Our Team of Specialists
Steven Asnicar
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Steven Asnicar is the Chief Executive at Diversity New Zealand, with over 25 years of experience in People and Culture, Change Management, and strategic leadership. His expertise spans operations, customer service, and safety.
Steven is a highly regarded international and national keynote speaker on Diversity, Inclusive Leadership, and Unconscious Bias. He provides consulting services to organisations in both public and private sectors globally.
Holly Stokes
CHIEF DELIVERY OFFICER
With over 20 years of experience in marketing, customer experience (CX), and business operations, Holly has developed a strategic and holistic approach to driving growth and operational excellence with a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Her expertise spans B2B and B2C environments, having worked across startups, SMEs, and large multinational organisations. Holly is adept in internal communications and change management, which enhances her ability to lead organisational transformations inclusively and effectively.
As a committed advocate for business agility, Holly continuously assesses and refines strategies to drive positive change and ensure optimal outcomes that are equitable and accessible to all. Her approach involves a “test, measure, and optimise” methodology that not only informs strategy but also bolsters performance through an inclusive lens.
Holly’s diverse skill set, combined with her dedication to fostering customer-centric growth and championing inclusive practices, makes her exceptionally well-positioned to help businesses integrate marketing, customer experience, business operations, and overall organisational growth through a DEI-focused framework.
Nerida Guerin
DIRECTOR
Nerida Guerin is a strong advocate for diversity and equity, and her dedication has earned her multiple awards. She is a respected speaker and trainer, frequently presenting at conferences and events across the country.
Nerida is committed to fostering a more inclusive and fair society and works tirelessly to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
Robert Davey
DIRECTOR
Robert Davey is a key figure at Diversity New Zealand, specialising in diversity performance, leadership, business planning, and people and culture.
Rob has extensive experience working with clients across various sectors, focusing on strategies related to self-management, relationship management, and holistic business development.
Rob has facilitated numerous workshops on unconscious bias, interview techniques, adult learning, and recruitment strategies, with a particular focus on identifying critical success factors and managing change
Beth O'Leary
DIRECTOR
Beth O’Leary has years of experience in guiding organisations through the complexities of developing diverse and inclusive work environments. She has helped numerous companies from various industries create strategies that attract, retain, and nurture diverse talent.
Beth is passionate about fostering a workplace culture that values the unique contributions of every individual.
Jerome Tairi
Jerome Tairi leads the development and implementation of Diversity New Zealand’s programs and initiatives. He actively engages with key stakeholders to ensure that the organisation’s work aligns with industry standards and best practices.
Jerome firmly believes that embracing diversity is not just a moral imperative, but also a sound business strategy.
Kate Lorenz
With over 15 years of experience, Kate Lorenz has been instrumental in driving diversity and positive change in the workplace.
Kate’s expertise lies in developing diversity strategies that promote an inclusive and equitable culture in organisations.
Andrew Watt
DIRECTOR
During his time at Diversity New Zealand, Andrew Watt has been responsible for creating and facilitating training content in the legal, compliance, and administrative fields.
Andrew has been crucial in developing client-focused materials, transforming them into structured content that caters to online audiences in terms of presentation, testing, and style.
Fernanda Afonso
Fernanda Afonso is passionate about promoting a workplace environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion. She works closely with organisations to create spaces where all individuals feel respected and valued.
Fernanda is known for her ability to collaborate effectively with teams, helping them develop tailored solutions that address their unique challenges and support their success.