P2P

34 KARINA WILLES Karina Willes has always been driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the world. With a background that combines academic research and a career in legal technology, Karina found the perfect opportunity to bring these experiences together by joining the DEIC. Karina has enjoyed her time with the DEIC, serving as a member and chair for two of her six years. As a PhD, her academic research focused on the intersection of LGBTQ communication issues and technology, aligning closely with her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Growing up as an LGBTQ person in a conservative city, Karina is acutely aware of the challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals in various aspects of their lives. She brings this perspective to the DEI Committee, representing the viewpoint of LGBTQ people and advocating for their inclusion. Additionally, her research and lifelong learning background have enabled her to design a training program on DEI-related communication issues and lead data analysis from ILTA's DEI climate survey. Karina's understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion has undergone significant evolution. Initially focused on LGBTQ-related issues, her participation in the DEI Committee has broadened her awareness of the experiences and challenges faced by other marginalized groups. She has also gained a deeper understanding of the complexity of DEI, especially when considering global perspectives, as DEI issues can vary significantly between countries. Karina's DEI story emphasizes the business value of having diverse teams. She believes that organizations and teams perform better and make more informed decisions by including people from diverse backgrounds with different perspectives. For Karina, DEI is about creating environments where all team members feel welcome, appreciated, and able to contribute to their fullest potential. MEET TWO OF THE ORIGINAL FOUNDING MEMBERS. Both Canaan Himmelbaum and Karina Willes have been active members of the DEIC since its inception in 2019. Due to the six-year term limit, their tenures end at the end of August 2025.

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