About The Author
Farzana Nayani (she/hers) is a passionate advocate and educator regarding the understanding of culture and race within society. She is a recognized Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion specialist, coach, and international keynote speaker. Farzana has worked with Fortune 500 corporations, public agencies, higher education institutions, school districts, and non-profit organizations as a consultant and trainer on diversity and inclusion, intercultural communication, supplier diversity, and employee engagement.
Farzana's subject matter expertise on global community relations is recognized in her work with institutions like the Smithsonian and the East-West Center. Her advisory work with Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), small business advocacy, and entrepreneurship has taken her to engagements across North America, from the White House to Silicon Valley. Farzana’s expertise has been featured in media outlets such as Forbes, DiversityInc, NPR, the Washington Post, and the Los Angeles Times. Farzana holds a Master's degree in Communications and Management from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa and the esteemed East-West Center, as well as a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English from the University of British Columbia. As a certified teacher, former classroom educator, and a multiethnic parent of multiracial children, Nayani has focused on bridging understanding across cultural differences throughout her entire career and personal life.
Farzana's subject matter expertise on global community relations is recognized in her work with institutions like the Smithsonian and the East-West Center. Her advisory work with Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), small business advocacy, and entrepreneurship has taken her to engagements across North America, from the White House to Silicon Valley. Farzana’s expertise has been featured in media outlets such as Forbes, DiversityInc, NPR, the Washington Post, and the Los Angeles Times. Farzana holds a Master's degree in Communications and Management from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa and the esteemed East-West Center, as well as a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English from the University of British Columbia. As a certified teacher, former classroom educator, and a multiethnic parent of multiracial children, Nayani has focused on bridging understanding across cultural differences throughout her entire career and personal life.
Farzana is on the advisory board of Multiracial Americans of Southern California (MASC) an organization she has been a leader and advisor to since 2007. She is a part of the CAUSE Leadership Network, has advised for the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP), and is coaching faculty for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coaching Center at The Forum on Workplace Inclusion. Through her intuitive coaching practice, she supports individuals in accessing inner guidance to move towards healing, transformation, and achieving their full potential. Farzana's deep connection to both her Filipinx and Pakistani identities informs her perspective. She is a parent of two active and loving sons and is based in Los Angeles, CA.