Join series host Jina Etienne, for a conversation with Ipalla Cooke, a strategic global HR Leader. Ipalla is passionate about creating positive employee experiences to attract talent, drive engagement, and increase retention. And, like Jina Etienne, she has ADHD. In this session, they will explore ADHD through the lens of lived experience. Jina and Ipalla will share their experiences navigating through a maze of distractions, managing restlessness and impulsivity, and developing strategies for success.
They will clarify what ADHD is and its symptoms—dispelling common stereotypes, myths, and stigmas. Too often, ADHD is reduced to distractedness; but it is a nuanced, multifaceted condition. Yes, there are struggles with focus, organization, and time management. But there's also an ability to think outside the box, approach problems from unconventional angles, and thrive in environments that demand adaptability and quick thinking.
Understanding ADHD through the lens of those who live with it can offer insights into harnessing those strengths while mitigating those challenges. The session aims to provide practical strategies that can be immediately implemented to foster a supportive and inclusive work environment. The goal is to unlock the full potential of individuals with this unique neurodiversity.
Learning Objectives:
- Define and understand ADHD, including its symptoms and manifestations
- Give examples of common challenges experienced by individuals with ADHD
- Identify strategies to support colleagues or employees with ADHD
Jina Etienne, CPA, CGMA
Etienne Consulting
Diversity & Inclusion Consultant, Speaker & Trainer
[email protected]
(301) 778-5510
Jina is a consultant and speaker on diversity, inclusion, culture, and belonging. She creates training programs and workshops to help clients move forward in their D&I journey. She is a storyteller and speaks candidly about her experiences, hard lessons, and ‘aha’ moments that helped her understand the importance of individuality, the value of curiosity, and the courage it takes to “just” be yourself. Often described as “approachable” and “relatable” by her clients, she works with purpose and the intention of being engaging, practical, and immediately applicable to real-world situations. Jina draws from her unique background and mix of work experiences to offer examples and share insights designed to benefit everyone across the workplace ecosystem – executives, management, employees, and customers.
Previously, she was Principal Consultant at EtiennePartners (EP), a boutique consulting firm that offered a unique strategy development, workshops & coaching to leaders, executives and entrepreneurs. Co-founded with her husband, EP was a full-time partnership in both work and life. Although in different professions, their work often intersected around the importance of self-awareness in leadership and navigating conflict within teams. Combining their experiences, backgrounds, and work led to the development of their unique approach to D&I, which she continues to use in her practice today.
Ipalla G. Cooke
Penn State Health
Diversity Analytics, Penn State Health
[email protected]
Ipalla Cooke has a 25+ year career as a human resources and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging expert. Her experience includes roles with increasing responsibility with Chevron, Honeywell Aerospace, and The Hershey Company.
She is committed to creating environments that allow all to reach their full potential. Her data-driven insights have helped executives and business leaders design and implement people strategies to develop, grow, and retain talent while achieving business objectives.
In addition to her professional experience, she has volunteered her time and expertise with numerous organizations including the Lions Center for the Blind, Boy Scouts of America, the Lupus Foundation, the Spondylitis Association of America, and the United Way.
About Our Presenter
Etienne Consulting's work is informed by their unique mix of experience in public accounting & business consulting, association management & member engagement, and diversity & inclusion consulting and training. Although in a variety of roles and industries, their work has always intersected around the importance of self-awareness in leadership, clarity of purpose, and navigating conflict within teams.
This led them to develop techniques to deepen awareness and strengthen communication — core skills necessary for driving meaningful change in organizations. They work with businesses and firms to infuse diversity, equity, and inclusion across all aspects of people experience, operations, policy, communications, branding, and community & social responsibility. Their training programs and workshops are designed to bridge the gap between diversity and inclusion by offering concrete skills and communication strategies teams and use to build teams capable of leveraging their full diversity to drive innovation, growth, and lasting cultural change. They also offer support in developing, implementing, executing, and reporting on D&I strategy.
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