Breaking Down Bias: Debunking 5 Myths about Gen Z in the Workplace

Diana Forster is a Director of Qualitative Research at Seramount. She is a survey researcher, statistician, and writer with experience delivering actionable research to government, corporate, and academic clients.

In this role, she has helped lead several of Seramount’s recent projects: “Keeping DEI Strong in Volatile Times,” “Gen Z Decoded: New Data on How Your Youngest Employees Want to Experience Work,” “Understanding Global DEI Success: Corporate and Local Implications,” and “DEI Backlash: What Employees Really Think.” She joined Seramount in 2022 as an Associate Director on the Consulting team.

Previously, Diana was a researcher with the American Institutes for Research (AIR). There, she worked with the Department of Education on projects related to K-12 education. Diana was also a founder and vice-chair of Women in Support of Equity (WISE), AIR’s first employee resource group for women.

 Prior to her time at AIR, Diana worked for eight years with the Center for Talent Innovation (now Coqual). 

Diana holds a BA in political science and history from the College of Charleston, an MA in political science from the University of Arizona, and a PhD in political science from the University of Florida, where she used cutting-edge survey research techniques to study the intersections of religion and political behavior in the United States. A lifelong learner, she is currently pursuing her MBA at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business as a Forté fellow. Diana lives in Bethesda, Maryland, and in her spare time, she enjoys reading and writing fiction, riding her Peloton, and going to the movies. She also volunteers as a dramaturg with local theatres.

James is a Managing Director and Head of New Partner Development for Seramount’s DEI Research Partnership. In this capacity he is responsible for supporting new partner organizations by setting them up for success in unlocking the value of the membership.

Before taking on the leadership of the New Partner Development team across all industries, James specialized in supporting Seramount partners in Retail, Hospitality and Sports, and also managed the development of Seramount’s Learning Solutions.

Prior to joining Seramount, James has worked within multiple industries across more than 30 countries with experience in technology applications for DEI, IT Accessibility, and advancing health equity and access. Additionally, James spent 10 years overseeing the development of the international research membership at EAB’s former healthcare division in Latin America, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East.

James resides in Miami, Florida, and in his spare time enjoys kayaking and other water sports as well as teaching HIIT classes.

Juliana Parra is a Senior Associate, Consulting at Seramount. Juliana holds an MA in Social Justice and Education from the University College of London, as well as a BS of Education in Youth and Social Innovation, and a BA in American Studies with a concentration on Race and Ethnicity from the University of Virginia. Before pursuing her master’s degree in London, she was a Research Associate on the K-12 Team at EAB. Juliana currently lives outside of Washington, DC, and enjoys kickboxing, trying out new restaurants, and volunteering with youth.

Richelle Caday is a Senior Associate on the Advisory team at Seramount. In her role, she supports advisory on Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) by developing presentations, generating resources, and conducting research that synthesizes complex ERG and DEI ideas into actionable solutions and best practices for partners. Richelle also leads Seramount’s ERG Impact Awards program by managing application and judging processes to  recognize ERGs and their leaders for championing best practices that drive measurable impact within their organizations and communities

Driven by community organizing and social advocacy, Richelle has a strong commitment to uplifting marginalized and underserved communities. Prior to Seramount, Richelle led student development and inclusion programs within higher education student affairs via cultural centers, cultural assemblies, and undergraduate student government. Heavily involved in Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) spaces, Richelle has worked for and volunteered with various AANHPI nonprofits and community-based organizations at both local and national levels.

Richelle holds a BA in Psychology and in Nongovernmental Organizations and Social Change from the University of Southern California (fight on!). She is based in Los Angeles, California, where she was proudly born and raised. Richelle enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, and going to the beach during her free time.