LGBT+@Work 2024

Mahmoud Assy

CEO DEI Consultancy

Eufonía

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahmoud-assy-diversity/

Mahmoud Assy, a DEI consultant, intercultural trainer, and dedicated human rights activist, brings a unique perspective to fostering inclusion and equity. 

With a journey as a refugee in Spain and an identity as a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ and Arab-Muslim communities, Mahmoud possesses a profound understanding of the challenges faced by various underrepresented groups. 

Fluent in six languages, he bridges gaps in communication and cultural understanding, essential for promoting diversity. Mahmoud's experiences of marginalization have sharpened his insights into the systemic barriers that often exclude diverse voices from critical decision-making. 

Committed to guiding change-makers in organizations to identify and dismantle these barriers, Mahmoud is paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable environment. 

Emmanuel Djengue

Co-founder

Kaatch

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuel-d-619a5847/

Emmanuel, a master’s graduate from IAE Lille, founded, Kaatch, an HRtech company in April 2024 with a strong focus on diversity and equity in the workplace. He is also the vice-president of a young leaders' association in Insurance and a former Global Shaper of the World Economic Forum. Emmanuel has authored articles on digitization and conducted over 100 workshops and keynote speeches across Europe, Africa, and the Americas, showcasing his expertise and commitment to business advancement and community impact. He is listed as a 40u40 in Insurance and among the top 10 globally as a DE&I Insurance Champion.

Mariano Andres Gigena-Kazimierczak

IE Business School

IE Out and Allies Club President

www.linkedin.com/in/marianoandresgk

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 startu, 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 Master's 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.

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.

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

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.