Foster a Culture of Belonging

Customized services to transform your team into Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Champions and your organization into a welcoming and appreciative space for everyone.

a photo of Swana Schuchmann with short hair, a white blazer and glasses, smiling
a photo of Swana Schuchmann with short hair, a white blazer and glasses, smiling

All humans matter.

Philosophy

A human-centered economy that values everyone's well-being is the goal.

a group of diverse people walking hand-in-hand
a group of diverse people walking hand-in-hand

Sounds dreamy? Well, not if we work together!

I help building organizational and team cultures where individuals share their ideas, thoughts and experiences, contribute to constructive communication that allows everyone to participate and contribute their best, and promote a sense of responsibility for one's own as well as other's well-being.

Diversity encompasses and recognizes a broad spectrum of identities, characteristics, perspectives and backgrounds that individuals bring.

Diversity

Equity

Inclusion

Belonging

Ensuring fairness and impartiality in access, opportunities, and outcomes, equity aims to address systemic imbalances and provide resources to level the playing field.

Inclusion is the active process of creating an environment where all individuals are able to thrive, contribute and participate fully.

Belonging reflects an environment where individuals feel truly seen, heard and valued, and can bring their true and authentic selves.

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WHAT IS DEIB?
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Sensitivity
Readings

SERVICE #1

Diversity, Allyship & Anti-Bias Trainings

Deliver messages with your content that resonate with diverse audiences while avoiding unintentional biases or stereotypes.

SERVICE #2

Comprehensive and engaging DEIB trainings and process support equip you with the tools to assess, strategize and implement impactful DEIB initiatives and enhance teamwork.

HOW WE CAN WORK TOGETHER

Customized training

Services are designed to be flexible and adaptable. They are tailored to align with your unique organizational goals, needs, priorizations and - in the case of trainings - attendees' prior knowledge.

Multi-methods approach

Combining theory and practice, a unique blend of a strong academic foundation, real-life cases and practical solo-, partner- and team exercises is applied to ensure dynamic, interactive and sustainable learning experiences.

WHY YOU SHOULD WORK WITH ME
a large orange circle with a white background
a large orange circle with a white background

Whether you are a (non-profit or profit) organization, school or educational institute - I provide customized services for your specific goals and DEIB purposes.

Why DEIB matters for you.

Purpose

Empirical data shows that DEIB initiatives enhance collaboration, creativity, innovation, and ability to react to change. Indeed, DEIB-committed organizations' sales not only increased by 19%, their employees also reported higher job satisfaction, positive mental health outcomes, and boosted team productivity. DEIB endeavors are correlated to better retention rates in organizations and furthermore position you on the top echelons of attractive employers for current and future skilled work forces, gaining a competitive edge in today's labor market.

In today's highly diverse and rapidly changing VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) world, organizations face significant challenges related to innovation, adaptability, teamwork, creative problem-solving, and talent attraction.
Diversity brings a wealth of perspectives, skills and experiences that fuel growth and innovation. But: it needs to be accompanied by a proactive and collective DEIB strategy. If teams and individuals fail to create inclusive environments and a culture of belonging, conflicts and frustrations within teams can rise, and a vast array of great ideas remains untapped. In the worst case scenario, it may even result in loss of market shares, talented professionals migrating to other competitors, or legal disputes.

Challenge? Lets call it potential.

Not quite sure how I can assist you yet?
Here's a non-exhaustive list of DEIB training outcomes for food-of-thought:

  • more clarity regarding avoiding harmful language and practices, different forms of discrimination, and legal requirements of DEIB

  • development of empathic leadership practices, application of inclusive communication skills, and improvement of internal conflict management - all of which contribute to a positive working atmosphere, better retention rates, joy at work, and productivity

  • addressing internal and external target groups authentically and successfully

Outcomes of my services
a group of diverse people standing cheering and looking happy
a group of diverse people standing cheering and looking happy
a group of diverse people lifting up a light bulb
a group of diverse people lifting up a light bulb

Get in touch

You are interested in one or several services? Great!
Now it's time to get in touch - at best via contact form, mail or phone. I am excited to be hearing from you!

HOW IT WORKS

Let's talk

Let's finalize

Let's do it!

Within two weeks, you will receive an individualized offer via email from me including concrete fees, suggested dates, clearly defined deliverables as well as a timetable. Amendments can be agreed upon until we sign a binding contract.

It's time for action!
In an individually designed format, we will conduct an interactive training/ analytical service with lasting impact.

Let's get to know each other through a digital videocall! You can verbalize expectations, goals and wishes. In order to design the right offer for you, I will ask you a couple of questions, too.

a yellow graphic that looks like a splash of paint
a yellow graphic that looks like a splash of paint
a photo of Swana Schuchmann, wearing a white blazer, smilinga photo of Swana Schuchmann, wearing a white blazer, smiling

I am a freelance diversity trainer with an academic background in Sociology (M.A.), Sinology, Anthropology and Gender Studies.
I combine recent and scientifically reliable data with creative ways of knowledge transfer, great enthusiasm and a focus on psychological safety.

I go by she/her and they/their pronouns.

Hi, I'm Swana!
Lovely to meet you!

What are you waiting for?

There's no better time to embark on your DEIB journey, strengthen your team and become an inclusion champion!

Great things can be achieved when working together!
So... Let's get in touch!

What do clients say?

”Swana Schuchmann’s sensitivity reading of our Healing Classrooms handbook gave us the opportunity to further develop our work and our existing approaches. Her excellent report, that was very detailed and comprehensive, provided us with many helpful suggestions to eliminate stereotypes, bias and potentially harmful illustrations and descriptions. The communication has always been appreciative and we are grateful for the cooperation that has encouraged us to continue to critically review our materials. We would always work with Swana again!

Sophie Mrozynski
Education Content Officer
International Rescue Committee (IRC) Deutschland

TESTIMONIALS
white and black logo of the International Rescue Committeewhite and black logo of the International Rescue Committee

”The online workshop on "Diversity and Allyship" provided our project team with the opportunity to delve deeper into internalized societal norms and our own privileges. Swana successfully created a very comfortable, empowering, and sensitive space for all participants. Communication was always respectful, and we are grateful for the collaboration and the new perspectives it opened up for us, both personally and for our project. We wholeheartedly recommend Swana."

Mona Palm
Regional Officer for Protection and Inclusion in Saxony International Rescue Committee (IRC) Deutschland