Disability

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Neurodiversity Mental Health Judging Panel Disability

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Hillary Wool

Partner

Hillary Wool is a Partner at Boston Consulting Group, an agency-signed model, a paratriathlete and a passionate advocate for disability inclusion. She co-founded BCG's AccessAbility@BCG Network in 2019, which has grown to over 1,700 members worldwide, focusing on disability, chronic illness, mental health, and neurodiversity. Through AccessAbility, Hillary has helped advance mentorship, educational campaigns, and access to accommodations; she has organized and moderated events with prominent advocates like Ali Stroker and Lolo Spencer. As lead author on BCG's 2023 disability workplace inclusion report, Hillary has presented insights at global forums, including the Disability:IN Conference and M-Enabling Summit, and secured coverage from major outlets like Forbes, the New York Times, and CNBC. Outside of BCG, she has modeled for brands like Target and Amazon to increase disability representation, and serves in roles with adaptive sports organizations Achilles International and Dare2Tri. Hillary's journey reflects her mission to elevate disabled talent across business and society.

Jonathan Andrews

Associate

Jonathan Andrews is an Associate at Reed Smith and is passionate about driving inclusion for people with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals in the workplace and wider society. Jonathan actively advocates for neurodiversity and disability inclusion, having reached 30,000+ people, and as a former trustee of Ambitious about Autism and youth council chair he initiated Ambitious About Autism's first employment campaign, securing £100,000+ in funding and creating job opportunities for hundreds. Jonathan has served on UK Government's Expert Advisory Board for disability employment, and has co-authored key DEI reports and served on international councils (including the Diversity Council of the International Trademark Association) to advance inclusion. Recognized as one of the UK's most influential disabled individuals, Jonathan emphasizes the importance of role models and the need for supportive environments for neurodivergent talent, advocating for employment and career progression. His personal experiences underscore the benefits of openness and authenticity in the workplace.

Melissa Beresford-Dempsey

Bid Consultant

Melissa Beresford-Dempsey is a Bid Consultant at Aviva and a dedicated co-lead of the Ability Engagement team. A strong advocate for accessibility, she champions change through events and creative initiatives, including the globally recognized Me, You, and Taboo podcast, which opens discussions on often-overlooked workplace topics. Melissa organizes and hosts sessions to increase awareness across departments and collaborates with external organizations to expand the impact of Aviva's Ability network. Drawing from her experience as a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, she is actively involved in making Aviva's Sheffield site accessible and designs content for the company's intranet to foster inclusivity. With her unique perspective and resilience, Melissa uses her lived experience as a strength, helping reshape perceptions of disability in the workplace and beyond. Grateful for her support network, she's committed to advancing her career at Aviva, where she continues to make a meaningful difference.

Maureen Cuddy

Editor

Maureen Cuddy, Editor at S&P Global Ratings, is a lifelong advocate for disability inclusion, dedicating over 53 years to advancing access and equality. As an ambassador for S&P Global's Reach group that champions people with disabilities, she has led global initiatives to establish 10 active disability chapters worldwide, helped to develop a multi-country internship program for students with disabilities, and fostered job-readiness workshops for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Maureen has conceptualized, facilitated, and furthered key accessibility initiatives, such as developing a UAT team for digital accessibility and kickstarting the streamlining of accommodation processes, while also organizing insightful webinars and trainings on disability etiquette and intersectionality. Beyond work, she rallies hundreds of volunteers annually, supports disability-focused organizations, and has raised significant funds through the S&P Global Foundation. A former special education teacher who holds a juris doctorate, Maureen's lifelong commitment reflects her mission to empower people with disabilities across both personal and professional spheres.

Yosr Hamza

Director, Legal & Compliance - Middle East

Yosr is a lawyer, disability rights advocate, and proud mother to a son with Lissencephaly, a rare condition that includes dystonia, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy. Inspired by her caregiving journey, Yosr works tirelessly to advance inclusivity and disability rights in policy and workplace environments. At Gartner, she advocates for disability-friendly policies and accommodations, fostering an accessible and equitable workplace. She collaborates with policymakers to strengthen disability rights in legal frameworks, creating a more inclusive world for those with visible and invisible disabilities. As a mentor, Yosr has inspired her mentees to advance their careers and achieve remarkable milestones, including guiding three mentees make it onto the Modern Counsel 35 Under 35 list. Her advocacy also extends to developing the Yusr app, a platform designed to unify and simplify resources to empower caregivers and people with disabilities, furthering her commitment to a world that celebrates diversity and equity for all.

Debbie Stettler

Commercial Excellence Specialist, Packaging & Specialty Plastics EMEA / Chair Dow Disability Employee Network EMEAI

Debbie Stettler is the Chair of the Dow Disability Employee Network (DEN) for the EMEAI region and a Commercial Excellence Specialist. Since joining the ERG in 2012, she spearheaded on initiatives like mentorship programs for employees with disabilities and local school partnerships, fostering awareness and inclusion. Debbie's personal journey with Roberts Syndrome, which affects her arms and hearing, inspires her advocacy for disability inclusion. She emphasizes that having a disability is not a barrier to success, as demonstrated by her achievements, including a bachelor's degree in business administration in 2023. Through her work, Debbie aims to create a culture that values diverse talents and addresses biases, and she has received several awards for her commitment to inclusion. Her goal is to excel in Commercial, while empowering others, proving that determination can overcome obstacles.

Elizabeth Harvey

Global Resource Approvals Manager

Elizabeth Harvey is the Global Resource Approvals Manager at Fidelity International, with personal experience in mental health challenges stemming from various traumas and living with arthritis. She has actively contributed to employee wellbeing initiatives as a Mental Health First Aider for two years. In August 2023, she became the UK Wellbeing Champion co-lead, organising activities including yoga, walking groups, and meditation to foster community across two sites. Elizabeth was appointed Co-Lead of the Global Wellbeing Community in April 2024, overseeing a Community that spans 27 regions. She manages activities including webinars on topics such as grief, suicide, and burnout, and shares awareness communications on key dates via internal platforms. Passionate about mental health advocacy, Elizabeth is a member of the Mindforward Alliance and promotes various wellbeing initiatives, aiming to create a supportive environment for all employees.

Naomi-Jayne Aldred

Managing Director, Salesforce Business Group, South East Asia

As the Disability Inclusion Lead for Southeast Asia at Accenture, Naomi is passionate about fostering inclusive environments for people with disabilities, shaped by my own journey with deafness, which she celebrates as "Deaf Gain." Naomi co-pioneered the Deaf4Devs initiative, in collaboration with SG Enable, SADeaf, and Salesforce, which trains and recruits Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals through an 8-week boot camp and a 4-week job shadowing program, ultimately leading to permanent roles. This program addresses talent shortages while promoting understanding of Deaf Culture among 350 Accenture employees trained in various sign languages. As an active member of Accenture's Disability Inclusion Network, Naomi advocates for assistive technologies and develops strategies for a barrier-free workplace. Naomi's commitment extends to collaborating with external advocacy groups to create opportunities for the Deaf community, driving significant change in how organizations prioritize accessibility and inclusion. Naomi aspires to be recognized as an INvolve 50 Enable Role Model to raise awareness further.

Jennifer Holohan

Head of Transfer Agency, UK & Ireland

Jennifer Holohan is the Head of the Transfer Agency for the UK and Ireland at Fidelity International, where she actively champions diversity and inclusion. Since May 2022, she has been a critical member of Ireland's diversity hiring and retention program, significantly enhancing diverse talent acquisition and fostering a culture of inclusivity. As Events Lead for the Global Enable Network, she has organized impactful celebrations like Positively Purple, raising awareness and sharing stories of employees with disabilities. Externally, Jennifer has volunteered with Special Olympics for over 20 years, is passionate about establishing sustainable integrated sports clubs and serving on the Board of Directors to promote inclusivity in sports. She has also led mentorship programs for athletes, emphasizing skill development and personal growth. Driven by her experiences with mental health challenges, Jennifer advocates for open discussions on health and well-being in the workplace, believing that diverse perspectives enrich organizational culture and drive meaningful change.

Danielle McIntyre

Internal Communications Manager

Danielle McIntyre, Internal Communications Manager at NatWest Group, has been a powerful advocate for accessibility and inclusion since joining NatWest's disability network, Enable, in 2019. Inspired by her son, who has a disability, Danielle aims to create a workplace and society that are accessible and inclusive for all. Rising to Global Co-Chair of Enable, she has co-led on initiatives such as introducing Makaton to staff at some of NatWest's retail branches and developing guides on accessibility and inclusive language for disability and neurodiversity. Her leadership has driven more excellent representation of disabilities in NatWest's advertising, as seen in campaigns like the Team GB partnership. Committed to "nothing about us without us," Danielle emphasizes the importance of designing accessibility from the outset. As Chair of Enable, she continues to advocate for the voices of disabled and neurodivergent individuals and strives to make a lasting impact on inclusion within NatWest and beyond.

Diana Velarde

Director of Deals

Diana Velarde, Director of Deals at PwC Mexico, is a passionate advocate for disability inclusion, focusing on empowering women with disabilities. A speaker and leader, she addresses gender and disability intersectionality within PwC Mexico and collaborates on societal narrative-changing campaigns. Diana co-founded "Trazando lo Invisible," a platform raising awareness about non-visible disabilities and rare diseases, and leads "Mexicanas con Discapacidad," a network empowering over 500 women. Since 2021, she has participated in PwC's Scopeathons, offering pro-bono consulting to nonprofits promoting gender and disability inclusion. Diana also leads PwC Mexico's Disability Inclusion Network (ERG) and advocates for the deafblind community, engaging with government representatives and writing about Usher Syndrome. She co-authored the book "Walk in My Shoes." Through her work, Diana transforms local perceptions of disability, highlighting it as a strength and a source of innovation.

Jess Gosling

Head of Bilateral Projects, International Strategy

Jess Gosling is a dedicated advocate for neurodiversity, disability inclusion and intersectionality within the British Government. As a founding member of her department's neurodiversity network, she organises support sessions, advocacy meetings, and workshops that highlight the lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals. Her impactful work has earned her the DSIT Super Hero Award for Valuing People. Formerly a co-chair of the UK Civil Service Neurodiversity Network, Jess collaborated with senior leadership to challenge biases and led a campaign reaching over 3,000 people, amplifying the stories of neurodiverse colleagues. Recognised as one of the Top 50 Influential Neurodivergent Women in 2022, she founded "The Standard Brain" to address biases against underrepresented groups (one of LinkedIn's most popular newsletters) and "Yogi Bants" to foster inclusion in wellness. Jess's work empowers individuals while promoting diversity as an asset.

Božidar Macan

CEO & Founder

Božidar Macan, CEO & Founder of Macan, an atelier printing house specialized in luxury print, is a dedicated advocate for inclusivity in the workplace and to show people with disability can also be entrepreneurs. He prioritizes hiring individuals with disabilities, neurodiversity, and mental health challenges, resulting in over 60% of employees coming from these backgrounds. Božidar has launched a mentoring program and created a budget for employee education, empowering staff to explore new passions like video editing and photography. Under his leadership, Macan established a new business model focused on maintaining a workforce where over 60% of the workforce are people with disabilities. He has also developed a Code of Conduct, signed partnerships with ten organizations, and engaged in advocacy at industry conferences. Božidar's personal journey, marked by overcoming significant childhood adversity, drives his mission to create jobs and value for individuals with disabilities. He actively volunteers with the Red Cross and promotes social sustainability through various initiatives, including co-founding the Old & Gold Club for seniors.

Onike Gollo

Lead Investigator

Onike Gollo is the Lead Investigator at Shell and Chair of Shell UK's Disability Employee Resource Group (ERG). She has spearheaded various initiatives, including partnering with British Cycling to promote the Limitless para-cycling program. 44 clubs achieved Limitless status and a 45% rise in national disability cycling entries. Under her leadership, Shell also launched the Umbrella Project with IBM and the ADHD Foundation, raising awareness of neurodiversity and achieving record engagement from employees. Onike pioneered deployment of therapy dogs at Shell's headquarters, tackling mental health stigma and significantly increasing membership. Additionally, the ERG was the first to deliver a successful reverse mentoring program, improving participants' understanding of necessary workplace adjustments. After a car accident left her with a macular hole and severe myopia, Onike sees the world differently, motivating her advocacy for the visibility and inclusion of those with disabilities.

Puneet Singhal

Co-founder

Puneet Singhal is the Co-founder of Billion Strong and serves as Chief Discovery Officer, championing global initiatives for disability, neurodiversity, and mental health inclusion. With a background as a DEI Practitioner at NASA, he implements inclusive policies and conducts training to foster a supportive workplace for employees with disabilities. His advocacy extends to assistive technology consultancy with the International Disability Alliance, where he promotes solutions that enhance accessibility and independence. Born into poverty and facing domestic violence, Puneet lives with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, and stammering, experiences that fuel his passion for advocacy. He leads workshops and mentorship programs, addressing intersectional issues related to disability, climate change, and social justice. Recognized by Forbes for his efforts in workplace inclusion, Puneet was also honored with the Commonwealth Innovation Awards 2023 for his contributions to disability inclusion worldwide. His commitment seeks to empower marginalized communities and create accessible environments for all.

Charlotte Crewe

Content Production Strategy Director

Charlotte Crewe is the Content Production Strategy Director at Hogarth and a dedicated advocate for neurodiversity, accessibility, and mental wellness in the workplace. Open about her experiences, she is a visible example of negotiating accommodations to thrive in her role. Charlotte authored the article "Could Embracing Neurodiversity Be a Catalyst for Innovative Marketing?" on LBBOnline, challenging perceptions of neurodivergence in the advertising industry. She founded and leads Access All Areas, a global employee resource group focused on neurodiversity, mental health, and disability, organizing events and resources across 15 offices. Charlotte also initiated The Originals, an international internship program promoting diversity through an anonymous application process. Diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety, depression, autism, and ADHD, she emphasizes the importance of understanding mental health nuances and fostering inclusivity, guiding others to embrace their authentic selves.

Georgia Oliver

Audit and Compliance Manager

Georgia Oliver is an Audit and Compliance Manager at Capgemini and the Founder and Co-Chair of NeuroAbility UK, the company's first neurodiversity network in the UK. In under eight months, she grew the community to over 500 members, fostering support and awareness through initiatives like panel virtual events and specialized groups for parents and neurodivergent colleagues. Georgia draws from her lived experiences as a late-diagnosed autistic woman with ADHD, fibromyalgia, and depression, advocating for inclusivity in a neurotypically designed society. She promotes the use of generative AI to enhance accessibility and has played a crucial role in neuro-inclusive initiatives, advising on internal communications and supporting autistic colleagues during anxiety at work. Her commitment to accessibility extends to organizing events for Neurodiversity Celebration Week and creating educational resources. NeuroAbility UK has been shortlisted for Outstanding Ability Network at the European Diversity Awards 2024, showcasing her dedication to raising awareness.

Callum Dziedzic

Assistant Commissioner, Drama & Comedy

Callum Dziedzic serves as Assistant Commissioner for Drama & Comedy at ITV, where he works with his team to support meaningful disability and neurodiversity representation in ITV’s storytelling. As co-creator of ITV’s Disabled Writers in Development Programme, supported by ITV’s Diversity Development Fund, Callum established a pathway for Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent writers to gain the skills needed for drama commissions. His commitment to authentic storytelling is reflected in projects like the crime-thriller Code of Silence, featuring a Deaf protagonist. Callum’s advocacy began as a student, consulting with York’s nightlife managers to improve accessibility and producing a popular nightlife access guide. A proud gay man, he has spoken on the intersection of queerness and disability on platforms like Qmmunity and National Student Pride. Currently recognised as a TAP Star with the TV Access Project, Callum’s focus is now embedding accessibility within industry events, including awards ceremonies, networking, and social gatherings.

Nikki Jamieson

Technology Project Manager

Nikki Jamieson is a Technology Project Manager at NatWest Group, where she additionally serves as the Education/Awareness Lead for the Disability and Neurodivergence Employee-Led Network. She founded "A Friend Like Me" (AFLM) in 2022, a peer support initiative that has grown to over 600 members/group leaders, and expanded to support all disabilities, reaching more than 70,000 people Groupwide. Nikki champions a culture of inclusion through various roles, including Mental Health First Aider, Inclusive Interviewer, and Coach for Neurodivergent people. Her late diagnosis of Autism and ADHD has fuelled her passion for advocacy, transforming her personal challenges into community support. Nikki has also worked with the MS Society and writes about her experiences with Multiple Sclerosis to help others navigate similar journeys. Recognised as a role model, she is committed to fostering open conversations about disability and neurodivergence in the workplace, creating an inclusive environment for all.

John Walmsley

Vice President

John Walmsley is a Vice President at Capgemini and co-chair of CapAbility, the company's global disability Employee Network Group. He was pivotal in launching the UK CapAbility network in 2017 and has since focused on expanding it across Capgemini's 340,000 global workforce. In 2023, he began collaborating with DE&I colleagues and local leaders to develop networks encompassing disability, mental health, neurodiversity, and caregiving, now present in over a dozen countries with thousands of members. John facilitates connections among national network leaders to foster collaboration and strengthen initiatives. Through CapAbility, he provides valuable policy input on reasonable adjustments for colleagues with disabilities and long-term health conditions. His personal experience with mental health challenges fuels his commitment to improving the workplace for others. As an INvolve Enable Role Model, John aims to elevate the visibility of CapAbility and support its growth while championing inclusivity at Capgemini.

Casey Shaw

Activation Manager

Casey Shaw is the Activation Manager at ITV and has served as Co-Chair of ITV Able, the company's Disability Network, since early 2021. In this role, Casey supports colleagues, organizes awareness events, and advocates for an inclusive workplace. A highlight of her advocacy includes presenting at the ITV Commercial Teams Conference to 350 peers, promoting the significance of Employee Resource Groups. In 2023, Casey was accepted into ITV's Amplify 2.0 Leadership Programme for d/Deaf, Disabled, and neurodivergent colleagues, enhancing her leadership skills. She actively participates in the Advertising Association's Disability Working Group to drive inclusivity in the media industry. Having lived with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Casey initially struggled with the stigma of her chronic condition. Joining ITV Able empowered her to share her story and raise awareness, inspiring others to speak openly about their disabilities. She seeks opportunities to promote understanding and acceptance within her workplace and beyond.

Reena Parmar

Counsel

Reena Parmar is Counsel at Freshfields and a passionate advocate for disability inclusion within the legal profession. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top 100 Legal Influencer for Q2 and Q3 2024, she uses social media to raise awareness. She actively engages in public speaking, participating in podcasts like Thomson Reuters' The Hearing and LawCare's The Legal Mind, and addressing numerous panels on disability inclusion. Reena collaborates with organizations to advance disability and neuro-inclusion, representing disabled solicitors and aspiring solicitors as Chair of The Law Society of England & Wales Disabled Solicitors Network. She has received accolades, including Champion of the Year at the Inspirational Women in Law Awards 2023, and she features on the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 list 2024. Driven by her experiences, Reena aims to serve as a role model, fostering a sense of community and encouraging open dialogue about disabilities to empower others in the legal field.

Eric Jorgensen

Director of Beneficiary and Advisor Services

Eric Jorgensen is the Director of Beneficiary and Advisor Services at Visible National Trust, focusing on enhancing disability planning and accessibility. He hosts the "ABCs of Disability Planning" podcast, spotlighting organizations like New Disabled South and The Autistic People of Color Fund to raise awareness and expand their reach. Eric is an active member of an employment working group sponsored by Parent 2 Parent USA and the National Disability Institute, working to improve job outcomes for individuals with disabilities and neurodiversity. He connects various organizations in the disability community to foster collaboration and amplify their impact. Through his role, he simplifies disability benefits information for financial planners, ensuring clients understand available resources, which promotes community inclusion and meaningful employment opportunities. Eric's personal experiences, including a diagnosis of antisocial personality Disorder and potential autism spectrum traits, fuel his commitment to advocate for justice and equity in disability services.

Millicent Wenlock

Chair

Millicent Wenlock is the Co-Chair of The Care Experienced Movement CIC and a passionate advocate for disability, neurodiversity, and mental health. Drawing from her experiences as a disabled and neurodivergent individual, Millicent works with Ambitious About Autism and BBC Children in Need emphasises amplifying young autistic voices and empowering youth-led initiatives. Millicent has spoken at events like the (Not Just) London Calling Student Panel and spearheaded the delivery and creation as a co-producer of the Joined Up Summit with UK Youth for over 550 delegates advocating for inclusivity and support for young people such as the wellbeing space for neurodiverse people. She also serves on multiple advisory boards and founded the All of Us Employment Group with over 1000 members. Millicent's commitment to intersectional approaches to inclusion aims to create a more accessible world for individuals of all abilities.

Emma Holliday

Senior Consultant, Front-End Development, Avanade Experiences

Emma Holliday is a Senior Consultant in Front-End Development at Avanade and Co-Chair of the Europe chapter of DiversAbility, the company's disability and neurodiversity inclusion network. Emma champions members to share their ideas and fosters collaboration across employee networks to ensure initiatives meet the diverse needs of her network. Under her leadership, DiversAbility has organized over 12 events, including the inaugural celebration of Disability Pride Month. Emma actively represents her members' voices within Avanade and externally, including addressing neurodiversity challenges in the London office and advising the UK government on the Buckland Review of Autism and Employment. As a mental health ally trained with Mind Charity, she supports colleagues in accessing well-being resources and advocates for mental health support in her community through training with Zero Suicide Alliance and NSPCC. Emma emphasizes that even small contributions have a meaningful impact, empowering others to participate in inclusion efforts.

Avashna Ramnarain

Founder and CEO

Avashna Ramnarain is an innovative edu-preneur and the founder and CEO of Mindful Masterminds (PTY) Ltd, based in Johannesburg. With over 15 years of experience in marketing and e-commerce at a leading global tech company, Avashna has excelled in driving market share in Nigeria and Southern Africa. Her commitment to education and mental wellness led her to leave her corporate career in October 2023 to focus on developing transformative educational initiatives for children. Avashna is also a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, having served on the Africa Women Impact Network and the Women in Leadership Council of a major retail organization. Her contributions to the field have earned her numerous accolades, including the Mental Health Advocacy Leader award at the Female Founders Initiative Global 2024 and nominations for several other prestigious awards in diversity, leadership, and education.

Abbie Hills

Talent Agent

Abbie Hills is a Talent Agent at The Dazey Hills Company and an ambassador for the UP CP MOVEMENT. Living with cerebral palsy, she leverages her social media platforms to raise awareness about cerebral palsy, neurodiversity, and non-visible disabilities. As a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, particularly in the film and TV industry, Abbie founded her talent agency at just 23 years old. Since then, she has championed diverse representation and worked tirelessly for an equal future for all. Her commitment to this cause was recognized when she won the Positive Role Model Award at the National Diversity Awards 2021. Abbie's efforts continue to inspire change and broaden understanding of the challenges faced by disabled and neurodivergent individuals in the entertainment sector.