DEI Lessons From Around the World

Sathya Bala (she/her) is a leader, board member, entrepreneur, speaker and community organizer. She spent most of her career working at large organizations like Sainsburys, Deloitte, HSBC and Barclays. Before starting her business, her last role was Global Head of Data at Chanel, during which time she also launched the cross-company Data Meets DEI forum, which she still runs today. In 2021, she launched her own business, True Change, which works to make organizations more inclusive using data and storytelling to drive change. Sathya is also founder of My Skin My Story, a global community that empowers women of color. Sathya embraces her cross-cultural lived experience in her work, as a Sri Lankan Tamil woman, born in Singapore, who grew up in Sydney, and moved to London as a young adult.

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.

Isabelle Demangeat is a seasoned DEI expert with 25 years of experience in coaching, training, and leadership development. Based in Berlin, she works in four languages across Europe, India, and virtually with global clients, focusing on interculturality and diversity, gender dynamics, and multi-site teams. She holds certifications in multiple psychometric tools, mediation, and organization development, and collaborates with universities and training institutes to develop future leaders and trainers.

Sarah Phillips (she/her) is an experienced HR Business Partner currently specialising in Talent and ED&I at Kellanova. In her role she leads leadership development, ED&I capability building and learning initiatives in Ireland and across Europe.

Laraine Kaminsky is the President and CEO of Global LK, a consulting firm committed to developing inclusive leaders for a global economy. With experience in 96 countries, she specializes in addressing cultural, religious, gender, and generational dynamics to enhance organizational effectiveness. Drawing on extensive global experience across public and private sectors, she focuses on implementing DEI strategies that drive sustainable impact.

Originally from Spain and based in NYC, Nacho leads the implementation of a comprehensive and impactful inclusion and belonging project aligned with the Company’s strategic plan. I coordinate and supervise different markets all over the world: the USA, the rest of America, Asia, Oceania, South Africa, and Mediterranean countries, with corporate responsibilities in HQ.

Dr. Maya Rmeity is a visionary DEI Advisor with over 17 years of experience driving cultural and organizational transformations. A former UN Women Consultant, Dr. Rmeity has tailored D&I policies to align with the unique GCC cultural context, helping local corporations build impactful and inclusive workplace cultures. As Co-founder of Impactiv, a pioneering social enterprise, she champions mentorship as a powerful tool for talent development, with a focus on empowering women, youth, and aspiring leaders.