Bio

ATIF CHOUDHURY - CEO & Co-Founder - Diversity and Ability & Co-Founder of Zaytoun CIC Atif Choudhury is an award-winning social entrepreneur with a background in economic justice and disability inclusion. Focusing on the inclusion of marginalised communities, Atif has worked on high profile social development projects across the world. He is the Co-founder and CEO of Diversity and Ability and Zaytoun CiC (the world’s first Fairtrade Palestinian olive oil cooperative). He is an adviser to the WHO rapid assistive technologies board and is a trustee for the largest lived experience pan-disability charity in the country Disability Rights UK. Atif believes in pushing for a future of inclusive change and global equity. He’s advocating for recognition of the strength of intersectional inclusion, transforming narratives and systems to create environments that welcome diversity of thought and unlock the hidden assets in everyone. “D&A shines a light on the value diversity can bring; after all, we can achieve miraculous things when we all have a seat at the table. Every day I look at the organisation and smile, knowing it’s the organisation I needed when I was younger. Cultivated by the powers of such lived experiences, I am truly convinced that when welcomed; the diversity of thought can change the World; perhaps it’s the only thing that ever does.” --- Diversity and Ability (D&A) is a multi-award-winning social enterprise led by and for disabled people. We inform and advocate for intersectional neurodiversity and disability inclusion through technology, training and talent. Through bespoke workshops and training programmes, consultancy, audits, and individualised 1-to-1 support, we create positive and lasting culture shifts. D&A informs policy and pioneers projects across the education and workplace sectors, as well as developing training programmes and support to those excluded from these spheres. With 85% of our team self-identifying as disabled and/or neurodiverse, everything we do is underpinned by a recognition that lived experience brings strength and value to our society. We’re using those lived experiences, alongside our passion and expertise for celebrating diversity and fostering authentic inclusion, to create a world in which everyone can participate and thrive.