This is YOUR community! We want paradiGM to be a space where you can be yourself and feel accepted for who you are. The purpose of our Diversity initiative is to cultivate an authentic sense of belonging by working to achieve a more diverse and welcoming community. We will champion diversity in everything that we do. From our members, the organizations that we partner with, speakers and topics – we aim to be a community that is truly global and inclusive.
What is Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity and inclusion are two interconnected concepts—but they are not interchangeable.
Diversity is about representation or the make-up of a community, business or group that can be used to differentiate people from one another. Its importance relates to empowering people by respecting and appreciating what makes them different.
This can be in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, education and national origin, but it is not limited to these factors. While some differences might be considered to be more self-evident (such as national origin, age, race and ethnicity, religion/belief, gender, marital status and socioeconomic status) it is important to also consider what is less obvious (such as neurodiversity, educational background, sector experience, and even personality) about how people can be different.
Inclusion is about how the perspectives of different groups of people are valued and integrated into an environment. It is an organisational effort in which different groups or individuals of different backgrounds are culturally and socially accepted and welcomed.
Inclusive cultures make people feel respected and valued for who they are as an individual or group. People feel a level of supportive energy and commitment from others so that they can do their best to contribute to what they care about.
When people feel valued, they function at full capacity and feel part of the organisation’s mission. This is why Diversity is an essential pillar of the paradiGM Community.
Why Do They Matter?
Diversity and Inclusion matter because it gives us a sense of belonging. They pave the way for more creativity and innovation. This is what we want to achieve for everyone who is a member of the paradiGM Community
The more people we have with unique experiences, beliefs, and perspectives the more opportunity there will be for us to generate new ideas together.
Secondly, a diverse and inclusive community means a respectful and tolerant space where members feel welcomed and accepted. This results in members who will align our mission with their personal goals.
Diversity Team
Lynn-Samantha
Lynn-Samantha Severe is originally from Haiti and migrated to the U.S. in 2010. Currently, she serves as a Managing Attorney at Erickson Immigration Group (EIG), where her role is to advise corporate clients on global mobility strategies—including visa options, work permits, and right-to-work compliance.
Her involvement with paradiGM began through the inaugural Academy program; she stayed connected because of the community’s sense of belonging and opportunities for personal growth.
Diversity & Inclusion has long been a personal interest for her—not just professionally but rooted in her experience as an immigrant. Tutoring at John Jay College’s Office of Accessibility Services during her undergraduate years reinforced her understanding that Equity is not optional.
Beyond work: Watching psychological thrillers is one of her hobbies; visiting museums keeps her inspired—though nothing beats curling up with books or taking walks in nature when possible! Puzzles (wooden/metal) are another quiet joy that challenge focus without words needed….
Janaína
Janaína Chezanoski – Immediate Past Advocate is a Brazilian professional, an international business strategist, founder of RISO global and passionate about creating transition experiences that go beyond the conventional.
The only child of an interracial marriage, she spent most of her childhood in a Polish colony in Southern Brazil. From an early age, she cultivated a passion for different cultures, and at 18 she confirmed her wanderlust profile through her first international experience, a university exchange program in the USA.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, a Master in Strategic and Economic Business Management, and international certifications in Global HR Management and corporate inclusion. Jana is a human rights defender, an advocates for inclusive environments, and is passionate about people, always seeking to maximize connections, opportunities, and talents.
A free spirit and lover of life, she finds joy in nature, travel, and discovering new dishes. Within the Global Mobility sector, which fascinates her deeply, she sees endless possibilities to connect her mission and personal values, building partnerships and projects that reflect care, trust, and impact.
Noriko
Noriko Kurotsu grew up in the United States as the child of Japanese parents, was an exchange student in Germany, and currently lives in Denmark. She enjoys meeting people from around the world and learning about different cultures. Noriko has built relationships with people from different walks of life from a young age and is very interested in helping people break barriers and work together to build trust and cooperation. Noriko has extensive experience in the global immigration field, and currently works as Director, Global Immigration, at McCown & Evans LLP. She is a U.S. licensed lawyer and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Asian Languages & Cultures and Art History (double major).
Charlotte
Charlotte Forestier-Kieffer
Based in Paris, I run Compass Immigration, a boutique German immigration consultancy. I help international professionals navigate the German visa system and support HR teams who need immigration expertise without the in-house headcount.
I joined ParadiGM to stay connected with people who take global mobility seriously. The field moves fast, and a sharp peer group makes all the difference.
Outside work: home renovation, Pilates, beginner calisthenics, and thought-provoking books about feminism and social justice.
Ekin
Ekin Yildiz isa legal professional, based in Istanbul, Turkiye, working in the field of global mobility, focusing on cross-border employment and relocation matters for international businesses. Her role involves collaborating with attorneys, HR teams, management, and employees across different countries, to ensure compliance while supporting smooth international transitions.
Working with people from different countries has helped her better understand different cultures and professional environments. At the same time, she is pursuing an LL.M. degree in Private Law, with a particular interest in IT Law. She enjoys exploring how law is changing as the world becomes more global and digital.
She believes it is enriching to learn from people with different experiences and perspectives. That is why she is excited to be part of this community and connect with professionals who share an interest in international collaboration, diversity and cultural exchange.
Canab
Canab Sheek Nuur is a nonprofit attorney with the Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) of Central New York, where she works to expand access to justice and support individuals and families navigating complex legal challenges.
She joined the ParadiGM Community because she values connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences who are committed to making a positive impact. She is especially excited to be part of the Diversity Team and contribute to fostering an inclusive and welcoming community where everyone feels heard and valued. As an immigrant, she is passionate about advocacy, service, and creating opportunities for others.
Outside of work, she enjoys painting, running, traveling, and volunteering. Painting allows her to express her creativity and unwind.
She looks forward to getting to know everyone, learning from your experiences, and contributing to the meaningful work of this community!
Nardos
Nardos Engeda is an immigration professional working in an industry that feels like a natural fit, particularly as someone from the global majority.
