Wema Hoover, former Google Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, has dedicated her career to transforming corporate cultures and driving results. She is a recognised thought leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), organisational development, authentic leadership, and women’s empowerment. Wema uses her experiences as a Black woman and her extensive background in DEI to help organisations realise the full potential of diversity and inclusion.
Before establishing her consultancy, Wema served as Google’s Global Head of DEI. She has advised Fortune 500 companies, including Pfizer, Sanofi, and Bristol-Myers Squibb, on global DEI initiatives. In these positions, she created Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Councils to enhance internal capabilities in areas such as belonging, unconscious bias, cultural competence, and global leadership.
Wema's international experience includes living and working in the US, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, where she led diverse teams. In addition to her roles at major corporations, she has formed partnerships with organisations like the United Nations, the World Economic Forum, Mercer, and McKinsey to implement advanced HR, culture, CSR, and DEI practices. She was also a member of the Coqual (Center for Talent Innovation) Hidden Brain Drain Task Force, contributing to DEI research across global markets, including China, India, and the US.
Wema is a National Member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and is frequently invited to speak on DEI topics. She is also an executive coach and holds a Master of Science in Human Resource Management and a Master’s-level Certificate in Organisational Change Management from New School University. Additionally, she serves on the board of Ten By Three, a nonprofit focused on reducing poverty through entrepreneur-driven growth and sustainable financial independence.
Wema is an accomplished writer, having published articles on DEI, women’s empowerment, and racial equity in various publications, including Fast Company, Inc., Diversity Magazine, and NAMI. She is currently working on a book that explores her experiences and the benefits of diversity and inclusion.
In her keynote, Wema Hoover shares effective strategies for attracting, retaining, and developing diverse talent. She emphasises the importance of fostering cultures of belonging that enable diverse individuals to thrive within organisations. Attendees will learn actionable insights to enhance their talent pipelines and create inclusive environments that support the growth and success of all employees.
In her keynote, Wema Hoover explores practical strategies for Black women to transform perceived challenges into valuable assets. She emphasises how these insights can empower them to excel as professionals and leaders. Attendees will learn actionable techniques to navigate obstacles and leverage their unique strengths for success in their careers.
In her session, Wema Hoover highlights the vital connection between emotional intelligence and inclusion. She explores practical strategies for leaders to enhance their EQ, foster inclusion, and promote equity to combat racial injustice within organisational culture. Wema also addresses unconscious bias, offering insights on how to identify, acknowledge, and overcome it, as well as methods to prevent its recurrence. Attendees will learn actionable approaches to create a more equitable and inclusive environment.
In her keynote session, Wema Hoover explores how to leverage diversity to enhance organisational skills and foster inclusive practices. She highlights the importance of employee engagement, collaboration, and innovation while addressing unconscious bias and the creation of a culture of belonging. Attendees will learn strategies for developing cultural competence and effective global leadership, ultimately discovering how embracing differences can lead to significant organisational improvements.
In her keynote presentation, Wema Hoover explores how organisations can harness the unique abilities and leadership qualities of women. She emphasises the importance of sponsorship, advocacy, and intentional inclusion to maximise female potential. Attendees will learn effective strategies to create a more inclusive workplace that empowers women, ultimately enhancing organisational performance and fostering a diverse talent pool.
In her keynote, Wema Hoover explores the pandemic's profound effects on employee well-being and mental health. She emphasises the importance of integrating inclusion, equity, and belonging to foster sustainable practices that enhance overall health. Attendees will gain insights into effective strategies for supporting their workforce, ultimately promoting a healthier and more inclusive workplace environment.
