Why Inclusion Month Matters
"If I had to choose one word to describe inclusion at Ataccama, it would be intentional. It’s something we deliberately practice — a muscle we strengthen over time.” shared Iva Rotreklova our SVP of People and Culture at Linkedin.
It shows up in how we welcome new colleagues, collaborate across cultures and time zones, support one another during life’s joyful or messy seasons, and show up as ONEteam even when it isn’t easy.
This November, our goal wasn’t to “check a box.” It was to create meaningful moments — spaces to learn, listen, challenge assumptions, and connect as humans. From workshops to panel discussions to the personal stories shared by colleagues, every activity reflected the heart of our culture: empathy, curiosity, and respect. As the month wraps up, I wanted to share a few reflections on what made it truly special.
Stories, moments and moving conversations
Learning to See Each Other Clearly
We opened the month with Pete Wharmby’s workshop on neurodiversity — a session that reminded us that awareness is isn’t the finish line; it’s the beginning. Pete helped us understand how small shifts in communication, giving feedback, running interviews or the way we set up the workspace environment can completely transform a neurodiverse person’s experience at work.
Inclusion Beyond Our Hubs
Our volunteering mini-panel showed how inclusion doesn’t stop at our office doors. It extends into the communities where we teach, mentor, support, lend a hand, and listen. It highlighted how volunteering builds genuine human connection — the kind that dissolves barriers and creates shared purpose.
Personal Stories From Ataccamers
One of the most powerful parts of Inclusion Month was the series of personal stories recorded by colleagues across the globe. These weren’t polished, corporate videos. They were real, vulnerable, and full of insight — the kind of stories that stay with you.
- Ana Taraboanta Senior Talent Acquisition Partner showed us how the words we choose can open doors or close them, and how mindful language creates space for everyone.
- Rubén Trashorras, Head of Platform Consulting shared how belonging can thrive even in a fully remote role — when connection is nurtured with intention.
- Lauren Ruth, Director of Global Communications talked about the power of trust and flexibility during late-stage pregnancy and her return from maternity leave.
- Sára Wohlmuthová, Learning & Development Manager reminded us that onboarding is where inclusion truly begins: in those first days where people decide if they belong.
- Adithya Sreekumar, Director, Corporate Development spoke about putting family first — and how the right team culture makes space for career growth and parental leave without compromise.
- Farnaz Mostowfi, Principal Solution Architect reflected on why diversity of opinion strengthens us, and what the Culture Champions (our Employee Resource Group) are doing to support inclusion at Ataccama.
Each story offered a different lens, yet together they painted a clear picture: inclusion is built moment by moment, interaction by interaction.
The Power of Multicultural Diversity
We ended the month with our panel on multicultural diversity, hosting our CEO Mike McKee, our Sales Director Khushi Sharma, Head of Talent Acquisition Marcela Římalová, Principal Architect Farnaz Mostowfi, and Senior Employer Branding Specialist Julia Losekoot . We talked not just about avoiding bias, but about actively valuing different perspectives. Because that’s where innovation begins, and where true belonging grows.
A few quotes that stood out:
These reflections weren’t theoretical. They were honest accounts of lived experience — reminders of why this work matters.
Carrying This Forward
Inclusion Month isn’t a one-time campaign. It’s part of who we are — embedded in our values of ONEteam and Candid & Caring, and reflected in how we nurture a sense of belonging every day. It’s about creating a safe space for open conversation, where we can be vulnerable, share bold ideas, think outside the box, and listen with empathy. This is what inclusion looks like when it’s alive — when it shapes not just what we do in November, but how we show up for each other all year long.