Designing for Equity

How can companies build cultures where equity, inclusion, and employee well-being aren’t just initiatives—but a way of doing business?In this episode of Designing for Equity, host Katherine Porter talks with Oksana Lukash, Chief People Officer, about what it means to embed equity into the DNA of work. They discuss how leaders can move beyond performative policies to create workplaces grounded in trust, belonging, and psychological safety.Oksana shares insights on leading through change in the age of AI, supporting women in leadership, and fostering mentorship and growth across teams. They explore how intentional, people-first leadership can transform both organizational culture and business outcomes.About the Guest:Oksana Lukash is a seasoned Chief People Officer with extensive experience leading organizational growth, transformation, and culture across public and private companies. With a proven track record in M&A integrations and large-scale expansions, she’s known for driving people strategies that unlock both business and employee potential.Guest – Oksana Lukash  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ksusha45/  Host – Katherine Porter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kporterjd/  Newsletter: https://resourceful.lawyer/designedforequity  

How can nonprofits spark innovation and embrace change in today’s fast-moving world?In this episode of Designing for Equity, host Katherine Porter talks with Jon Hirst, fractional Chief Innovation Officer, about creating pathways for diverse perspectives in decision-making, building a “yes-if” culture, and applying empathy-driven design thinking. Jon also shares strategies for navigating technology shifts, geopolitical changes, and organizational resistance.About Jon Hirst: Fractional Chief Innovation Officer, nonprofit leader, and consultant helping organizations customize innovation efforts at a manageable pace. Learn more at innovationinmission.com.Guest – Jon HirstLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonhirst/Host – Katherine PorterLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kporterjd/Newsletter: https://resourceful.lawyer/designedforequity

What does it take to lead through uncertainty while creating workplaces where people feel valued?In this episode of Designing for Equity, host Katherine Porter talks with Jamy Conrad, VP of Global People & HR at HG Insights. They discuss building trust during times of change, how remote work enables a more adaptable and inclusive workplace, and why inclusive leadership is essential for engagement and retention.Jamy also shares practical strategies—from pay equity audits and structured interviews to listening tours—that help organizations advance gender equity and foster thriving, people-first cultures.Whether you’re a leader, manager, or culture-builder, this conversation offers actionable insights for creating more inclusive, resilient organizations.About Jamy: Jamy Conrad is a seasoned HR executive with 15+ years of leadership experience spanning healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. As VP of Global People & HR at HG Insights, she leads strategy, analytics, benefits, and culture, aligning the employee experience with business outcomes in a high-growth SaaS environment. A global speaker, mentor, and advisor through HackingHR, SHRM, and People Tech Partners, Jamy is known for advancing the impact of HR through empathy, data-driven insights, and ethical adoption of AI. She also leads The Strategic HR Forum, an Austin-based community dedicated to elevating HR as a true business partner.Guest – Jamy ConradLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamyconrad/Host – Katherine PorterLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kporterjd/Newsletter: https://resourceful.lawyer/designedforequityEnjoyed the conversation? Here’s how to stay connected and support the show:1) Subscribe to Designing for Equity so you never miss an episode2) Share this episode with a colleague or friend interested in inclusive leadership3) Connect with host Katherine Porter on LinkedIn and subscribe to her newsletter Designed for Equity

What does it mean to lead like an ally—and how can leaders truly show up for equity at work?In this episode of Designing for Equity, host Katherine Porter talks with Julie Kratz, speaker, author, and advocate for inclusive leadership. Julie shares her path from corporate leadership to becoming a voice on allyship, exploring the gap between intention and impact, and why creating psychological safety is key to real change.Whether you’re just starting out in diversity, equity, and inclusion or looking to deepen your impact, this conversation offers practical insight for building cultures of belonging.About Julie Kratz: TEDx and keynote speaker, Forbes contributor, founder of the Lead Like an Ally program and International Allyship Day, and author of We Want You, Allyship in Action, and Little Allies.Guest – Julie Kratz Next Pivot Point: https://www.nextpivotpoint.com/  Host – Katherine Porter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kporterjd/  Newsletter: https://resourceful.lawyer/designedforequity  Enjoyed the conversation? Here's how to stay connected and support the show: 1) Subscribe to Designing for Equity so you never miss an episode 2) Share this episode with a colleague or friend interested in inclusive leadership 3) Connect with host Katherine Porter on LinkedIn and subscribe to her newsletter.

In the premiere episode of Designing for Equity, host Katherine sits down with Tiffany Castagno, CEO and Founder of CEPHR, LLC, to explore what it really takes to build inclusive, high-performing workplace cultures.They dive into the importance of intentional culture design, the role of leadership in fostering inclusivity, and why communication and empathy are essential to long-term success.Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, this conversation offers practical advice and fresh perspectives on diversity, equity and inclusion, organizational change, and creating workplaces where people don’t just survive—they thrive.Guest: Tiffany CastagnoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanycastagno-people-culture-consultant/CEPHR LLC: https://www.cephrconsulting.com/The Culture Circuit Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-culture-circuit-7318848873874001920/Host: Katherine PorterLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kporterjd/Newsletter: https://resourceful.lawyer/designedforequityEnjoyed the conversation?1) Subscribe to Designing for Equity so you never miss an episode2) Share this episode with a colleague or friend3) Connect with Katherine Porter on LinkedIn and subscribe to her newsletter