Pioneering Paths in Diversity and Equity: HCI Spotlights (Faculty) Cristina Costa

In this episode, we dive into the journey of Cristina Costa, founder of Cristina Costa Coaching. Starting with her unconventional path from marketing to teaching abroad, Cristina shares how her global experiences shaped her perspective on work and inclusion. Transitioning into technology, she noticed a lack of diversity and became determined to bridge the gap. A decade ago, Cristina co-founded an employee resource group (ERG) at HubSpot, advocating for underrepresented voices. Reflecting on her diverse roles in tech and her passion project, Women with Purpose, Cristina emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive spaces. As an HR consultant specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion, she discusses the vital role of employee resource groups in fostering psychological safety and driving productivity. Offering insights for HR professionals, Cristina emphasizes the need to assess organizational health and empower employees to lead initiatives for positive change.