Racial Equity and Neurodiversity in the Workplace

Cordie is co-founder of Coco Operative CIC. She was born an adoptee in a small, white, German town, struggling with identity and belonging she rebelled against authority, norms and injustice. Her determined nature turned into a relentless drive to challenge the very systems prevented her from feeling seen and supported.

With a career in complex behavioural change, she has led interventions for those navigating domestic abuse, addiction, criminality, and mental health struggles. Cordie is a qualified Social Worker, a Positive Intelligence (PQ) Coach, and a specialist in trauma-informed coaching and leadership development.

Cordie holds an ILM Diploma in Professional Coaching, BA Hons, MSc in Social Work, BA Hons in Social Science, and Foundation Diploma in Social Pedagogy and Sales and Marketing. Cordie is an experienced Senior Leader and Accredited Supervisor and hold certificates in Counselling, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Leadership Development.

“A Nigerian entrepreneur at heart, I love start-up businesses and have been successful in grant and angle funding for several projects and ventures.
I’m a Mum of three girls and the most quiet moments in my life are when I’m in my happy place, on the back of a horse.”

Gabriella Rasiah is a Commercial Solicitor at DWF, based in Manchester. She advises clients on a range of commercial and competition matters, specialising in non-contentious technology (IT contracts, TMT transactions & AI), and intellectual property across public and private sectors. As a junior lawyer navigating the expectations and lived experiences that can come with race, culture and neurodiversity, Gabriella is passionate about helping to create workplaces where people feel able to bring their authentic selves to work and access the support they need to thrive.

Alongside her legal practice, Gabriella is actively engaged in diversity, inclusion and social mobility initiatives, including in her capacity as a junior leader of DWF Link, the firm’s young professionals network. In this role, she has led and organised a range of events, including a neurodiversity-focused breakfast panel discussion examining the impact of neurodivergent traits on workplace communication and working styles, the importance of reasonable adjustments, and the ways in which neuroinclusion can be assessed as an organisational performance indicator. Within the firm, Gabriella also plays an active role in advancing neuroinclusion initiatives and serves as a member of the steering committee for Divergent Connections, DWF’s internal neurodiversity network.

Catherine Millan is a leading advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, shaping change across education and business. As Founder and Director of Be What You See Consultancy Ltd, she challenges discrimination, amplifies marginalised voices and drives systemic impact. Catherine has designed award‑winning initiatives that tackle bias, reshape curricula and deliver industry‑leading EDI training. A powerful speaker and educator, she inspires organisations and individuals to move beyond good intentions and take meaningful action towards a more inclusive world.