Welcome Talent: The Power of an Inclusive Brand

Mela Habijan

Miss Trans Global 2020

https://www.linkedin.com/in/missmelahabijan/

Miss Mela is the first-ever Miss Trans Global, and the host/presenter (aka “Mother Sparker”) of Sparks Camp, the first queer dating reality show in the Philippines.



She is an active voice of the Filipino LGBTQIA+ community championing inclusion and equal rights. She is the National Convener of Pride PH, the organization that organized the biggest Pride March in Southeast Asia to date. Currently, she’s finishing her Masters Degrees in  International MBA and Creative Direction, Content, and Branding at IE University in Madrid, Spain.



A TV and events host/presenter, writer, actress, peanut butter maker, brand ambassador, and content creator based in Manila, Philippines, Miss Mela is fond of pop culture and pageants, desires to follow the footsteps of Oprah and Naomi Campbell, aims to spread the love Miss Mela’s Peanut Butter globally, and dreams of having a family of her own. (She once wished Chris Evans would be her husband, but she's now moving forward with Rege Jean Page or Taylor Zachar Perez).

Gonzalo Garland

Executive Vice President

IE Foundation

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gonzalo-garland-9034a1/?originalSubdomain=es

At present, I am Executive Vice President of the IE Foundation, a position I hold in parallel with that of Vice President of Global and Strategic Agreements at IE University. I am also a member of the Steering Committee at IE University. Prior to this I was Director of IE’s External Relations Department and Director of the Department of International Relations. I currently combine my management responsibilities with teaching courses on Managerial Economics, Country Economic Analysis and Economic Development. My interests include emerging countries, financial crises and the effects of aging populations.

Michelle (Michi) Raymond

Business Development Director

myGwork

Michelle Raymond is the Business Development Director at myGwork, a global networking hub and job board for LGBTQ+ professionals and graduates. In addition to being a public speaker and D&I consultant, Michelle is also an accomplished musician who performs under the artist name ‘Michi.’ She has graced the stage with some of the biggest names in music today including Miley Cyrus, Meghan Trainor, DJ Marshmello, Rita Ora, and Carly Rae Jepsen.

Miguel Garzón

Director for Iberia and Latin America

myGwork

https://www.linkedin.com/in/miguel-garz%C3%B3n-he-him-7a4720164/

Miguel Garzón, Director for Iberia and Latin America at myGwork. With a background in both the public and private sectors, holding executive and managerial positions, he is closely associated with economic and industrial development, talent, D&I. 



He is responsible for the expansion of myGwork in Iberia and LatAm, leading a project that fosters collaboration between companies and institutions committed to LGBTQ+ D&I and diverse talent. Initially a startup, it has now evolved into a well-established company with offices in Madrid and the headquarters in London.



Miguel has international academic and professional experience in South Africa and the United Kingdom.

Inmaculada Sanz

Deputy Mayor

Madrid City Council

https://www.linkedin.com/in/inmaculadasanzotero/?originalSubdomain=es

Madrid Deputy Mayor, graduated in Business Administration and Management from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. In addition to her municipal career, she has also worked in various leadership positions in the Community of Madrid. Married and mother of two children.

Adrian Bono

Media Consultant & Journalist

The Tapa Newsletter

I am a media consultant specializing in media partnerships and a journalist covering mis/disinformation. I have worked on fact-checking and debunking techniques in the US and Europe while promoting media and news literacy. Digital verification enthusiast (prebunking/gamified inoculation, geolocation, reverse image search and other nerdy terms). In the last decade I founded two online publications in the Americas covering politics and pop culture and my opinion has been featured in the BBC, NPR, Al Jazeera and Univision. I have also appeared as a contributor on The Guardian, Monocle and New York magazine. For over ten years, I have covered US and Latin American politics and worked for influential Latin American publications such as Infobae and the Buenos Aires Herald.

Javier Raya OLY

Olympian, IOC Young Leader, Communications & Sustainability consultant

International Olympic Committee

Patinador artístico sobre hielo, Olímpico y actual Joven Líder del Comité Olímpico International Como deportista abiertamente gay, Javier ha participado en numerosos actos del colectivo LGTBIQ+ para abogar por una mayor diversidad e inclusión en el deporte. Tras su retirada como deportista, Javier se ha involucrado más allá como figura de embajador, trabajando en numerosos proyectos sobre Diversidad, Equidad e Inclusión en el deporte, tanto a nivel nacional como internacional, especialmente en el Movimiento Olímpico. En colaboración con el COI, Javier ha desarrollado Compete Proud, una plataforma dirigida a la comunidad LGTBQI+ en el deporte, así como para organizaciones y federaciones deportivas, en la que se ofrecen recursos para una mayor visibilización e inclusión del colectivo, desde el deporte nivel base hasta los Juegos Olímpicos.

Amara Pazos Betanco

Project Manager

Amex GBT

Due to my interest in sustainability and my diverse background, I enjoy a position that allows me to utilize my knowledge and strategic vision within an internationally and dynamic environment. Im an energetic, driven and enthusiastic individual who enjoys challenges, meeting new people and cultures, and who is always looking forward to the next goal.

Esther Castro

Head of Human Resources

Haleon Spain

https://www.linkedin.com/in/esther-castro-cano-0849ab89/

Mariano Andres Gigena-Kazimierczak

IE Business School

IE Out and Allies Club President

www.linkedin.com/in/marianoandresgk

Introducing our dynamic and passionate advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Mariano Andres Gigena-Kazimierczak!

At 32 years young, Mariano is currently immersing themselves in the world of talent development and human resources at IE Business School, where their international profile shines with Argentine and Polish influences. Hailing from the vibrant city of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Mariano embodies a rich tapestry of cultural diversity and global perspective.

Currently serving as the project manager at HelloChange, Mariano collaborates closely with Paris De l'etraz, the managing director of Venture Lab at IE Business School and director of HelloChange HR tech startup. Together, they are pioneering groundbreaking initiatives that are reshaping the landscape of HR technology. Notably, Mariano and the HelloChange team have been making significant strides with one of their clients in Saudi Arabia, leveraging innovative solutions to drive positive change and foster inclusivity within the organization.

With a profound love for diversity in all its forms, Mariano has already made significant strides in their educational journey, holding a Masters in Education from the esteemed University of Alberta. Their fervent dedication to DEI extends beyond academia, as they hold certifications in trauma-informed leadership, reflecting their commitment to fostering inclusive environments that prioritize mental health and well-being.

But Mariano's passions don't stop there. A true Renaissance soul, they find joy in the arts, indulging in singing and acting, and showcasing their remarkably proficient whistling skills—a delightful, albeit "useless," talent that adds a unique flair to their persona.

As a devoted cat lover and ardent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Mariano seeks to leverage their diverse background and multifaceted skill set to revolutionize the corporate landscape. Their vision? To spearhead impactful DEI initiatives on a global scale, igniting positive change and reshaping organizational cultures for the better.

Mariano's commitment to inclusivity is exemplified by their previous work, where they led a groundbreaking capstone project focused on raising awareness of third-person pronouns among internationally educated nurses—a testament to their dedication to improving communication and healthcare outcomes for LGBTQ+ patients in Canada.

With Mariano at the forefront of the DEI movement, the future of business is brighter, more inclusive, and filled with boundless opportunities for all.

Join Mariano on their journey to transform the world—one inclusive step at a time.