Award-winning Gender Diversity Speaker, Writer & Consultant
WELCOME
Welcome visitors to your site with a short, engaging introduction. Double click to edit and add your own text.
Award-winning Gender Diversity
Speaker, Writer and Consultant
Helping Create More Inclusive and Thriving Organisations at the Intersection of Human Rights, Sexuality, Gender, and Privilege.
Welcome to the intersection of Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (D&I). While often perceived as separate endeavours, I firmly believe they are interconnected.
In my over two decades of corporate experience, I've witnessed the hurdles faced by marginalised groups. Committed to catalysing change, I empower organisations to cultivate truly inclusive cultures.
With a unique perspective as a leader navigating two genders, I unravel the intricacies of gender and its intersectionality with other identity markers. My goal is to guide organisations in building intentional cultures where everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging.
Here are some key areas I specialize in:
-
Demystifying gender
-
The transformative power of language and gender
-
Navigating the impact of gender on women
-
Understanding the trans+ experience
-
Insights from the C-suite on diversity and corporate culture
-
Understand the impacts of gender-based privilege
-
Helping organisations cultivate intentional cultures
-
Cultivating Psychological Safety, especially for trans+ individuals
-
Providing insight on living Acceptance without Understanding ™
-
Skillfully facilitating diverse and inclusive events.
I firmly believe that every organisation holds the potential to become a more inclusive and thriving community. Let me partner with you to turn that potential into reality.
Contact me today, and let's embark on the journey of creating a workplace where everyone not only fits in but truly belongs.
My Vision:
Together, as a beacon of light and hope, we actively work to create a world where the LGBTQ+ community and individuals navigating self-acceptance challenges not only thrive but also contribute authentically to society. We unleash their inherent power through unwavering love and acceptance, fostering environments that allow their true colours to flourish. By championing human rights, driving psychological safety, and creating inclusive spaces globally, we inspire transformative change that resonates with dignity, respect, and genuine understanding.
“Cynthia shared her own experiences, the importance of allyship, key points about DEI. For days after, employees shared how Cynthia impacted them with her words. Strongly recommend Cynthia as a well-versed in DEI that can speak to a broad audience with an ability to connect with all listeners.”
- Lead Diversity Practioner, Mimecast, USA
Award-Winning
2016, 2017, 2018
My Story
One Leader, Two Genders
In my role as a business executive and board leader, I followed the conventional recipe for success that is commonly followed. However, unlike Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory, I did not experience self-actualisation through this approach. Instead, I gained clarity on the disconnect in my life. Developing others had been my primary focus throughout my 30+ year career, but turning that focus inward proved to be transformative.
As a woman with a trans+ history with over three decades of experience in the corporate world, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by people of all genders in the workplace. My commitment is to create safe spaces that foster a sense of belonging for all genders.
Leveraging my unique perspective as a leader with experience across two genders, I work with organisations to cultivate more inclusive cultures. My belief is that every individual deserves to feel safe and respected in their professional environment.
My Mission:
We empower organisations globally to cultivate inclusive and safe spaces, fostering a sense of belonging for individuals of all genders. Drawing upon our unique perspective—one leader with two genders of experience—we guide businesses in navigating the complexities of diversity and inclusion. Through collaborative efforts, we strive to create workplaces where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered.
"Cynthia was our guest speaker at The King's Fund in honour of Trans Day of Visibility 2022 and our team is still talking about the session she led weeks later. In advance of the session, Cynthia took the time to get to know the team and understand how best she could tailor her message to make the session accessible and ensure it met our objectives and expectations. On the day itself, she was a true professional - gracious and open in the sharing of her personal story and in her invitation for questions, even staying longer to make sure that our questions were answered. Cynthia was able to open a conversation that had previously felt inaccessible and used the power of connection to stimulate learning, combat misinformation and promote acceptance. I could not be more pleased with the way the session unfolded and thoroughly recommend her services. If you're on the fence and thinking about it, don't hesitate - book her today.."
- Dana James-Edwards, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Specialist
Acceptance without Understanding™
Learning Strategies For Diverse Cultures
From an early age, we are taught to ask why. Why is a question we ask to gain Understanding; therefore, as a society, we need to understand in order to accept. This is especially true when it comes to another person who has a diverse identity than our own.
Acceptance without Understanding teaches us to accept each other as human beings first. We do not need to understand each other’s journeys. We are all unique human beings on our own journey in life.
Start with Acceptance without Understanding
Grow to Acceptance with Understanding
- Cynthia Fortlage
Learning to live with acceptance will nurture your spirit, help you overcome personal challenges, and allow you to achieve your individual life goals as you learn to thrive in a diverse culture.
"Teaching others acceptance – it struck me her capacity of being extremely serious, assertive, decisive but warm & caring ... following her activity I'm amazed at seeing how powerful it can be to show your own vulnerability and experience to educate others. Cynthia is doing that, one conversation at a time."
- LinkedIn Employee at LinkedIn Corporate Event
You can find me . . . (public events only, click the title for event information)
Human Library Public Book Reading - Virtual
Register to be a reader, and you may get a chance to read me as a human book on 21st April
A panel discussion on the challenges LBTQ Women face and the work to leave no woman behind.
OUTspoken + LGBT Insurance Network Panel discussion
A diverse panel discussion about queer families - Space Available in Person (limited) and Online
We Create Space London Business Community Social
Informal networking event for DEI Professionals, Leaders & Corporate Change-Agents on 3rd April
Transgender Day of Remembrance - Virtual
Book your space at 7pm GMT which is: 11am PST | 12 noon MST | 1pm CST | 2pm EST, 14th November