Interactive Panel | Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have become critical pillars for organisational success and innovation. This panel session gathers DEI  leaders to discuss the latest strategies and best practices for fostering an inclusive culture that promotes equity and harnesses the diverse talents of all employees.

Key discussion points will include:

•  Developing Inclusive Policies: Crafting and implementing HR policies that ensure equity and inclusion across all organisational levels, from recruitment to retention and beyond.
• Bias Awareness and Mitigation: Identifying unconscious biases in the workplace and deploying training programs that effectively address and mitigate these biases.
• Creating Inclusive Learning Environments: Designing L&D initiatives that cater to diverse learning needs, ensuring accessibility and engagement for all employees.
• Measuring DEI Impact: Utilising data analytics to assess the effectiveness of DEI programs, identify areas for improvement, and measure their impact on employee satisfaction and performance.
•  Leadership and Accountability: Encouraging leadership commitment to DEI through accountability frameworks and inclusive leadership training.
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Mentorship Programs: Supporting the establishment and growth of ERGs and structured mentorship programs to foster community and professional development among diverse groups

About Nina

Nina Russell (she/her) is the Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the New Zealand Defence Force, a role she has held since Jan 2019. Prior to this Nina worked as a consultant providing social research and strategic advice to (primarily) public sector clients (both for own company and also as the Social Research Director for an international company).  Nina understands the importance of metrics in driving positive change.
Nina has a Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) and is passionate about all things diversity and inclusion, addressing inequities, being values led, and creating greater social cohesion in Aoteaoa and internationally. Outside of her mahi (work) she is a proud parent to two fabulous humans - Leo and Delta, a member of the Gender Tick Advisory Board, and co-chair of the Government Women’s Network.
Her advice to anyone working to support greater equality is ‘rest when you are tired, but don’t quit!’.
One of her favourite whakatauki is: “Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui mō ake ake ake” - Be strong, be courageous, be generous, as you go into the future.