Your Partner in Shaping a Culture of Belonging that’s inclusive and drives real change
About Me
Nafeesa Begum is an empathetic, people-centric leader with extensive experience driving Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) programs within leading global corporations.
Known for her ability to connect with individuals at a deeply human level, Nafeesa combines strategic insight with emotional intelligence to create transformative DEIB strategies. Her passion for fostering inclusive cultures is evident in her ability to inspire cultural shifts that make inclusivity a core organizational value.
Nafeesa’s approach is defined by her ability to engage leaders at all levels, aligning organizational frameworks with inclusive practices, and driving meaningful change that resonates throughout the workforce.
I specialize in cultivating inclusive cultures, developing inclusive leaders, and creating thriving, sustainable workplaces
Offerings
Build DEI Practice
Design and implement inclusive strategies that embed diversity, equity, and belonging to create and transform core value culture in organizations.
Build Capabilities of CXOs
and C-Suite leaders
Equip leaders with skills to lead inclusively, foster accountability and build high trust culture
Advance Gender Equity
Inspire women CXOs and emerging women leaders to thrive while ensuring seamless maternity transitions for expectant and returning mothers.
Disability Inclusion
Increase disability inclusion through inclusive policies, accessible hiring practices, awareness training, ERGs, and well-being programs.
Global Inclusive Influencer
Lead impactful keynote speeches and culture-shifting conversations to drive inclusive change globally.
Faculty of Practice
Mentor future leaders by blending practical experience with academic knowledge to bridge the gap between theory and real-world applications.
Let's make your organization a 'Great Place to Work' in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, and a Top Workplace for Women
Professional Highlights
First American India Pvt. Ltd.
Responsible for the overall success of the DEI function with an overlap on learning and development (L&D), Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) impacting over 5,500 employees across the GCC region.
Role: Chief DEI Officer
Cognizant Technology Solutions
Responsible for leading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Employee Engagement with an overlap on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) impacting 185,000 employees across 11 locations in India. Established the global collaboration agenda to promote organization-wide synergies.
Role: Lead - DEI
HCL Technologies
Managed Diversity, Equity with an overlap on Corporate Social Responsibility impacting over 1,00,000 employees across India. Established the Global collaboration agenda to promote organization wide synergies.
Role: Program Management
Testimonials
Nafeesa has a mature head on her shoulder. She puts on her thinking cap and explores the depth of anything she takes on. She brought her wealth of experience to her DE&I role at Cognizant. I remember we often shared our thoughts and she encouraged candid conversations amidst all the regular workload.
Deepak Prabhu Matti
CEO, Cognizant Foundation