Creating an inclusive workplace isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about fostering real belonging, equity, and opportunity for everyone. Join WIB & Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) to tackle the challenges and opportunities in building genuinely inclusive workplaces. We’ll explore key topics such as:
- Inclusive Culture: What does it look like in practice?
- Pay Equity: How do we close the gaps and ensure fairness?
- Leadership Diversity: Why do C-suites lack representation, and how do we change that?
- Unconscious Bias: How does it impact hiring, promotions, and daily interactions?
- Psychological Safety: The secret ingredient to high-performing teams.
- The Future of Work: What’s next for inclusion in remote and hybrid workplaces?
Expect insightful conversations, real-world strategies, and a space to connect with like-minded professionals passionate about making a difference. Whether you're a leader, HR professional, or looking to drive change in your organization, this event is for you!
Ticket includes appetizers and two drink vouchers.
Speaker Bios
Gioacchino Amari, Talent Attraction & Enablement Director at SpringWorks Therapeutics
Gioacchino Amari is the Global Associate Talent Attraction & Enablement Director at SpringWorks Therapeutics, a commercial-stage biotechnology company headquartered in Stamford, CT and additional location in Durham, NC. With nearly a decade of experience in human resources, he is a strategic business partner specializing in long-term workforce planning within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Gioacchino earned his bachelor’s in HR management and criminal justice from Rutgers University. His expertise spans talent acquisition, talent management, and talent development, where he plays a critical role in aligning HR strategies with broader business goals. A passionate advocate for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEI&B), he champions workplace authenticity, ensuring employees feel empowered to bring their whole selves to work. Recognized for his strategic mindset, positive leadership, and expertise in change management, Gioacchino is committed to growing as an influential HR leader in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. His mission is to foster an inclusive, thriving workplace where employees feel valued and supported.
Cheryl Gould, HR & Leadership Consultant
Cheryl Gould is the VP of Human Resources for Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines and the President and Chief Consultant of Cheryl Gould Consulting, LLC. As a seasoned HR and leadership consultant with over 25 years of experience helping businesses and leaders create workplaces where people thrive. With a background as a strategic HR Business Partner across industries such as manufacturing, logistics, distribution, financial services, non-profit, and hospitality, she understands the challenges leaders face and brings a people-first approach to solving them. As a consultant, she works with growth-focused individuals and businesses to strengthen leadership skills, build inclusive cultures, and align HR strategies with business goals. She holds several professional certifications, including SHRM-SCP, Organizational Development Specialist, Gallup Strengths and Engagement Coach, and Diversity and Inclusion for HR. Outside of work, Cheryl loves to travel with her family, experiment in the kitchen, and volunteer in several community organizations.
Orshi Kocsis, Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Operations at Ribometrix
Orshi brings over 20 years of experience in Human Resources, Change Management, DEI, and Leadership Development, partnering with leaders worldwide, from Australia to Japan to the US. She has a proven track record of success in building high-performing teams and cultures. She’s the Co-Founder of Coaching Connection where she coaches leaders and high-performing individuals who want to elevate their game. Orshi believes that an organization’s greatest asset is its people. Her motto is: Happy employees ensure happy customers and happy customers ensure happy shareholders!
Ellysa Smith, Chief Human Resources at CuraHuman, Moderator
Ellysa is a Human Resources expert who empowers people in organizations at all levels to become their best self, leveraging the human experience of their vulnerability and uncertainty, to inspire them to cure their human in self-leadership transformation. Ellysa Smith serves as Chief Human at CuraHuman. CuraHuman is about cultivating and caring for your whole human, especially at work, to create transformational cultures. As Chief Human at CuraHuman, Ellysa will Coach Human. She chooses to embrace being human, leading with trust, then innovation. Her work fosters better leadership at all levels, curating, engaging, and lightkeeping culture at work. Ellysa has shined in her decade-long Human Resources career serving with well-known nonprofits in the States, including Phoenix House, QSAC, The New York Academy of Sciences, and Teach for All. She also dabbled in other industries including hospitality, technology, education, entrepreneurship, and healthcare. After moving to North Carolina in 2018, Ellysa worked at Transloc in Durham, Global Skyware in Smithfield, and Carolina Small Business Development Fund (CSBDF) in Raleigh. Ellysa holds a Bachelor of Science in General Science with a Philosophy minor from Fordham University. She also holds a Master of Science in Human Resource Management and Development from NYU SPS. She completed her SHRM-SCP certification in June 2022.