Increasing diversity and inclusion (D&I ) may be the hot topic right now, but so much of the rhetoric remains theoretical and unproven.  Research has repeatedly shown the correlation between diversity and revenue impact as well as new product innovation.  New methodologies are needed to address this issue and obtain measurable outcomes. 

Current and eligible prospective members are invited to learn practical tips, techniques and strategies to not only increase their IT talent diversity but also how to create inclusive environments in their IT departments and organizations.

Panelists

Martine Kalaw, Founder & CEO, Martine Kalaw Enterprises, LLC 

Martine is an elevation strategist who provides individuals and organizations with techniques to harness their greatest potential. She builds bridges between those who have the resources to invest in human capital and those who benefit from mentorship and sponsorship. Martine’s experience of being a former undocumented immigrant and a survivor of statelessness established her business savvy and rapport with individuals of all backgrounds.

Martine possesses 10+ years of professional experience providing Learning & Development and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) work to Fortune 500 global companies in tech, commercial real estate, private aviation, retail and more.

Martine helps companies engineer policies and practices to establish Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). She has spoken and led discussions on the topic of DEI and leadership at companies such as LinkedIn, Bank of America, Hogan Lovells USA, Howard Hughes Corporation and Cornell University. Martine was a featured speaker on immigration reform at various forums and rallies, such as the late Senator John McCain’s Town Hall Rally on Immigration in New York City.

She is a published author, Huffington Post blogger, Tedx speaker, and runs Martine Kalaw Enterprises, which offers Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and Management Development consulting and training.

Her novel, Illegal Among Us: A Stateless Woman’s Quest for Citizenship, recounts her journey of going from a seven-year battle in deportation proceedings without a family or a country to a US citizen.

Martine is a graduate of Hamilton College and Syracuse University's Maxwell School with a Masters in Public Administration and a focus on Immigration Law.

Dr. Aparajita (AJ) Jeedigunta, Founder & CEO, AJ RAO

Dr. Aparajita (AJ) Jeedigunta is a daughter to immigrant parents, a spouse, a parent to a neuroatypical child, and, a two-time Traumatic Brain Injury survivor turned Mental Wellbeing Advocate.

She is a trained social-personality psychologist, a certified professional executive & leadership coach, a published author, a podcaster and one of only 34 Advanced Certified Practitioners of the personal and professional development assessment suite in the world.

In 2020, she was awarded the prestigious Corp! Magazine Diversity Business Leader award, was recognized as one of the Top 20 Career Coaches in the Metro Detroit Area, and was recognized by Brainz Magazine as one of the Top 500 Global Influencers alongside Greta Thunberg, Kamala Harris and other leaders in Equity, Inclusion and Leadership Development.

On an individual level, Dr. AJ helps historically marginalized and underrepresented high performers with big dreams exponentially increase their leadership skills, presence, income and social impact while permanently eliminating the misery of being overworked and under appreciated.

Dr. AJ is the Founder & CEO of AJ RAO, a boutique firm whose values are mental wellbeing, interconnectedness, authenticity, and, intentional inclusion. The mission at AJ RAO is to create intentionally inclusive and interconnected spaces of wellbeing and belongingness. The AJ RAO team helps businesses build DEI & B principles into the foundation of their cultures and all of their business development goals so they can empower their talent to thrive while cutting costs and increasing profits.