Emerging Culture Creators 2025
The people and culture leaders you need to know this year
At Culture Amp, we are committed to championing those who are redefining workplace culture – leaders, changemakers, and innovators dedicated to building better workplaces.
Our Emerging Culture Creators initiative, now in its second year, celebrates the individuals who are driving meaningful change within their teams, organizations, and beyond.
We’re proud to once again showcase 25 recipients across five categories who are setting the agenda for the future of work and making a lasting impact in the process.
Explore the leaders from each category
Data and Analytics
Category judge
Luka Babic
VP, Product
Culture Amp
In the past five years, people analytics has transformed from a niche discipline into a cornerstone of effective people strategy. This category celebrates those at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field—visionaries who exemplify how data can help organizations understand their people and make data-informed decisions to shape a better world of work. With a wealth of exceptional expertise and a spirit for selflessly sharing insights, this year’s recipients embody the spirit of collaboration and innovation, proving that when analytics meets empathy, it becomes a powerful force for building high-performing cultures.
Anthony Onesto
CHRO
Suzy
New York, United States
Anthony helps startups grow by combining technology with human capital strategies. Passionate about innovation, education, and the future of work, he created Ella the Engineer to inspire girls in STEM, authored The New Employee Contract to explore Gen Z’s impact on the workplace, and hosts the Burn the Box podcast.
Ludek Stehlik
People and Data Scientist
Sanofi
Prague, Czech Republic
Ludek is a people and data scientist leveraging analytics to optimize workforce planning, L&D, change management, and more. Known for distilling research into impactful insights, Ludek brings his expertise in cognitive psychology to his innovative approaches, cementing his work at the forefront of thought leadership in the sector.
Nicole Lettich
Senior Director of People Analytics
Nasdaq
New York, United States
Nicole leads People Analytics at Nasdaq, equipping executives with data-driven insights to inform talent decisions, driving end-to-end strategy, and delivering impactful analytics and reporting. Along with her deep experience in HR, operations, and marketing analytics, Nicole is a sought-after speaker.
Rekha Gurnani Chowdhury
Founder
The Comp Ally
San Francisco, United States
Rekha is a People Analytics and Total Rewards leader, and an outspoken advocate for pay equity and transparency. Dedicated to closing gender pay equity and opportunity gaps, her business creates fairer workplaces through compensation data. Rekha is a coach, speaker, author, and recognized thought-leader in her field.
Stephanie Murphy
VP People Experience
UnitedHealth Group
Austin, United States
Stephanie is a people analytics leader who uses scientific methods, storytelling, and data-driven decision-making to transform organizations. Internationally recognized for her work in employee listening, research, assessments, and analytics, she has been featured in publications, webinars, and podcasts; and created the fast-growing global people analytics community, Society for People Analytics.
Leader reflection
““Through all my work, I try to promote the idea that organizations can reach their goals with their people, not despite them, by making smarter people decisions rooted in critical thinking, solid data, rigorous analysis, and balanced judgment.”
Ludek Stehlik
People and Data Scientist
Sanofi
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Category judge
Aubrey Blanche-Sarallano
VP, Equitable Operations
Culture Amp
The reports of DEI's death have been greatly exaggerated – because the creators and advocates on this year's list have worked tirelessly to bring a new, better world of work into being. Combining their unique personal perspectives with incredible rigor, this year's list shines a light on what's possible if we not only imagine a world beyond today's inequitable status quo, but dedicate our time and talents to making it happen. In an era where treating everyone with dignity is seen as polarizing, this year's recipients are showing us how we can inhabit a world of work where everyone's contributions are seen as valuable and every voice counts.
Asheli Mann-Lofthouse
President and CEO
Cultural Outreach and Racial Equity Collective
Illinois, United States
Asheli is a DEI leader combining HR expertise and anthropology to drive global organizational change. She focuses on dismantling systemic barriers, fostering cultural awareness, and creating sustainable workplace equity. Her dedication to social justice extends to serving on boards and councils advancing community engagement and racial equity.
Aubrey Williams
Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Senior Specialist
Wikimedia Foundation
New York, United States
Aubrey champions DEI by supporting individuals at the margins and centering them within organizational strategy. As the first full-time member of the Wikimedia Foundation’s Global DEI team, she focuses on racial justice, neurodiversity, grants, and ERGs. With a Master's in Anti-Racist Organizational Policy from NYU, Aubrey has guest lectured at both NYU and Harvard.
Fabiola Campbell
Founder and CEO
Professional Migrant Women
Melbourne, Australia
Fabiola is a trainer, speaker, and author helping professional migrant women in Australia secure meaningful jobs. By building confidence and self-leadership, these women have become advocates, storytellers, and catalysts for workplace change. Drawing from her own experiences, Fabiola’s initiatives have impacted thousands, creating more inclusive and resilient workplaces across Australia.
Max Masure
Senior Service Designer and UX Strategist
Wondros and National Institutes of Health
New York, United States
Max is a leader in inclusive design, advancing equitable and accessible user experiences, notably with his organization's All of Us Research Program. A long-term advocate for LGBTQIA+ communities, and particularly for transgender individuals, Max serves as a mentor and has authored a book titled 'You (don't) Suck: how to overcome imposter syndrome.’
Tiffany Yu
Author, Founder and CEO
Diversability
Los Angeles, United States
Tiffany is an award-winning disability advocate and pioneer who founded an employee resource group to amplify intersectional disability representation. She is the author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: Smashing Stereotypes, Forging Change, and Building a Disability-Inclusive World and a TED speaker whose talk has garnered over one million views.
Leader reflection
““My dedication to DEI is fueled by the knowledge that progress in the workplace has always been the result of workers challenging the status quo and courageously advocating for change; I hope my work can be a modest contribution to that powerful legacy.”
Aubrey Williams
Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Senior Specialist
Wikimedia Foundation
Future of Work
Category judge
DeMario Bell
Senior Community Manager
Culture Amp
The future of work is being redefined by leaders who ask: What if we did this differently? These visionaries don’t just adapt to change—they create it, proving workplace culture a dynamic force for progress. Through bold actions, courageous decisions, and a genuine commitment to equity, inclusion, innovation, and even play, they are transforming workplaces into spaces where individuals and teams can reach their full potential. Their work reminds us that the future of work isn’t just a distant vision—it’s already here, brighter, bolder, and profoundly human. Because of their contributions, we will get closer to a more equitable future of work for all.
Anessa Fike
CEO, Fractional Chief People Officer and Author
Fike+Co
San Francisco, United States
Anessa has worked with more than 100 organizations in over 30 countries as an HR and People Leader. She helped build the Fractional HR industry into what it is today and contributes to the disruption of traditional HR and workplace thinking in her day-to-day work, her Revolution of Work book, and associated think tank.
Ariel Belgrave-Harris
CEO and Founder
GymHooky
Washington, United States
Ariel is on a mission to help women take charge of their health. As a coach, speaker, and creator, she has worked with some of the top companies in the US to bring about cultures of wellness. A leader in her field, Ariel is ensuring workplaces get their employees to move.
Jephtah Abu
Founder
Talentpoel
Lagos, Nigeria
Jephtah founded his company with a mission to make diversity a priority in the workplace. He saw firsthand the challenges that Africans faced in finding well-paid remote jobs and now works to connect them with global opportunities. Beyond providing jobs, Jephtah’s initiative helps to empower people, boost Africa's economy, and reduce mass migration.
Josh Allan Dykstra
CEO
The Work Revolution
Colorado, United States
Josh has transformed workplace culture for over a decade, helping companies like Amazon, Sony, and Boeing rethink how they approach leadership and team dynamics. His unique focus on Human Energy™ drives lasting impact by addressing the root causes of workplace challenges to inspire healthier, more resilient teams that thrive in a fast-changing world.
Julie Trell
Founder and Chief Play Officer
Playful Purpose
Sydney, Australia
Julie’s work is centered on the transformational benefits of getting adults to play in the workplace. With a global education and corporate background, she draws on improv techniques and new technologies to foster growth in the people she works with, which in turn leads to loyal customers and happy employees.
Leader reflection
““There are too many negative things happening to people in the world, and I want to do my part while I'm on this planet to make it easier for everyone to thrive by having hard conversations and pushing leaders to be better humans.”
Anessa Fike
CEO, Fractional Chief People Officer and Author
Fike+Co
In-House People and Culture
Category judge
Hannah Wilken
Regional Director, People Science NA East
Culture Amp
Our world of work has changed significantly over the past year, driven by the rise of flexible work models, economic shifts, diverse belief systems among colleagues, and the growing role of AI. Through it all, this year’s recipients have sparked innovation through values, accelerated organizational agility, and perhaps most importantly, catalyzed purpose-driven leadership aligned with social and environmental responsibility. By driving systemic transformation at their organizations, these emerging culture creators highlight the opportunity each of us has to shape the cultural fabric of our institutions – and drive the change we wish to see.
Angela Gaylard
Chief People Officer
Youth Projects
Melbourne, Australia
Angela is a people and culture executive with a passion for growing the lived experience workforce. Recognised for her leadership in Australia, she is transforming workplace culture by championing psychological safety, inclusion, and the unique value of lived experience. Her approach creates environments where employees thrive as their authentic selves.
Dr. Archana Vechalekar
Head of People
Woliba
Maharashtra, India
Dr. Archana fosters a people-centric workplace culture focused on engagement, well-being, and growth. Her recognition and wellness programs have boosted retention, while a matrix structure improved team collaboration and decision-making. By aligning people strategies with company missions, she’s created an inclusive, collaborative environment where employees feel empowered and supported.
Casey Boyles
Chief of Staff and Culture
Guild
San Francisco, United States
Casey is a culture leader with deep strategic expertise in growth-focused tech companies. Passionate about helping people find joy in their work, she amplifies diverse perspectives and designs DEI-focused events and experiential learning programs. Her approach fosters inclusive environments where every voice is celebrated, driving stronger business and cultural outcomes.
Catherine Mattice
Founder and CEO
Civility Partners, Inc.
San Diego, United States
Catherine is on a mission to create a world where organizations treat their people with civility. In an expansive career, she has impacted over 250 organizations and over a million employees by transforming toxic workplaces. A recognized expert and award-winner leader, she develops international courses on workplace civility, and is also a published author.
Inge Maria Wulff
Head of Brand and People
Simply Black Media
Johannesburg, South Africa
Inge is a HR professional with expertise in building inclusive, people-centered workplaces that drive team success. She looks inward and outward at the intersection of people and brand to ensure her workplace lives up to its people-first principles, and is successfully aligning HR strategies with business goals to deliver impactful results.
Leader reflection
““Having worked in a toxic environment myself, I'm fueled by our vision of a world where every single person works for an organization that treats them with respect and dignity.”
Catherine Mattice
Founder and CEO
Civilty Partners, Inc.
Learning and Development
Category judge
Amy Lavoie
VP, People Science Experience
Culture Amp
The only thing clear about Learning and Development in the next 5 years is that it's going to be completely different from the training strategies of the past. Preparing our workforce for the changes ahead is no small feat, but the recipients of this category have taken new and innovative approaches to L&D. They’ve brought creativity, excellence, and passion to their work – and tackled challenges both palpable and invisible, like trauma, toxicity, and neurodiversity in the workplace. The future of work will only continue to evolve, but these emerging culture creators are laying the groundwork that will allow us to face it with confidence.
Elizabeth Boyd
Director of Learning and Development
Own Company
New York, United States
Beth is a learning and development leader who partners with global business leaders and HRBPs in people-first organizations to deliver innovative, high-impact programs. With a focus on blending strategy with creativity, she designs experiences that inspire individuals and drive business results, while fostering growth, inclusivity, and continuous improvement across teams.
Joerie Nijhuis
Co-CEO
IT'S UP TO YOU
Utrecht, Netherlands
Joerie is a leader in innovative, experience-based approaches to organisational development. His immersive company, originally set up to combat bullying in schools (reaching 350,000 children to date), uses interactive VR simulations and group workshops to drive cultural transformation in workplaces by addressing toxic cultures, enhancing leadership, and fostering meaningful growth.
Luciana Leuci Garcia
Senior Global Talent Generalist
ITX
Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Luciana is a Learning and Development strategist and mentor committed to driving growth, reskilling, and upskilling in her work. Among other achievements, she founded a platform with free career programs, training, and peer connections opportunities for emerging HR talent. Her work cultivates inclusive, growth-focused environments that emphasize learning, adaptability, and meaningful collaboration.
Natalia Bayurova
Founder
Relightenment
Geneva, Switzerland
Natalia is an award-winning coach specializing in applied trauma sensitivity for sustainable human and social capital. She conducts trauma-informed reviews of organizational products and supports individuals on healing journeys through inner landscaping and neurocapacity work. A Culture First Lead and keynote speaker, Natalia's work creates meaningful transformation at both personal and organizational levels.
Richard Lopez
Co-Founder and Chief Learning Officer
FounderFuego
San Diego, United States
Richard is a learning and development expert with experience leading diverse teams. He currently focuses on coaching neurodiverse entrepreneurs in Spanish and English, with prior work including training professionals at major corporations and upskilling frontline workers during the pandemic. In 2024, he was named in San Diego Business Journal’s 40 under 40.
Leader reflection
““I'm passionate about helping organizations build truly great workplaces that add real value, respect work-life balance, and provide an environment where people can learn, develop, and grow.”
Luciana Leuci Garcia
Senior Global Talent Generalist
ITX
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