The conversation around diversity, equity, and inclusion has entered one of its most challenging periods in recent memory. Across industries, organisations have faced mounting scrutiny over DEI initiatives, while political and cultural debates have intensified around workplace inclusion, representation, and equity. Yet despite these pressures, many leaders have continued advancing meaningful work grounded in research, measurable outcomes, and practical implementation.
The professionals recognised here have helped shape how organisations approach inclusion between March 2025 and March 2026. Through research, education, consulting, executive leadership, advocacy, and public engagement, they have influenced how businesses create environments where people from all backgrounds can contribute and succeed.
About This List
This annual recognition highlights leaders whose contributions extend beyond their own organisations. Selection is based on factors including thought leadership, public engagement, professional reputation, published work, media visibility, community influence, and the practical impact of their ideas and frameworks.
Rather than focusing on visibility alone, this list recognises individuals whose work has materially influenced how organisations think about equity, belonging, representation, leadership, and workplace culture.
1. Ruchika T. Malhotra
Based in Seattle, Washington, USA
Ruchika T. Malhotra has established herself as one of the most influential voices in workplace inclusion and equitable leadership. As founder of Candour and author of multiple widely recognised works on inclusion, she continues to bridge the gap between intention and meaningful action.
Her book Inclusion on Purpose remains a significant reference point for leaders seeking practical approaches to building inclusive cultures. During the review period, her publication Uncompete: Rejecting Competition to Unlock Success expanded her influence by challenging traditional assumptions about achievement, collaboration, and workplace advancement.
Beyond her books, Malhotra’s impact is amplified through executive education, speaking engagements, and digital learning programmes that have reached hundreds of thousands of professionals worldwide. Her widely consumed newsletters, articles, and commentary continue to provide leaders with actionable guidance on creating workplaces where equity and belonging are integrated into daily operations rather than treated as standalone initiatives.
Her work consistently combines research-backed insights with practical implementation strategies, making her one of the most trusted voices in modern inclusion leadership.
2. Ibram X. Kendi
Based in Washington, D.C., USA
Few scholars have influenced contemporary discussions about race and equity as significantly as Ibram X. Kendi. An award-winning historian, author, and educator, Kendi remains one of the most prominent public intellectuals examining systemic inequality and social justice.
Throughout 2025 and 2026, he continued expanding his academic and public contributions through research, writing, and institutional leadership. His role in advancing scholarship on the African diaspora further strengthened his influence within educational and cultural conversations.
Kendi’s work has consistently challenged audiences to think critically about the structures that shape opportunity and outcomes. His books, lectures, and media appearances continue to inform conversations among business leaders, educators, policymakers, and inclusion professionals.
At a time when debates surrounding race and equity remain highly polarised, Kendi has maintained a strong commitment to research, education, and public discourse, helping shape how organisations and institutions approach questions of fairness and representation.
3. Vernā Myers
Based in Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Vernā Myers remains one of the most recognised and respected figures in the inclusion profession. Through her work as an executive leader, consultant, and speaker, she has helped organisations understand the distinction between representation and true inclusion.
Her influence stems not only from her public speaking and thought leadership but also from her extensive experience guiding organisational culture transformation. Myers has consistently emphasised that diversity alone is insufficient unless employees also feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute fully.
Throughout the review period, her frameworks continued to be used by corporations, non-profits, and educational institutions seeking practical ways to foster belonging and improve workplace culture.
Her ability to communicate complex concepts through memorable ideas and actionable guidance has made her one of the most enduring voices in the DEI profession.
4. Dolly Chugh
Based in New York City, New York, USA
As a professor, author, and researcher, Dolly Chugh has built a reputation for making conversations about bias, ethics, and inclusion accessible to broad audiences.
Her work focuses on the gap between people’s intentions and their actual behaviours. Through research on unconscious bias and ethical decision-making, she has helped organisations better understand how well-meaning individuals can unintentionally contribute to inequitable outcomes.
During 2025 and 2026, her writing and public commentary remained highly influential among leaders seeking practical strategies for creating more inclusive workplaces. Her emphasis on continuous learning, self-awareness, and personal accountability has resonated strongly with professionals navigating increasingly complex workplace environments.
Chugh’s contributions remain particularly valuable because they focus on everyday actions that individuals can take to improve workplace culture rather than relying solely on organisational mandates.
5. Michelle Kim
Based in San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA
Michelle Kim has become one of the leading practitioners focused on transforming inclusion from aspiration into measurable organisational change. As CEO of Awaken and author of The Wake Up, she has built a reputation for challenging organisations to move beyond symbolic commitments.
Throughout the review period, Kim continued helping companies develop accountability systems, measurement frameworks, and sustainable inclusion strategies. Her work frequently addresses the distinction between performative efforts and structural change, providing leaders with practical tools for creating meaningful progress.
Her content, workshops, and advisory work have become particularly valuable during a period when organisations face increasing scrutiny regarding the effectiveness of their inclusion programmes.
Kim’s influence stems from her ability to combine candid analysis with practical solutions that organisations can implement immediately.
6. Cynthia Owyoung
Based in San Francisco, California, USA
Cynthia Owyoung has earned widespread recognition for her operational expertise in workplace culture and inclusion. Drawing on extensive corporate leadership experience, she provides organisations with practical guidance on building systems that support belonging and equitable participation.
Her work explores topics such as employee experience, inclusive leadership, workplace culture, and organisational accountability. Through writing, speaking, and executive leadership, she has helped many organisations better understand how inclusion can be integrated into broader business objectives.
During the review period, Owyoung continued contributing valuable insights on sustaining inclusion initiatives amid changing political and economic conditions. Her emphasis on measurable outcomes and operational excellence has made her a respected voice among HR leaders and executives alike.
7. Jennifer Brown
Based in New York City, New York, USA
Jennifer Brown has spent years helping organisations develop more inclusive leadership practices. Through her consulting work, books, podcasts, and speaking engagements, she has influenced countless professionals seeking to improve workplace culture.
Her leadership frameworks focus on equipping managers and executives with the skills required to create environments where diverse teams can thrive. Throughout 2025 and 2026, Brown remained highly active in educating organisations on the practical realities of inclusion, leadership, and cultural transformation.
Her ability to translate complex social and organisational issues into actionable leadership practices has made her one of the most widely recognised voices in the field.
Brown’s long-standing commitment to inclusion continues to resonate with organisations looking for sustainable approaches to workplace equity.
8. Y-Vonne Hutchinson
Based in Los Angeles, California, USA
Y-Vonne Hutchinson combines legal expertise, consulting experience, and strategic insight to help organisations navigate difficult conversations around race, equity, and workplace culture.
As founder and CEO of ReadySet, she has advised organisations on creating effective inclusion strategies that can withstand shifting political and cultural environments. Her work emphasises practical communication, organisational accountability, and measurable outcomes.
Throughout the review period, Hutchinson continued providing leaders with tools to address sensitive issues constructively while building stronger workplace cultures. Her approach is notable for its focus on actionable solutions rather than abstract theory.
Her influence extends across industries, making her one of the most trusted advisors in the modern DEI landscape.
9. Minda Harts
Based in New York City, New York, USA
Minda Harts has become one of the most important advocates for women of colour in professional environments. Through her books, teaching, speaking engagements, and media presence, she continues to address challenges related to career advancement, representation, and workplace wellbeing.
Her work explores issues often overlooked in mainstream leadership conversations, including racial trauma, professional inclusion, mentorship, and equitable career development.
Throughout 2025 and 2026, Harts remained a prominent voice helping organisations understand how workplace experiences differ across demographic groups. Her insights have proven particularly valuable for leaders seeking to build cultures that support diverse talent more effectively.
Her contributions continue to influence conversations about equity, leadership development, and employee experience.
10. Lily Zheng
Based in San Francisco, California, USA
Lily Zheng has built a reputation as one of the most evidence-driven voices in the DEI profession. Known for advocating rigorous, measurable approaches to inclusion, Zheng consistently challenges organisations to focus on outcomes rather than rhetoric.
Their work emphasises strategic planning, accountability, and performance measurement, helping organisations design programmes capable of delivering lasting results.
Throughout the review period, Zheng’s commentary and educational content gained significant attention for its balanced perspective and commitment to evidence-based practice. Their willingness to challenge assumptions across the ideological spectrum has earned respect from both practitioners and executives.
For organisations seeking practical and sustainable approaches to inclusion, Zheng’s work remains an influential resource.
11. Kenji Yoshino
Based in New York City, New York, USA
Legal scholar Kenji Yoshino has profoundly influenced workplace inclusion through his research on identity, authenticity, and belonging. His concept of “covering” transformed how organisations understand the subtle pressures employees face to hide aspects of their identities.
Throughout 2025 and 2026, Yoshino’s research continued informing discussions around authenticity, leadership, and employee experience. His work explores how workplaces can enable individuals to contribute fully without feeling compelled to suppress important parts of themselves.
Combining academic rigour with practical application, Yoshino’s insights remain highly relevant for organisations seeking to foster genuine inclusion and psychological safety.
His scholarship continues to shape how leaders think about identity in professional settings.
12. Dr. Tiffany Jana
Based in Richmond, Virginia, USA
Dr. Tiffany Jana has become widely recognised for helping organisations identify and address everyday behaviours that undermine inclusion. Through consulting, writing, and speaking, Jana focuses on practical workplace dynamics that affect employee experiences.
Their work provides leaders with tools to recognise subtle forms of exclusion and create environments that support equitable participation. Throughout the review period, Jana remained an active voice helping organisations navigate increasingly complex conversations around belonging, fairness, and workplace culture.
Their direct communication style and practical frameworks have made them a trusted advisor to organisations seeking meaningful improvement.
13. Liz Kofman-Burns
Based in Stockholm, Sweden
Liz Kofman-Burns has distinguished herself through a highly analytical approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion. As co-founder of Peoplism, she has championed data-driven strategies that help organisations measure progress and improve accountability.
Throughout 2025 and 2026, her work focused heavily on helping organisations establish meaningful metrics, evaluate programme effectiveness, and build systems capable of sustaining inclusion efforts over time.
Her emphasis on evidence, transparency, and measurable outcomes has become increasingly valuable as organisations seek stronger justification for DEI investments and initiatives.
Kofman-Burns continues to be one of the profession’s most respected advocates for rigorous, results-oriented inclusion practices.
14. Joelle Emerson
Based in San Francisco, California, USA
As Co-Founder and CEO of Paradigm, Joelle Emerson has become one of the most influential practitioners working at the intersection of workplace inclusion, organisational culture, and evidence-based DEI strategy. Paradigm has advised some of the world’s most recognised companies, helping leadership teams move beyond symbolic commitments and implement measurable systems that improve workplace experiences and outcomes.
During 2025–2026, Emerson’s influence continued to grow through Paradigm’s research, consulting work, and public thought leadership. At a time when many organisations faced pressure to scale back DEI efforts, her emphasis on data, accountability, and measurable impact provided leaders with practical guidance rooted in evidence rather than ideology. Her ability to combine rigorous research with real-world organisational experience has made her one of the profession’s most trusted voices.
15. Trier Bryant
Based in Denver, Colorado, USA
Founder and CEO of Pathfinder, Trier Bryant has built her reputation around helping organisations create workplaces where people can thrive while delivering measurable business performance. Drawing on leadership experience at Goldman Sachs and Twitter, she brings both corporate credibility and practitioner expertise to conversations about workplace equity and culture.
Throughout the review period, Bryant remained highly visible through consulting, speaking engagements, and educational content focused on accountability, leadership effectiveness, and sustainable inclusion. Her collaboration with leadership expert Kim Scott further strengthened her influence among executives seeking practical approaches to embedding equity into organisational systems. Bryant’s work stands out for translating broad inclusion goals into actionable leadership behaviours and operational frameworks.
16. Aubrey Blanche-Sarellano
Based in Sydney, Australia
Aubrey Blanche-Sarellano is widely recognised as one of the most analytical and systems-oriented voices in the DEI profession. Having previously led diversity and belonging initiatives at Atlassian and Culture Amp, she has consistently advocated for using data, measurement, and organisational design to create equitable workplaces.
Throughout 2025–2026, Blanche-Sarellano continued publishing and speaking about the structural factors that drive workplace inequity. Her focus on systems rather than symbolism resonated strongly with HR leaders and executives looking for durable solutions during a period of heightened scrutiny. By emphasising measurable outcomes and organisational accountability, she has helped reshape how many organisations evaluate the effectiveness of inclusion initiatives.
17. Claude Silver
Based in New York City, New York, USA
As Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, Claude Silver occupies one of the most distinctive leadership roles in modern business. Her work focuses on building cultures rooted in empathy, belonging, and psychological safety while maintaining strong organisational performance.
During 2025–2026, Silver continued to be a highly visible advocate for people-first leadership. Through speaking engagements, coaching, and social media content, she reinforced the idea that inclusion is fundamentally a leadership responsibility rather than simply an HR initiative. Her ability to connect emotional intelligence with business outcomes has made her message particularly influential among executives seeking to strengthen employee engagement and organisational culture.
18. Ben Hecht
Based in the United States
Ben Hecht has spent much of his career working at the intersection of equity, economic mobility, and systemic change. As former CEO of Living Cities, he helped shape initiatives designed to improve opportunities in communities across the United States through collaboration between public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Throughout 2025–2026, Hecht’s work remained highly relevant as organisations searched for practical approaches to advancing equity despite shifting political and regulatory environments. His focus on long-term systems change, local action, and cross-sector collaboration provided a broader perspective than many traditional workplace-focused DEI discussions. He continues to be an important voice on how institutions can create lasting social and economic impact.
19. Nadia Rawlinson
Based in Chicago, Illinois, USA
Nadia Rawlinson has earned widespread respect as both a people leader and organisational strategist. Drawing on senior leadership experience, including her tenure as Chief People Officer at Slack, she has become a trusted voice on leadership accountability, workplace culture, and organisational effectiveness.
During the review period, Rawlinson continued sharing insights on how companies can create environments where employees feel supported, valued, and able to contribute fully. Her emphasis on leadership responsibility, equitable systems, and psychological safety resonated particularly strongly with executive audiences. Her combination of operational expertise and strategic thinking gives her unusual credibility among both HR professionals and business leaders.
20. Mita Mallick
Based in New York City, New York, USA
Mita Mallick has emerged as one of the most recognisable and influential voices in corporate inclusion and workplace culture. A former inclusion executive at organisations including Carta and Unilever, she combines hands-on leadership experience with an exceptional ability to communicate complex ideas in accessible ways.
Throughout 2025–2026, Mallick maintained a highly active presence across speaking engagements, writing, and social media. Her practical guidance on leadership, workplace equity, and organisational culture reached a broad audience of HR professionals, executives, and emerging leaders. Her focus on turning good intentions into measurable action has made her one of the most widely followed and respected practitioners in the field.
21. Derrick Johnson
Based in Jackson, Mississippi, USA
As President and CEO of the NAACP, Derrick Johnson leads one of the most historically significant civil rights organisations in the United States. His leadership places him at the centre of many of the most important conversations surrounding civil rights, workplace equity, public policy, and social justice.
Throughout 2025–2026, Johnson remained a highly visible advocate for equal opportunity and accountability across both public and private institutions. As debates around diversity and inclusion intensified, his perspective helped connect workplace equity discussions to broader civil rights issues. His influence extends far beyond organisational DEI programmes, reflecting a lifelong commitment to advancing fairness and opportunity.
22. Alexis McGill Johnson
Based in New York City, New York, USA
Alexis McGill Johnson serves as President and CEO of Planned Parenthood and is one of the most prominent leaders working at the intersection of healthcare access, racial equity, and social justice. Her leadership has placed her at the forefront of some of the most consequential policy and inclusion debates in the United States.
During 2025–2026, McGill Johnson continued to use her platform to advocate for equitable access to healthcare and opportunities for underserved communities. Her ability to navigate complex social, political, and organisational challenges has made her an influential voice both within and beyond the DEI profession. Her work highlights the interconnected nature of equity across institutions and communities.
23. Kellie Wagner
Based in Los Angeles, California, USA
As Founder and CEO of Collective, Kellie Wagner has established herself as one of the most operationally focused consultants in the inclusion space. Her firm has worked with a range of high-profile organisations to help embed equity into leadership practices, organisational systems, and workplace culture.
Throughout the review period, Wagner continued to emphasise accountability, measurement, and business alignment as essential components of successful inclusion strategies. Her practical approach appealed to organisations seeking sustainable programmes capable of surviving leadership transitions, economic uncertainty, and changing political environments. Her work remains highly regarded among executives looking for evidence-based guidance.
24. Pooja Jain-Link
Based in New York City, New York, USA
Pooja Jain-Link serves as Executive Vice President at Coqual and is widely recognised for her contributions to research on workplace inclusion, leadership, and organisational performance. Her work focuses on providing organisations with the data and insights needed to make informed decisions about culture and talent strategy.
During 2025–2026, Jain-Link continued helping organisations understand the measurable relationship between inclusive cultures and business outcomes. Coqual’s research remained a frequently cited resource among corporate leaders, HR teams, and DEI practitioners. Her commitment to evidence-based analysis has made her one of the profession’s most respected research voices.
25. Daisy Auger-Domínguez
Based in Brooklyn, New York, USA
Author of Inclusion Revolution and Chief People Officer at Digital Asset, Daisy Auger-Domínguez combines executive leadership experience with a strong commitment to workplace equity and belonging. Her work focuses on helping organisations create cultures where employees from all backgrounds can succeed and contribute meaningfully.
Throughout 2025–2026, she remained an active speaker, writer, and advisor on topics including organisational culture, leadership accountability, and equitable talent practices. Her practical experience leading people functions inside major organisations gives her insights particular relevance for executives navigating complex workplace challenges. Her ability to connect inclusion principles with day-to-day organisational realities has made her a highly influential voice in the profession.
Conclusion
The diversity, equity, and inclusion profession faced one of its most challenging periods during 2025–2026. Political scrutiny, shifting corporate priorities, and growing public debate placed unprecedented pressure on practitioners, researchers, educators, and advocates across the field. Yet the leaders recognised on this list continued to advance meaningful work through evidence, leadership, education, and practical action.
What unites these 25 individuals is not a shared ideology but a shared commitment to helping organisations and communities create environments where people can contribute, belong, and succeed. Their influence extends through research, books, organisational leadership, public advocacy, consulting, and education. Together, they continue to shape how inclusion is understood and implemented across workplaces around the world.
As organisations navigate increasingly complex cultural, economic, and social challenges, the ideas, frameworks, and leadership demonstrated by these professionals will continue to influence the future of workplace equity and inclusion for years to come.
Congratulations to all 25 leaders recognised in this year’s list for their contributions to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across industries and communities worldwide.
