Tell our readers a little bit about yourself

Isidora: I am a Business Operations consultant specialising in Government & Public Services and the founder of "DEFY", a Deloitte enterprise resource group for disability inclusion. DEFY combines strategy development for disability inclusion with community building to connect employees of all abilities.

Hong: I am a Management Consultant in the Banking team within Business Operations. I joined the DEFY network to contribute to the Deloitte community of co-workers with disabilities. Being a person with a disability myself, I couldn`t have thought of a better community to contribute to a more inclusive work environment.

Andre: As an experienced Senior Manager in Business Operations, I specialise in digital transformation for financial institutions. As a father of two, I have come to understand the significance of embracing change to foster innovation and personal growth. My passion extends beyond driving positive change professionally; I am equally dedicated to bringing people together, helping others thrive, and I strongly believe Deloitte is the right place for this.

Evanne: I am a Data Protection consultant in Deloitte's Cyber Risk team, passionate about creating a safer, fairer, and more inclusive world. My legal background fuelled my quest for justice, leading me to Deloitte to proactively foster diversity in everyday life. I value the importance of ensuring safety and inclusivity in both cyber and physical spaces for everyone.

What is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD), and why is it important?

Hong: The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD), is a significant occasion designated by the United Nations (UN). It is celebrated every year on 3 December and is meant to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. We aim to increase awareness on the reality of persons with disabilities in every aspect of our lives.

What does the IDPWD mean for you?

Isidora: People who have a disability often feel as though they have to "defy the odds" in order to be considered as equals across society. Having a physical disability, myself, I can relate to that feeling. So, to have global organisations such as the UN and companies like Deloitte promote this day shows me that we are one step closer to changing the narrative of "defying the odds". And who knows, maybe once we succeeded our team may have to come up with a new name for our network.

What made you join DEFY?

Andre: As a devoted parent to a visually impaired child, joining the DEFY network has a deeply personal meaning for me. The prospect of contributing to initiatives that enhance accessibility and inclusivity aligns with my fervent belief that by improving today, we create a better tomorrow not only for my child but for countless others facing similar challenges. DEFY resonates with my passion for driving positive change, bringing people together, and fostering a more inclusive world, making the DEFY network an ideal platform to turn these aspirations into reality.

Evanne: I was disabled during my teens and early twenties. I got through university with honours only because of some amazing colleagues, friends, and teachers who were there every step of the way for me when the institutions were not built for someone like me. I know first-hand that the success of disabled persons has very little to do with their will power and everything to do with the barriers we face or the help our environments foster. Now that I am at a position I couldn't dream of 10 years ago, I want to be part of change and pave the way for future talents.

Going forward, DEFY is taking a multi-faceted approach to enhance our commitment to inclusivity. This involves community building, internal awareness raising, as well as fostering external collaborations for sustained knowledge exchange.