#WISHRM24 Speaker Spotlight: Nicole Armstrong

As a part of the WISHRM State Conference SMILE Team, I have the opportunity to connect with speakers and exhibitors and learn more about what to expect at the upcoming conference. I had the opportunity to connect with Nicole Armstrong, a seasoned WISHRM Speaker, who will be presenting DEI in Flux: Strategies for Achieving Meaningful Outcomes in Uncertain Times.

Q & A with Nicole:

1. Who should attend your session?

"This session is perfect for HR professionals, people leaders, and executives who want to take a data-driven approach to their DEI strategy. If you’re looking for practical ways to move beyond one-off initiatives and embed equity into the core of your organization, this is for you. Whether you're just starting to develop a DEI strategy or refining existing efforts, you'll leave with actionable insights to drive measurable change."

2. What is something attendees might not know about you?

"My journey in design thinking and social innovation has shaped how I approach HR challenges, but what really sparked the idea for Ellequate was something very personal. Like many, I was low-balled in a salary negotiation, and when I asked for market-rate, the offer was rescinded because it was 'more than I made in my last job.' That experience highlighted how practices like asking for salary history—or even salary expectations—fuel inequality. Now, as a founder and a mom of two young daughters, I’m driven to help create a world where systemic barriers no longer exist, so they, and others, can grow up forging their own paths with confidence."

3. With so many workforces transitioning to hybrid or fully remote work environments, what is the top change you're seeing in DEI efforts shifting to adapt?

"Remote and hybrid environments require new approaches to ensure that everyone, regardless of location, has equitable access to development opportunities, resources, and leadership. In these settings, building and maintaining strong relationships has become an even greater challenge.

DEI strategies are evolving to emphasize inclusivity in virtual spaces—whether it's ensuring all voices are heard in meetings or creating fair pathways for career advancement when employees aren’t physically in the office. The challenge now is fostering meaningful relationships and collaboration when people aren’t sharing the same space, which is critical for creating an inclusive environment."

4. What is the most common challenge or barrier you face when implementing DEI initiatives?

"One of the most common challenges we face is moving organizations from intention to action. Many leaders are committed to DEI in theory, but struggle to translate that into day-to-day practices that create sustainable change. Another challenge is ensuring that DEI efforts are aligned with business goals so that they’re not seen as an ‘extra’ or optional effort, but rather an essential part of achieving organizational success."

5. What are some of your favorite resources or media on psychological safety?

"I’m a big fan of DEI Deconstructed by Lily Zheng, which offers a no-nonsense, practical guide to creating meaningful change in organizations. Another favorite is Inclusify by Dr. Stefanie K. Johnson, which provides excellent insights into how leaders can foster a sense of belonging while embracing diversity. Both of these books offer actionable strategies for embedding DEI into the fabric of an organization, which closely aligns with our approach at Ellequate."

6. Anything else that WI HR Professionals and People Leaders should know?

"I would encourage HR professionals and people leaders to focus on consistency and measurement in their DEI efforts. It’s not about quick wins but building long-term strategies that adapt to evolving employee needs. At Ellequate, we believe that DEI is not just a program but a lens through which all decisions should be made, and the organizations that embrace this are the ones that retain top talent and create workplaces that work for everyone."

Meet Nicole:

Nicole, an award-winning social entrepreneur, leverages 15+ years in design thinking and social innovation to pioneer the nation's first certification and advanced analytics platform for 76 workplace equity. A People's Liberty Haile Fellow, Cincinnati Business Courier Forty Under 40 honoree, and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses graduate, she holds degrees from the University of Cincinnati and Suffolk University.