Emma Cumming, Quadient’s Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, talks to myGwork’s Pepi Sappal about her passion for allyship and inclusion to create meaningful change at work and in society
In the dynamic world of corporate leadership, few individuals stand out as profoundly as Emma Cumming, a trailblazing ally and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Quadient. With a career grounded in a deep understanding of human nature and an unwavering commitment to inclusivity, Emma’s career journey to date is nothing short of inspiring.
Starting her professional journey with a degree in Psychology, Emma quickly found herself drawn to roles that emphasised human connection and support. Her early career experience as a Learning Support Teacher in Dubai was a transformative one. While working with students with disabilities and neurodivergent learners, she tackled educational barriers which spurred heron to champion inclusive educational practices, igniting a passion for addressing workforce challenges.
This prompted a move to London where she transitioned into a Human Resources role. She recalls her first HR role providing a comprehensive introduction to the field, where she managed the entire employee lifecycle through collaborating with stakeholders to drive organizational success. Naturally progressing into DEI, Emma’s passion for impactful change found its true calling. Throughout her career to date, Emma has been at the forefront of evolving attitudes towards diversity and inclusion. She embraced HR/DEI opportunities across various sectors, including education, digital marketing, media, management consulting, and technology.
“Throughout these fields, I’ve had the privilege of working with exceptional individuals who are deeply committed to fostering real and meaningful change,” notes Emma. “This work hinges on our collective ability to be vulnerable and build trust, as we strive to dismantle the systemic barriers that disadvantage marginalized groups within the workplace.”
A defining career moment for Emma was creating ‘brave spaces’ where employees felt empowered to share their experiences, cultivating a culture of kindness, empathy, and authenticity. “These initiatives are not just about inclusion; they are about transforming workplace culture at its core,” says Emma.
Emma emphasises that change is a gradual process requiring open-mindedness, empathy, and a relentless commitment to incremental actions. Through workshops, training programmes, and transparent conversations, she has reshaped behaviours and attitudes, championing the myriad benefits of diverse teams and inclusive practices. At Quadient, her ongoing work to integrate DEI strategies across the business is both innovative and heartfelt. Some of the company’s inclusion initiatives that Emma is particularly proud of include:
- The LGBTQ+ network, Love is Love: A vibrant platform for support, networking, and advocacy.
- Partnership with myGwork: Connecting the LGBTQIA community and allies to share best practices and develop inclusive hiring solutions.
- Educational programmes and allyship training: Equipping employees to support LGBTQIA colleagues.
- Events featuring LGBTQIA leaders: Celebrations and educational moments throughout the year.
- The Inclusion Policy and Code of Ethics Policy: Outlining expected behaviours, reinforcing a commitment to zero-discrimination, and embodying the EPIC values of empowerment, passion, inspiration, and community.
Emma attributes her passion for inclusion to her early life in Dubai. Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, and raised in a vibrant, multicultural environment, she developed a profound appreciation for diverse cultures and backgrounds. “I loved growing up in a multicultural environment because I gained experiences that enriched my appreciation for diverse cultures and backgrounds,” shares Emma.
Her love for outdoor adventures like quad biking, dune bashing, and beach outings was matched only by her passion for drama, a subject that allowed her to express herself freely. Emma believes she gained the confidence that has shaped her into the inspiring leader she is today, thanks to the influence of a drama teacher who embraced his identity without apology.
Her personal journey with the LGBTQIA community began in the UAE, where she observed first-hand the challenges faced by LGBTQIA individuals in a society with restricted rights. Relocating to England broadened her perspective, exposing her to a more accepting and open environment. Inspired by the vibrant LGBTQIA spaces at university, she became a staunch ally, promoting inclusivity through her actions and advocacy. “As a committed ally, I actively engage in promoting inclusivity through inclusive language, proudly participating in Pride events such as London Pride, advocating for policy change, and ongoing education on LGBTQIA issues,” shares Emma.
Although Emma has witnessed meaningful developments in attitudes towards diversity and inclusion throughout my career, she acknowledges the slow process to see real change. “The change in attitude is a slow and ongoing process that necessitates our consistent effort to identify and mitigate biases, which are deeply rooted in our personal experiences, socialisation processes, cultural differences, and various contexts,” she explains. “Change doesn’t occur overnight; it demands open-mindedness and empathy, as well as a continuous, daily commitment to small actions.”
Throughout her career, Emma has deliberately created spaces for open discussion and learning through workshops and training programmes to “allow for self-reflection, accountability, and exploration of practical ways we can contribute to a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace,” adds Emma. “This approach allows for a gradual reshaping of behaviours and attitudes. By continually engaging in transparent conversations about the benefits of diverse teams and inclusive practices, we see incremental but significant shifts towards more inclusive behaviours.”
However, Emma believes there’s still so much work to be done for LGBTQIA equality in the workplace and the community at large: “In the workplace, I’d like to see comprehensive policy reforms that protect LGBTQIA individuals from discrimination and actively promote equal opportunities. We need to ensure that these policies are not only implemented but are also backed by robust support structures that address specific LGBTQIA concerns. This includes accessible mental health resources, gender-neutral facilities, and transparent grievance mechanisms. Beyond the workplace, societal changes should involve legal protections that guarantee the same rights and freedoms for LGBTQIA individuals as enjoyed by many citizens. This includes the right to marry, adopt children, and live without fear of violence or discrimination.”
Emma’s dedication to inclusion as an ally not only at Quadient, but outside of her DEI role at work is a testament to her commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable world. Her allyship is a powerful reminder that with passion and purpose, pioneering change is not just possible, but inevitable.
Quadient is a proud partner of myGwork, the LGBTQ+ business community. Find out more about job opportunities at Quadient.
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