Global EDI&B Ambassadors on the Iceberg

Across the pond, we’re happy to welcome Valerie, a fabulous British-Nigerian Londoner, as our Ambassador for the UK and the Mediterranean regions. Valerie, who works as an Executive Assistant, believes diversity should be intentional, valued, and genuine. You can hear more from Valerie here.

Diversity is not something anybody should be fearful of. It should be something that we celebrate, promote, and embrace here at South Pole. It has the capacity to help people come out of their own ‘bubble’ and teach them something new about not only where they work, but also the world we live in. I want to help increase new ways of thinking, provide new opportunities for people, and dispel misconceptions about different cultures, religions, ethnicities, sexualities, etc. By embracing diversity, South Pole can become a much more interesting place. Wouldn’t it be so dull if we were all just the same?

Valerie Adeyemi

From Belgium, we say hello to Sophie, an Environmental Impact Accounting Consultant, for whom being part of a wider network of Penguins with passion for EDI&B and sustainability plays a massive role in South Pole’s progression.

People and the planet are both parts of sustainability, which I’m passionate about. Through my interest in both subjects, I always tried to combine both, often working in one field and volunteering in the other. In the past years, I was part of a few social projects that aim to promote intercultural dialogues and tolerance by guiding job seekers and organising activities and training for newcomer NEETs (not in education, employment or training). I am happy that today I can combine both of these passions also at my work. My goal is that everybody is respected and welcome no matter who they are.

Sophie Lurquin

Next is our Romanian in Sweden. Robert joined South Pole late last year as part of the EDI&B and Employer Branding team working closely with the Head of EDI&B. As a Gen Z, queer, working-class expat, they are interested to bring a breath of fresh air to EDI&B at South Pole.

Growing up, I’d often spend time with people different from me. However, my experience as a white, working-class queer person, I discovered my passion for equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging during my university years. As a trained sociologist and social anthropologist, I saw how different cultures are so enriching to the world. I am passionate about EDI&B not only because I am part of marginalised groups, but because I see how others benefit from being exposed to people different from them. As a EDI&B advocate at South Pole, I want to introduce people to stories, events and people of different cultures so that everyone can see their past biases and be part of a world where we are all uniquely together.

Robert Stănescu

From the beautiful savannah, lakelands, the dramatic Great Rift Valley and mountain highlands of Kenya, Pauline, our African Commercial Climate Project Accounts Manager, joins the EDI&B Ambassadors with the intention of promoting fairness and safety at South Pole.

As a Black woman bred in rural Africa and hailing from a land of stringent cultural norms, to a large extent, living in such a place can be very detrimental to the negatively affected, making them feel inadequate… especially at the workplace. The ultimate goal for me is to collaborate with my colleagues in creating a supportive and safe environment for everyone and to promote fairness, respect, and equal opportunities for all regardless of race, gender age, religion, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristic. Just empower everyone!

Pauline Muchunu

Irma is Jakarta’s favourite Digital Specialist on the Communications team. Irma is an advocate for tolerance and acceptance of differences in all their shapes. As part of the EDI&B team, Irma shares the beautiful outlook of a Muslim woman in Asia.

I am living in a Muslim majority country. I want to break the stereotype and judgement of Muslim women; even though we dress differently, we do respect everyone. I just hope that all the Penguins feel safe to practice their belief and I am glad that South Pole supports mine. We may come from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, but we all have the same goals to tackle – in particular climate change.

Irmalasari Sebayang

Kangaroos, wombats, dingos, and some other animals live peacefully amongst humans in Australia. Down under is also the home of our Dale. The Sydney-based Director of Operations for Climate Solutions has been involved in matters of EDI&B for quite some time, and officially he is our 8th Ambassador.

For me, in an ideal world we wouldn’t need people focused on EDI&B because we would ALL be equal, feel like we belong, and live in a world that is fair. However, being part of the LGBTQIA+ community, I know that we need champions, allies and diverse advocates to show up and lead from the front in order to bring others on the journey with us. My passion for EDI&B comes from many aspects of my life. It comes from my personal life. It comes from from my studies, where I focused on the impacts of climate and governance on gender and development (particularly focusing on S-E Asia), as well as on links between health and the LGBTQIA+ community. It comes from living in Australia, where there is a great gap between Indigenous Peoples and the rest of the community. And lastly, it comes from the wonderful people whom I have had the pleasure of being inspired by throughout my life. Diverse perspectives brought by diverse people who thrive because they belong can only increase our positive impact on this world and ultimately help us to achieve our goal of increasing climate action!

Dale Dawson