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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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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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