Joelle is the Co-Founder and CEO of Paradigm. Previously a civil rights lawyer, she represented clients in discrimination and harassment litigation and advocated for policies to ensure equal pay and workplace protections for women. Through her legal work, she witnessed firsthand the consequences of companies failing to build inclusive workplaces where everyone could thrive. This experience inspired her to drive systemic change by addressing the root causes of workplace inequity in her role at Paradigm.

Joelle is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, believing it to be the defining civil rights issue of our time. She emphasizes that the decisions we make today will shape the future of our society. Her insights on diversity, inclusion, and unconscious bias have been widely published, with her work featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, The Harvard Business Review, Fortune, and on the cover of The Atlantic.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Joelle was a competitive swimmer throughout her childhood and high school years, until an injury later altered her path.

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DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that all statements made by the guest during the podcast are entirely their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of their employer.

To know more, visit diverseek.com

CREDITS
Hosted by: Jolene Mei (jolene@diverseek.com)
Produced by: Madhu Nair (madhu@diverseek.com)
Edited by: Cansin Dalak
Researched by: Jolene Mei
Music Composed by: Niklas Lang
Production Team: Keisha Williams, Prashant Balbar, and Maria Querina.

SPONSORED BY
Sama WDS
Sama Consulting Inc.

Kamana joined Cable One/Sparklight in 2021 as the company’s first full-time Manager of DE&I. Under her leadership, Cable ONE was recognized as one of “America’s Greatest Places to Work for Women 2023” by both Newsweek and Women in Cable & Telecommunications.

She holds an Advanced Diversity Professional Certification from Cornell University and serves as a proactive Board member for Women in Cable & Telecommunications (WICT) – Southwest Chapter. Passionate about gender equity and empowerment, Kamana contributes valuable insights and expertise to advance the professional development and representation of women in the industry.

With over 14 years of experience, she is a results-driven professional dedicated to driving transformative change and fostering inclusive cultures.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Kamana enjoys family life with her husband and daughter and embraces adventure. In the summer of 2023, she embarked on a full-circle journey around the world, an experience that deepened her global perspective and further fueled her passion for DE&I.

Support the show

DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that all statements made by the guest during the podcast are entirely their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of their employer.

To know more, visit diverseek.com

CREDITS
Hosted by: Jolene Mei (jolene@diverseek.com)
Produced by: Madhu Nair (madhu@diverseek.com)
Edited by: Cansin Dalak
Researched by: Jolene Mei
Music Composed by: Niklas Lang
Production Team: Keisha Williams, Prashant Balbar, and Maria Querina.

SPONSORED BY
Sama WDS
Sama Consulting Inc.

Franchesca Carrington is the Head of DEI, Philanthropy & Community Partnerships at SharkNinja. She is passionate about creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging. In her role, Franchesca leads the global DEI strategy, drives the Employee Resource Group (ERG) strategy, and aligns ERG objectives with philanthropic initiatives to enhance employee engagement and promote global community impact. A steadfast advocate for social equity, she is committed to challenging the status quo, raising awareness, breaking down barriers, and amplifying the voices of those who may otherwise hesitate to speak up. Outside of her professional work, Franchesca is a dedicated fitness enthusiast and Peloton lover. With over 15 years in the space, she embraces the challenges of each workout, always finding it to be rewarding.

Support the show

DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that all statements made by the guest during the podcast are entirely their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of their employer.

To know more, visit diverseek.com

CREDITS
Hosted by: Jolene Mei (jolene@diverseek.com)
Produced by: Madhu Nair (madhu@diverseek.com)
Edited by: Cansin Dalak
Researched by: Jolene Mei
Music Composed by: Niklas Lang
Production Team: Keisha Williams, Prashant Balbar, and Maria Querina.

SPONSORED BY
Sama WDS
Sama Consulting Inc.

Dr. Daniel Jolles is a Workplace Behavioral Psychologist and Postdoctoral Researcher in Behavioral Science at The Inclusion Initiative at The London School of Economics and Political Science. He is deeply committed to promoting longer, more fulfilling careers by leveraging the benefits of age diversity in the workplace. Daniel holds a PhD in Psychology, with specialized expertise in workplace aging, career development, and retirement. His research primarily focuses on applying behavioral science to issues related to the aging workforce, generational dynamics, and age diversity.

As a recognized expert, Daniel frequently speaks and participates in panels on topics such as career longevity, enhancing workforce participation, and improving the well-being and productivity of employees across all age groups. His research has been featured in various international scientific journals and business publications, including Fast Company, LSE Business Review, and the World Economic Forum’s Future of Work.

Support the show

DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that all statements made by the guest during the podcast are entirely their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of their employer.

To know more, visit diverseek.com

CREDITS
Hosted by: Jolene Mei (jolene@diverseek.com)
Produced by: Madhu Nair (madhu@diverseek.com)
Edited by: Cansin Dalak
Researched by: Jolene Mei
Music Composed by: Niklas Lang
Production Team: Keisha Williams, Prashant Balbar, and Maria Querina.

SPONSORED BY
Sama WDS
Sama Consulting Inc.

Millette is the Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at 2U, where she is dedicated to fostering a work environment where everyone can thrive and celebrate the unique differences each person brings. An accomplished author, energetic speaker, facilitator, and collaborative thought partner, Millette provides strategic and operational leadership on all global equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. She has served as a Strategic Advisory Board Member for the Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership and is a Board Member for BraveWorks. Millette was recognized in Savoy Magazine’s 2019 list of Top Influential Women in Corporate America and in Career Mastered Magazine’s 2020 Women Who Lead by Example. Described as a captivating and dynamic speaker, Millette’s passion inspires others to take charge and move forward. Additionally, she had the memorable experience of attending Beyoncé’s first concert of the Renaissance World Tour in Sweden.

LINKS
Linkedin
The Exceptional Leader: A Quick Guide to Personal Branding and Leadership Development

Support the show

DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that all statements made by the guest during the podcast are entirely their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of their employer.

To know more, visit diverseek.com

CREDITS
Hosted by: Jolene Mei (jolene@diverseek.com)
Produced by: Madhu Nair (madhu@diverseek.com)
Edited by: Cansin Dalak
Researched by: Jolene Mei
Music Composed by: Niklas Lang
Production Team: Keisha Williams, Prashant Balbar, and Maria Querina.

SPONSORED BY
Sama WDS
Sama Consulting Inc.

Kathryn is a senior human resources executive with over 20 years of experience in leadership, assisting Fortune 500 companies in driving talent and culture transformation. She enjoys helping people navigate to the right role at the right time, which often involves demystifying the workplace. Kathryn is energized by helping others achieve their goals and sometimes go beyond, encouraging them to think not just about "why" but also about "why not?" Her expertise spans talent management, including talent acquisition, leadership and employee development, executive succession planning, talent processes, and diversity and inclusion.

Most recently, she served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Talent and Diversity Officer at 3M and has held a variety of leadership roles, including Vice President of Strategy and Culture, Global HR PMO Director, and Director of Diversity at the Carson School of Management. Kathryn is also a huge Sci-Fi fan, enjoying franchises like Star Wars, Star Trek, and she recently finished watching X-Men 97.

LINKS
Linkedin
I Hear You - Apple | Spotify

Support the show

DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that all statements made by the guest during the podcast are entirely their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of their employer.

To know more, visit diverseek.com

CREDITS
Hosted by: Jolene Mei (jolene@diverseek.com)
Produced by: Madhu Nair (madhu@diverseek.com)
Edited by: Cansin Dalak
Researched by: Jolene Mei
Music Composed by: Niklas Lang
Production Team: Keisha Williams, Prashant Balbar, and Maria Querina.

SPONSORED BY
Sama WDS
Sama Consulting Inc.

Maureen is the Senior Vice President of Strategic Client Experience and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Consilio LLC. She is dedicated to making a meaningful impact on people’s professional lives that extends beyond their day-to-day work. With over 30 years of experience as a collaborative leader and legal advisor, Maureen brings expertise in strategy, data analysis, litigation, and eDiscovery. She actively pursues opportunities to create transformative experiences for clients and collaborates closely with Consilio’s executive team and client Advisory Boards on Diversity & Inclusion initiatives. Outside of work, Maureen has a passion for music—she DJed at her college’s radio station and enjoys listening to vinyl records.

LINKS
Linkedin

Support the show

DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that all statements made by the guest during the podcast are entirely their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of their employer.

To know more, visit diverseek.com

CREDITS
Hosted by: Jolene Mei (jolene@diverseek.com)
Produced by: Madhu Nair (madhu@diverseek.com)
Edited by: Cansin Dalak
Researched by: Jolene Mei
Music Composed by: Niklas Lang
Production Team: Keisha Williams, Prashant Balbar, and Maria Querina.

SPONSORED BY
Sama WDS
Sama Consulting Inc.

Ashley is a Speaker, Author, Founder, and President of Empowering Differences, as well as a well-loved Keynote Speaker. She is passionate about empowering people and celebrating our differences. Ashley established Empowering Differences in 2011 upon recognizing the need for leadership-based training to empower individuals and drive organizations towards measurable impacts. Together with her team, Ashley provides training and leadership development programs based on the 10 Empowering Actions and the 10 Empowering Differences.

In 2021, Ashley and the Empowering Differences 4-Step Empowerment Process were instrumental in winning Linkage’s Executive Impact Award and the Stevie Awards Global Social Impact Gold Stevie for the LGBTI Community. In 2022, Ashley received another Goldie Stevie Award, the 2022 Visibility Award from the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and was commended by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for receiving the Florida Commission on the Status of Women's Spirit of Community Award.

Ashley is renowned as a dynamic and insightful expert on empowering differences in the workplace. She has been praised as 'among the absolute best' public speakers, known for her electrifying and simply inspiring presentations.

LINKS
Linkedin
Empowering Differences
Empowering Differences Book
Empowerment Assessment

Support the show

DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that all statements made by the guest during the podcast are entirely their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of their employer.

To know more, visit diverseek.com

CREDITS
Hosted by: Jolene Mei (jolene@diverseek.com)
Produced by: Madhu Nair (madhu@diverseek.com)
Edited by: Cansin Dalak
Researched by: Jolene Mei
Music Composed by: Niklas Lang
Production Team: Keisha Williams, Prashant Balbar, and Maria Querina.

SPONSORED BY
Sama WDS
Sama Consulting Inc.