Thesia Kouloungou
Summary
A transformational leader with over 6 years of experience driving organisational change and embedding inclusive cultures through impactful Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Proven track record of delivering measurable improvements in governance, employee engagement, and cross-functional collaboration. Adept at influencing senior leadership to integrate DEI into strategies, governance, and operations, aligning with broader business objectives. Recognised for simplifying complex concepts and fostering environments that support long-term cultural change. Passionate about leveraging inclusive leadership to address equity challenges, enhance governance, and create sustainable, psychologically safe workplaces that improve both performance and compliance.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Non-Executive Director/ Trustee
London South Bank College
06.2023 - Current
- Contributed to governance reviews across financial management, compliance, safeguarding, and quality improvement, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and promoting transparency and accountability within the organisation
- Contributed to the integration of safeguarding and EDIB principles within governance frameworks, ensuring these values were considered and supported in strategic decision-making processes.
- Participated in risk management and financial oversight, safeguarding against operational and compliance risks through robust governance structures.
- Active member of the Quality Improvement Committee, driving educational and operational improvements through governance best practices.
Head of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging
Turn2us
04.2023 - Current
- Led the Inclusion Department, managing a multidisciplinary team of 4 direct reports, achieving a 4.7/5.0 rating for leadership and team development.
- Developed and implemented the first comprehensive EDIB strategy and action plan, leading to 96% staff engagement and 92% inclusion in strategy design.
- Spearheaded cross-functional collaboration with senior leadership and trustees, increasing accountability for EDIB, safeguarding, and co-production initiatives.
- Promoted an inclusive safeguarding culture, co-delivering advanced safeguarding training and initiating the EDIB and Safeguarding Alignment Project, enhancing organisational safety and inclusion.
- Designed and delivered compulsory EDIB training for all staff and trustees, achieving 98% attendance and improving application of EDIB principles in governance and decision-making.
- Chaired the EDIB, Safeguarding, and Lived Experience in Governance (LEGG) working group, shaping policy and improving governance alignment across the organisation.
- Influenced senior leadership, providing strategic EDIB updates to governance committees, driving alignment with broader organisational goals.
- Developed and managed the EDIB budget, ensuring effective allocation of financial resources to support key initiatives.
Diversity, Inclusion and Policy Manager
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
01.2022 - 04.2022
- Managed high-impact diversity projects, filling a leadership gap by drafting research papers, strategic briefs for the Permanent Secretary, and conducting data analysis that provided actionable insights to senior leadership.
- Led Social Mobility initiatives, improving DCMS’ ranking on the Social Mobility Employer Index by 18 positions and earning an invitation to join the Social Mobility Commission's Employer Advisory Group.
- Spearheaded the Diversity Declaration Drive, creating key resources, including a ‘how-to’ video transcript, voiceover, and guidance documents, which drove a 90% declaration rate through comprehensive outreach and drop-in sessions.
- Developed the Inclusion Team Talk initiative, implemented by Senior Leaders across the department, increasing awareness and engagement with D&I initiatives department-wide.
- Led the submission of the 2022 Gender Pay Gap report, delivering strategic analysis and ensuring compliance with reporting standards.
- Project managed high-priority Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, including the Inclusion Leadership Forum with Senior Civil Servants, the DCMS Arm’s Length Body EDI Group, and the Cabinet Office T-Level Industry Placement programme.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Lead
London South Bank University
05.2021 - 11.2021
- Collected, analysed, and interpreted data to develop a comprehensive action plan, embedding EDI principles across all departments and ensuring alignment with the college's strategic objectives.
- Designed a robust EDI framework, establishing clear lines of accountability and integrating diversity principles at every level of the organisation.
- Advised leadership on EDI-related statutory obligations, driving the development of policies to meet legal requirements and enhance inclusivity across the college.
- Spearheaded the submission for the Investors in Diversity accreditation, securing formal recognition for the college's EDI efforts.
- Provided expert EDI guidance to college leadership and the broader LSBU Group, influencing strategic decision-making to align with diversity goals.
- Contributed to the first group-wide EDI report, facilitating systemic change and driving the integration of EDI principles across the entire LSBU Group.
- Increased the visibility and accessibility of staff well-being support systems, improving workplace inclusion and support mechanisms for all employees.
- Led cross-departmental collaboration, embedding EDI principles into college governance and operations, resulting in organisation-wide change.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Lead
The National Lottery Community Fund
05.2020 - 05.2021
- Led regional EDI initiatives as the key point of contact for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion across the London and Southeast region, ensuring alignment with national EDI strategies and corporate objectives.
- Collaborated with senior leaders to identify and prioritize EDI goals, adapting strategies to meet evolving regional needs, and ensuring alignment with broader organisational objectives.
- Developed and facilitated EDI learning initiatives in partnership with the Learning Lead, identifying key trends and issues, and delivering training sessions to enhance team reflection and learning.
- Played a pivotal role in corporate EDI initiatives, including the first Phoenix Fund (£1m grant for lived experience organisations) and the development of the Funders' EDI good practice principles endorsed by DCMS, driving national recognition for these efforts.
- Partnered with the Information Team to enhance the collection and analysis of EDI metrics, producing data-driven reports for senior leadership that informed strategic decisions and tracked progress on EDI goals.
- Co-founded and led regional networks, including the London and Southeast Wellbeing and Events Team, BAME staff network, and Cross-Staff Network, increasing engagement and collaboration across diverse groups in the region.
Funding Officer
The National Lottery Community Fund
12.2018 - 05.2021
- Orchestrated grant-making activities in Norfolk, overseeing a portfolio of over 30 projects with an annual budget exceeding £4 million, ensuring equitable and impactful distribution of funding.
- Spearheaded targeted outreach and engagement initiatives to diversify the funding portfolio, successfully increasing support for underrepresented communities facing systemic barriers.
- Engaged with key stakeholders including MPs, community leaders, and local organisations by delivering high-impact presentations and workshops that raised awareness of The National Lottery Community Fund’s role in addressing local community needs.
- Ensured funding allocation was responsive to the unique needs of local communities by liaising with organisations, gathering insights, and adjusting grant strategies to address emerging challenges and priorities.
- Led pre-application support and assessment processes, providing tailored advice to applicants and managing the lifecycle of grants, while disseminating key learnings to inform strategic grant-making decisions and future initiatives.
Education
A Levels - Subjects: French, Sociology, English literature
Notre Dame High School, Norwich
BTEC First Diploma in Performing Arts - Drama
City College Norwich
Bachelor of Arts - Multimedia Journalism and Sociology
The University of Northampton
NorthamptonSkills
- Strategic DEI Leadership
- Organisational Change Management
- Executive-Level Public Speaking
- Strategic Planning & Visionary Leadership
- Building High-Impact Partnerships
- Talent Acquisition & Retention
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Governance, Compliance & Risk Management
- Driving Employee Engagement Initiatives
- Safeguarding & Co-Production Leadership
- Policy Development & Implementation
- Board & Stakeholder Collaboration
- Cultural Change & Transformation Leadership
- Financial Oversight & Budget Optimisation
- Leadership Development & Coaching
- Embedding Inclusion & Equity in Governance
sections.external_links.name
Accomplishments
- Nominated under the "Work as One" category at the Civil Service Conference (January 2023) for excellence in promoting collaboration and inclusion across the department.
- Published children’s biography (Gervelie's Journey, a refugee's diary)
- Youngest subject to be featured for the UN 60th Anniversary exhibition
- First class dissertation Exploring the underrepresentation of African Caribbean students in Higher education
Languages
French
Native
English
Fluent
Certification
APM Project Fundamentals Qualification
CPD: Agile Project Management
Prosci Change Management Practitioner
Common Purpose: American Express Leadership Academy Alumni 2023.
Timeline
Non-Executive Director/ Trustee
London South Bank College
06.2023 - Current
Head of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging
Turn2us
04.2023 - Current
Diversity, Inclusion and Policy Manager
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
01.2022 - 04.2022
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Lead
London South Bank University
05.2021 - 11.2021
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Lead
The National Lottery Community Fund
05.2020 - 05.2021
Funding Officer
The National Lottery Community Fund
12.2018 - 05.2021
A Levels - Subjects: French, Sociology, English literature
Notre Dame High School, Norwich
BTEC First Diploma in Performing Arts - Drama
City College Norwich
Bachelor of Arts - Multimedia Journalism and Sociology
The University of Northampton
Similar Profiles
Ambition AnyanwuAmbition Anyanwu
Learning Disability Nursing Student at London South Bank UniversityLearning Disability Nursing Student at London South Bank University
EZIADA VANESSA GEEKAY-EGENIEZIADA VANESSA GEEKAY-EGENI
Senior Professional Practice Advisor at London South Bank UniversitySenior Professional Practice Advisor at London South Bank University
Julia AliJulia Ali
ELECTIVE PLACEMENT at University College London Hospitals, London, United KingdomELECTIVE PLACEMENT at University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
Dennis Kashi Jr.Dennis Kashi Jr.
Trustee - Executive Board Member at Teamsters Union 436Trustee - Executive Board Member at Teamsters Union 436
Lee CinceeLee Cincee
Associate Director, Trustee and Fiduciary Services at HSBC (Malaysia) Trustee BerhadAssociate Director, Trustee and Fiduciary Services at HSBC (Malaysia) Trustee Berhad