In this fireside chat with Tasneem Chopra, she will address how minorities have overwhelmingly faced the brunt of collateral damage from systemic barriers and structural racism and who now find themselves unwitting pawns in an an era of heightened tensions around the value and purpose of Diversity and Inclusion initiatives.

WHEN: Friday, 4 April 2025
TIME: TBC
WHERE: IHRC Bookshop (202 Preston Road, HA9 8PA)

 About the event:

The need to countenance this reckless practice of cancelling all thing DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion), has never been greater.  From a war on semantics to a literal rage at the prospect of intersectional inclusion, this sledge hammer assault on all things diverse, does not bode well for economic prosperity or societal wellbeing, This moment presents an opportunity for those with influence, to reactively  lean in with intention and impact, to use their voice, the data and platforms to shape a counter narrative.  The most successful organisations will be the ones whose voices lead with inclusive rigour, recognising that diversity isn’t a box to be ticked – but an asset to be nurtured and celebrated

This session will explore how organisations can lead with diverse intent and respond to the opportunity  cultural diversity  presents, if leveraged  in an  inclusively forward way. Because, in the face of accountability, systems built on inequity will crumble.

About the speaker:

Born in Kenya, fifth generation of East African birthright with Indian origin but raised in country Victoria, Tasneem grew up experiencing life as the proverbial brown pea in a white pod. Fascinated with the world and its people from her early years, this country school girl followed her calling and today is a seasoned cross cultural expert, via her Consultancy, The Culture Lens. 

She assists clients progress an intersectional lens, helping them communicate, work and lead across different cultures for better innovation and profitability, understanding the merits of upholding inclusion. 

Tasneem has developed workplace inclusion policies, managed projects, curated exhibitions, run leadership programs and executed engagement strategies for and on behalf of government and NGO’s for over two decades within Australia and overseas. 

She currently holds chairing and advisory roles within the Suburban Rail Loop Authority and the Gidget Foundation, with previous governance roles in the Victorian Public Service Commission, Fire Rescue Victoria, The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and Ambulance Victoria. She has also Co-Chaired the NSW Legal Aid External Anti Racism and Inclusion Committee and advised the Collingwood Football Club Expert Panel on Anti Racism.  

She is passionate about culture and gender equity and was duly appointed the inaugural Ambassador for Women of Colour Australia. The Australian Human Rights Commission named her an Anti-Racism Champion in 2018 and she was been awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her services in cultural inclusion. 

Tasneem has a background in Psychology and Sociology and a Masters in International Development from La Trobe University, where she was recognised as one of their Distinguished Alumni.  

As a keynote speaker, Tasneem has spoken at national and international events, including for International Women’s Day, launches, AGM’s, academic conferences, festivals, panels and at schools. 

She is an engaging panel moderator and MC having led many significant events, globally as well. Her written work has been widely published in journals, anthologies, print and online. 

A TEDxMelbourne presenter and writer, Tasneem has featured on numerous platforms including the ABC, BBC, The Project, Q&A, Compass, & The Drum . She co-hosts the podcast Colour Outside the Lines with Leah Vandenberg, and has previously hosted Strengths Untold. 

As a commentator, her expertise has been sought on topics related to leadership, cultural inclusion, gender  justice, intersectionality, migration, social cohesion and social justice. 

Website: www.theculturelens.com.au