What role does DEI play in shaping the humanitarian and development sector?

The humanitarian and development sectors are pivotal in addressing global challenges, but how inclusive are they in their approaches? In collaboration with Norwegian Refugee Council, Diversify is hosting a breakfast seminar to examine how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) can shape these sectors to ensure they are more representative, equitable, and impactful.

Key Topics:

• DEI in Action: What DEI looks and feels like from an organizational perspective in the current climate.
• Unconscious Bias: How biases influence hiring, funding decisions, and program implementation within humanitarian organizations.
• Who Benefits?: Who gets hired, from where, and how funding decisions are made—unpacking the power dynamics in allocation and resource flows.
• Funding Models: Comparing project funding with flexible and organizational funding and exploring their impact on equity and inclusion.
• Donor Inclusivity: The importance of challenging donors to adopt more inclusive funding practices and make diverse hires.

This interactive session will include a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring experts from Diversify, the humanitarian sector, and development organizations. Together, we’ll explore how DEI can address systemic challenges, create equitable opportunities, and drive meaningful change in the sector.

Tentative Agenda:

• 7:30 AM – Doors Open; Breakfast and networking
• 8:00 AM – Welcome and Introduction; Framing DEI by Diversify: A brief overview of what Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) means in the context of the humanitarian and development sectors.
• 8:15 AM – Panel Discussion
• 8:40 AM – Audience Q&A

Please Note: This event is by invite only. If you would like to attend, please send an email to to request an invitation. 

Our Speakers

Chisom Udeze (She/Her), Economist, Strategist & Executive Director of Diversify

Chisom is an accomplished Economist, Strategist, Investor, and Founder with nearly two decades of experience leading impact-driven companies and actioning societal change. She serves on multiple boards, including as chair, and holds advisory roles across three continents.

Her global work spans seven countries and includes collaborations with organizations like the European Commission and Boston Consulting Group. Chisom champions democracy, sustainability, justice, and community driven and multi-stakeholder change-making. She also spearheads the Diversify Nordics Summit, a leading conference for leadership and innovation. A passionate advocate for mental health, Chisom enjoys tennis, reading, writing, and has published on Forbes.

Iva Ogrizovic (She/Her), Director at Diversify and People & Culture Partner at Diversify Consult
Iva Ogrizovic is the Director at Diversify and People & Culture Partner at Diversify Consult. At Diversify Consult, Iva focuses on developing and implementing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) strategies and co-designs and delivers DEIB training and development programs. She is also the Program Director for Diversify’s non-profit arm, where she co-creates and manages many of its initiatives including, but not limited to, The Blaze Inclusion Award, The Annual Gala, various Mentorship Programs and Entrepreneurial Incubators and Accelerators. With a Master’s in Philosophy and Comparative Literature, Iva’s background includes cultural event management, theater, and TV production. She is passionate about professional and personal development as well as empowering people to realize and use their potential for positive life changes.

Ama Afrifa-Tchie (She/Her), Global Lead, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) at NRC
As the Global Lead, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) for NRC, Ama Afrifa-Tchie is responsible for leading NRC’s work to become an even more inclusive and diverse organisation and is responsible for defining and implementing policies and measures to promote and embed an organisational culture that embraces and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in NRC. This includes designing, creating and implementing plans to promote diversity and inclusion within the organisation and to ensure a common understanding amongst managers and employees about what diversity, equity and inclusion mean throughout NRC’s country and regional offices, representative offices and at the Head Office.

Ama has built her career and expertise (over 15 years ‘experience) within different industries such as -start-ups, tech, professional services, legal, financial services, media & entertainment. She is the founder of The Inclusion Agilist (a culture and inclusion consultancy).

Ama has an LLB in Law and a MA in Public Relations and Public Communications. She is a Fellow of The Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce UK.

As well as serving on MAC-UK’s Board of Trustees as vice-chair, she is also a Governor on the Board of The Boxing Academy. Previous Board roles also include former Mentoring Chair of Women in Cable & Telecommunications (WITC UK), and Trustee Board member at Artswork.

Ama’s passions and interests include travelling, fitness, outdoors activities, theatre and movies, animation, and interior decor. She is an avid foodie and loves spending time with her family and socialising with friends.