Tash Koster-Thomas

Advancing Gender Equity Through Inclusive Workplace Practices

This session focuses on exploring the systemic barriers that contribute to gender disparities in the workplace. It emphasises the importance of creating inclusive policies and practices that ensure equal opportunities for all genders. The discussion includes real-world examples, statistical data, and personal stories to highlight the pervasive nature of gender bias. Participants engage in interactive activities to develop actionable strategies aimed at promoting gender equity in their own organisation.

Inclusive Leadership: Succeeding Across Cultures

This session equips leaders with the knowledge and tools to build strong, respectful relationships across cultural boundaries. Participants will explore cultural dimensions, communication styles, and leadership approaches that vary across global contexts. Through interactive activities, case studies, and self-reflection, leaders will gain insight into their own cultural perspectives and learn strategies to bridge differences, foster inclusivity, and drive results in diverse environments. By the end of the session, leaders will be prepared to lead more effectively and inclusively across cultures, promoting collaboration and innovation.

Building Inclusive Workplaces: Allyship for Disability and Neurodiversity

This session is designed to empower participants with the knowledge and tools to become effective allies for colleagues with disabilities and are neurodiverse in the workplace. Being an ally means actively creating a supportive, accessible, and equitable environment where all employees can succeed. We will explore practical strategies that make a meaningful difference, from rethinking communication and accessibility to challenging biases and fostering a culture of inclusivity.

Advancing Equity: A Call to Action for Anti-Racism

This session focuses on understanding, empathy, and action. Racism permeates our society in both subtle and overt ways, profoundly impacting individuals and communities. Recognizing this is the first step toward meaningful change. We will explore how biases shape our perceptions, how stereotypes reinforce inequality, and how systems of oppression persist. By fostering a deeper awareness of these realities, we can begin to dismantle harmful structures and promote a culture of inclusivity and equity—where every person is valued and respected, regardless of race or ethnicity.

Intersectionality - Including ALL Women

The session explores how overlapping identities such as race, gender, sexuality, disability, culture, and age shape women’s experiences at work. Tash Koster-Thomas explains how these intersections create unique challenges that are often overlooked in traditional gender-equity conversations. She emphasizes the need for better allyship and support—both between women and from wider teams—and outlines practical steps organisations can take to create fairer, more inclusive environments where all women can thrive.

Women Empowerment in the Workplace

In this session, Tash explores women’s empowerment in the workplace through an intersectional lens. She highlights common challenges like the gender pay gap and lack of leadership representation, while noting additional barriers faced by Black, Latina, disabled, LGBTQ+, and older women. Microaggressions, such as being interrupted or dismissed, can undermine confidence and career growth. Tash recommends self-advocacy, tracking achievements, negotiating salaries, and building diverse mentor networks. Allies, including men, should recognize intersecting challenges and support inclusive policies.