potato, Brocolli and Cauliflower curry with jasmine rice and raita (yogurt and cucumber).
This event is free for HerSpace Members.
Cost: NOK150
Max attendees: 15
