Leading at the Intersections: Use Your Differences as a Superpower

Companies and organizations across the country are seeking diverse talent and perspectives to join their ranks. While the intention marks a positive stride, corporations and employers will need to implement strategies in honoring the needs and backgrounds of all employees, especially those carrying intersectional identities. As microaggressions increase within companies, ensuring that organizations recognize and embrace the intersectional identities of their people could be the key to retaining top talent and increasing corporate reputation. Join us as we explore the potential of intersectionality to drive innovation, inclusivity, and learn how two leaders with intersectional identities have embraced their backgrounds to create change and lead transformative solutions within their careers

Tyler Blackburn (He/Him)

Tyler Blackburn is a senior associate director at APCO Worldwide and is based in Chicago, Illinois. He is a member of the firm’s corporate communications and equity and justice practice and focuses on managing a variety of projects for small and large accounts , serving as an account lead for client support. He brings extensive education communication experience to APCO, previously working with Evanston/Skokie School District 65 and Chicago Public Schools. Mr. Blackburn holds a master’s degree from Loyola University Chicago in Digital Media and Storytelling, as well as a certificate from Harvard University from their Promoting Racial Equity in the Workplace program. He has also received certification from the Intercultural Development Inventory organization for diversity-related work.

Akinyi Ochieng (She/Her)

Akinyi Ochieng, a senior associate director at APCO Worldwide in New York, advises on programs and partnerships for economic and social progress in vulnerable communities. She focuses on education, gender equity, racial justice, and economic mobility in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Beyond APCO, she has excelled in organizations driving financial inclusion and supply chain sustainability. Notably, she led brand and communications at Nova Credit and managed corporate communications at WorldRemit, a global remittance leader. Passionate about African affairs, she spearheaded multi-million-dollar public-private initiatives, such as the Sustainable Shea Initiative, aiming to empower West African women economically. Her insights on African business, culture, and politics have been featured in Forbes, CNBC, BBC, Quartz, African Business Magazine, and the World Economic Forum. She actively serves on the U.S. boards of SOS Sahel and Operation Fistula, dedicated to African development. Akinyi holds an MSc in Global Politics from the London School of Economics, a BA in Political Science and African Studies from Yale University, and a certificate in Strategic Philanthropy from the University of Cambridge’s Judge School of Business. In 2019, she was honored among the 100 Most Influential People of African Descent in media under 40.