The world’s top 20 changemakers driving disability, neurodiversity and mental health inclusion in business in 2023 have been revealed.
The first Enable Role Model List from INvolve – The Inclusion People consultancy, sponsored by HSBC, celebrates and showcases 20 individuals who are using their personal experiences of disability, neurodiversity or mental health to advance inclusion for others in the workplace.
The List aims to use the power of Role Models to drive important conversations around disability, neurodiversity and mental health in the workplace, to put the spotlight on the work and initiatives which are helping to drive progress for inclusion globally, and to inspire others to ‘be what they can see’ and become more effective advocates for inclusion. The Role Models selected represent the diverse range of work and initiatives being undertaken globally around these important areas of inclusion.
CHALLENGING BIAS & DRIVING PROGRESS
“We are thrilled to have launched our first-ever Enable Role Model List, sponsored by HSBC. These 20 incredible Role Models are not only smashing barriers in their own careers, but have dedicated themselves to challenging biases and advancing progress so that others can thrive at work as their authentic selves. Each of them shows that disability, mental health challenges or neurodiversity need not be a barrier to succeeding at work if the right support is in place,” stated Suki Sandhu OBE, Founder and CEO of Involve.
“While getting those with disabilities into the workplace has been cited as a serious priority by the Government, our research has shed light on the stark reality for those with invisible disabilities in the UK. Businesses must do better to ensure that employees have reasonable adjustments in place and the right infrastructure to enable them to fulfil their job roles and progress within their careers. The workplace must be accessible for everyone, and it is saddening and infuriating that so many employees across the globe are unable to achieve their career potential due to serious lapses in a business ability to support them.”
ENCOURAGING DIALOGUE TO IMPROVE INCLUSION
Sandhu said he hopes this list will provide a platform for important conversations and drive forward momentum for change: “Ultimately, we are striving to improve inclusion for disability, neurodiversity and mental health in the workplace.”
Reena Parmar, Senior Knowledge Lawyer, Global Transactions at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP who is featured on this year’s Enable Role Model List, said: “I am delighted to be recognised as an Enable Role Model because this means that I have a platform to be the change that I couldn’t see for myself. As a South Asian woman from a lower socio-economic background with non-visible disabilities, I find it challenging that I can’t see others in my profession, particularly those in positions of seniority, that I identify with. Visible representation matters. If you can see it, you believe that you can be it.
REFRAMING THE DISABILITY CONVERSATION
“We need role models across all levels of seniority to talk openly about disability to break down some of the negative perceptions that exist. Open dialogue can break down stigma and vulnerable, authentic storytelling has tremendous impact. I hope that I can be that role model for those that follow in my footsteps.”
Manuel Baldasano, Group Head of Customer Channels, HSBC Wealth & Personal Banking, added:“The Enable Role Model list continues to raise our ambition for equity and for justice, where no human feels left behind or discriminated. It’s a vital project because, unfortunately, disability continues to be the largest form of discrimination in the workplace, after retaliation. More than all other types of discriminations combined.
“HSBC wants everyone to ‘reframe the conversation’. We expanded the term ‘disability’ to ‘disadvantage’, then from ‘disadvantage to ‘differences’. We’re talking to everyone because we’re all going to deal with different forms of disability, in ourselves or others, at some point in our lives. These Role Models’ inspiring stories are testament to how difference doesn’t need to hold people back in the workplace.”
2023’s ENABLE ROLE MODELS
This first Enable Role Model List top 20 includes:
- Adam Whybrew, Partner and Director – Boston Consulting Group
- Amanda (Hwei Zen) Kong, Community Development Manager – Make it Right Movement
- Beatriz Ferreira Pupo, Global Manager, Biofuels Analytics – S&P Global
- Becky Do, Customer Outcomes Lead for Wealth and Personal Banking – HSBC
- Bongumesiya Simelane, Demand Planning Executive – BAT
- Brad Loftus, Managing Director and Senior Partner – Boston Consulting Group
- Curtis Kesler, Global HR Partner – Dow
- Diana Velarde, Director, Consulting Solutions – PwC Mexico
- Isibor Aigbe Oaikhinan, Legal Officer – Central Bank of Nigeria
- Joanne Austin, Delivery Support Manager & Global Co-Chair Ability Network – HSBC
- Jonathan Andrews, Associate / Trustee / Employ Autism Board Member – Reed Smith
- Karine Vasselin, Group Diversity & Inclusion Lead – Capgemini
- Nathalia Gomes de Oliveira, Senior Tax Lawyer – Mattos Filho
- Nigel Moralee, Sr Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Business Partner, EMEA – Amazon Web Services
- Rachel Duncan, Vice President – Deutsche Bank
- Rakesh Lodha, Associate Project Manager – HSBC
- Reena Parmar, Counsel, Global Transactions – Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
- Rosemary Nakuya, HR Business Partner – Diageo / Uganda Breweries Limited
- Samuel Olavo de Castro, Associate – Mattos Filho
- Supriya Deverkonda, Senior Specialist Analytics – Fidelity International
For more information on this year’s Enable Role Models, click here.
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