Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Maria Engels is a seasoned leader and entrepreneur with a strong background in diversity and inclusion. As the CEO and Founder of Queerconnect - Vielfalt im Austausch, she is responsible for driving the organization's strategic vision and spearheading initiatives that promote LGBTQ+ representation and allyship. Concurrently, she serves as the Diversity Vorständin at SC Janus e.V., where she is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment within the organization.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the CEO and Founder of Queerconnect - Vielfalt im Austausch, Maria is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization, managing its day-to-day operations, and championing initiatives that celebrate diversity and foster inclusive dialogue. Under her leadership, Queerconnect has emerged as a prominent platform for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to connect, share experiences, and drive meaningful change.
In her role as Diversity Vorständin at SC Janus e.V., Maria leads the organization's efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for its members. She has spearheaded the implementation of diversity-focused policies, facilitated employee training, and worked closely with stakeholders to ensure that the organization's values and practices align with the principles of diversity and inclusion.
Career Progression
Prior to her current roles, Maria held various positions that allowed her to develop expertise in diversity and inclusion. She has a proven track record of driving positive change and advocating for underrepresented communities, making her a respected leader in the field.
Academic Background
Maria holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Cologne, where she specialized in gender studies and social justice. Her academic experience has provided her with a strong foundation in understanding the complexities of diversity and inclusion, which she has successfully applied in her professional endeavors.
Areas of Expertise
- Diversity and inclusion strategy
- LGBTQ+ advocacy and allyship
- Organizational culture development
- Stakeholder engagement and coalition building
- Project management and team leadership
Professional Impact
Through her work at Queerconnect - Vielfalt im Austausch and SC Janus e.V., Maria has made significant contributions to promoting LGBTQ+ visibility and creating more inclusive environments. She has spearheaded the organization of numerous events and workshops that have empowered individuals and fostered meaningful connections within the community. Additionally, her leadership has been instrumental in shaping diversity and inclusion policies that have had a lasting impact on the organizations she has been a part of.
Conclusion
With her extensive experience, strategic mindset, and unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion, Maria Engels is a dynamic leader who is poised to continue driving positive change and making a significant impact in her field. Her dedication to fostering inclusive environments and empowering underrepresented communities makes her a valuable asset to any organization.
