Maria Grazia Zedda

Senior Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Manager

Maria was a Top 100 Disability Influencer in 2022 and 2019 for the public sector and her work has been recognised for many years from being a disabled entrepreneur, trainer and public speaker. She is responsible for delivering equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) management for the workforce at High Speed Two, leading the organisation to achieving Platinum Status on Clear Assured EDI Accreditation.

She advises on strategic planning and delivering EDI programmes and KPI, inclusive recruitment, Training frontline staff, senior managers and executives and speaking at large events. She’s also the author of a novel on disability and intersectional inclusion published in her native Italy.

“Diversity is a matter of fact, it’s what we are, what we do, but inclusion is what makes a difference. It makes a difference because when people feel included and safe, then they’re able to do their best work. Diversity per se doesn’t really matter; what really matters is a sense of belonging.”

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