About us
We don’t just work in diversity, equity, and inclusion – it defines who we are and how we show up.
As much as we wish it was, the workplace isn’t a level playing field, and we are committed to changing that. Our mission is simple: to build workplaces that are fairer, happier and more successful, where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Drawing on our global expertise and experience with teams and leaders, we partner with organisations that share our vision and commitment to building better workplaces – together.
Learn more about Our Team and Our Values
Elaine dela Cruz
(she/her/hers)
Co-Founder, Executive Coach & Principal DE&I Consultant
Elaine is a passionate changemaker, dedicated to driving meaningful transformation.
With over 20 years in director-level roles, she has witnessed how unequal workplaces can be and how organisations often lack the tools to address inequities. This sparked her purpose-driven journey in DEI—as a founder, consultant, ICF coach, facilitator, mentor, and speaker.Elaine believes meaningful change requires a growth mindset—learning, improving, and addressing inequities at both systemic and individual levels. Known for speaking her mind and empowering others to find their voice, she focuses on building fairer, more inclusive workplaces.
“I’m a proud first-generation Filipino-Londoner, a single mum who embraces her identity and lived experiences, including life with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome. I’m a lover of music, trainers, and good food, I’m a believer that change can be purposeful and joyful.”
Gary Rayneau
(he/him/his)
Co-Founder, Executive Coach & Principal DE&I Consultant
Gary Rayneau is the Co-Founder and Principal Consultant at Project 23, Coaches of Colour and the Equitable Coaching Foundation. Driven by the fundamental belief that a culture of equitable actions and belonging drives performance. With a calm and logical approach, Gary approaches his work with a confidence that breeds trust and assurance, whilst crucially leaving plenty of space for the thoughts and opinions of others. As a skilled consultant, facilitator and trained coach Gary has worked with over 60 organisations in the past 7 years to facilitate their journey towards a more inclusive workplace.
“Beyond my work life, you’ll probably find me spending time with my young family, coaching youth football or trying to perfect my already pretty damn good beef curry.”
Misli Akdağ
(she/her/hers)
Client Services & Operations Manager
Misli has always been interested in bringing beauty and meaning to the environment she’s in. After 12 years of working in the film industry, where she experienced firsthand the impact of DE&I policies – and the absence of them! – She shifted her focus to creating inclusive spaces in the workplace. At Project 23 you’ll find her managing the many moving parts of our projects from behind the scenes. She loves collaborating with our clients and team to create effective and robust systems that allow the work we do to take centre stage.
“When I’m not juggling project timelines, you’ll find me sewing; I love exploring needlework through the ages as cultural archaeology. True to my Turkish roots, you’ll find me adding yoghurt to every meal.”
Ashley Alleyne
(he/him/his)
Senior DE&I Consultant
Ashley has years of experience within strategy teams across social, brand, and creative domains, working to embed inclusivity from the inside out. Now, he drives systemic change externally, helping businesses shift from raising awareness to fostering tangible action. Ashley develops tools, processes, and interventions that make inclusion an intentional, integral part of organisational practices.
“Outside of work, I’m an avid plant-grower, an enthusiastic digression-taker, and a passionate reader of everything from biographies to comic books.”
Davina Rajoopillai
(she/her/hers)
Senior DE&I Consultant & Marketing Director
Davina brings her expertise in both DE&I and marketing to create inclusive, impactful strategies. She excels at blending data-driven insights with an approach learnt from lived experiences to equitable outcomes. As a consultant, Davina is passionate about aligning organisational goals with actionable inclusion strategies, driving meaningful change in the workplace.
Kasey Robinson
(she/her/hers)
Senior DE&I Consultant
With nearly a decade of experience, Kasey designs and leads DEI & Anti Racism engagement initiatives, programs, designs organisational action plans and develops policies that promote, equity, inclusivity and and a strategic approach to transformative change. She specialises in fostering collaboration within diverse teams, aligning strategies across organisations, and tailoring initiatives to leadership levels. Her work is driven by a commitment to creating environments where everyone feels informed, valued and supported.
"I can speak 3.5 languages fluently and you'll know as I'm constantly showing off about it!"“
Hayley Bennett
(SHE/Her/Hers)
Senior DE&I Consultant
Hayley combines her expertise in business strategy with a sporting mindset to deliver bespoke DE&I solutions that drive impactful change. Her work includes developing comprehensive DE&I strategies, designing inclusive leadership programmes, and redesigning policies to embed inclusivity into organisational practices. Hayley brings a unique perspective to fostering inclusion in diverse sectors. Her insights have been featured in BBC Sport and The Telegraph, and she regularly delivers keynotes on allyship, anti-racism, and building inclusive cultures. Hayley is passionate about creating environments where diversity is celebrated, and individuals feel empowered to thrive.
Carolyn McDonald
(she/her/hers)
Senior Consultant, Executive Coach & Facilitator
Carolyn is an accomplished Executive Coach, Mediator, and member of the International Society for the Psychoanalytic Study of Organisations. She excels at guiding leaders through complex challenges, combining insight and empathy to drive personal and organisational growth. Carolyn’s expertise helps high-pressure environments transform into spaces where individuals and teams thrive, fostering lasting, inclusive change. Carolyn has worked with individuals, groups and organisations wanting change for over 30 years. She works internationally with NGO’s, commercial and state organisations. Carolyn focuses on our human need to belong, issues of exclusion and the creativity that makes us greater than the sum of our parts.
”I’m also the director of a distillery in Somerset England and love to dance!”
Sorrel Roberts
(she/her/hers)
Executive Coach and Facilitator
Sorrel is passionate about using coaching to help organisations and individuals unlock their full potential. Her expertise centres on professional development, coaching skills training, and supporting working parents. With extensive experience in national and international organisations, Sorrel excels in facilitating growth for both junior and senior teams. She combines her deep knowledge of coaching and personal development with a tailored, empathetic approach to drive meaningful, lasting change.
Our values
Make choices driven by impact and positive change
Challenge the status quo, if it’s tough, then do what’s right, Lead with integrity and practise what you preach.
No BS
Communicate openly and listen with intent, cut through the noise but keep it compassionate. The truth can be uncomfortable, real talk leads to real progress.
Be compassionate to yourself and others
Lead with empathy, recognising different journeys. You don’t need shared experiences to believe someone’s truth. A non-judgmental mindset creates trust and inclusion.
Treat others as they want to be treated, not how you want to be treated.
Respect differences—adapt your style to bring out the best in others. Stay fair, act with equity, and don’t hesitate to call out inequality. Respect is non-negotiable—challenge ideas, not people.
In this work, we rise together
Collaboration makes us stronger. Be generous with your time when you can and and have the courage to speak up and add your value.
Connect with others and find joy in this work
Laughter and joy fuel great work.—find it, share it, and create space for others to be themselves. Bring good energy and celebrate the moments that spark change.
“
We were able to come out of our comfort zones to explore some uncomfortable issues together. Project 23 created a safe and comfortable environment that made those conversations possible. As a result, we grew and learnt through the experience, and we are now better placed to make the practical changes we have identified together.
Ella White, Director of Communications
