Ciara Gogan

Founder & Principal Fractional Leader at Uplift Inclusion LLC

Member since March 2026

Management Consulting

Boston, MA, USA

Biography

I am a seasoned leader in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB); empowering organizations to cultivate inclusive workplaces.

I help mission-driven leaders create workplaces and communities where staff, volunteers, and clients feel valued and engaged, because when people belong, organizations can do their best work in the world.

With certifications from Harvard Business School (Racial Equity) and eCornell (Diversity & Inclusion), and more than two decades in technology as an LGBTQIA+ leader, I bring both professional expertise and lived experience to my work. I’ve pioneered initiatives like company-wide allyship programs, restructured employee resource groups, and built gender transition guides, efforts that significantly improved employee belonging and retention, as affirmed by surveys.
I serve as Vice President on the Board of Pride in Our Workplace, created and lead DEIB Day for Leadership South Shore, and was honored as a 2024 Mosaic Award recipient by MassTLC. My facilitation and speaking style is known for fostering brave, open conversations that turn discomfort into growth.

My journey and personal perspective, from growing up in Ireland when being gay was a crime, to leadership in tech, to founding Uplift Inclusion, has given me a deep commitment to ensuring that every individual feels valued and respected and no one feels excluded from opportunity. As a coach, workshop leader, writer, and DEIB leader, I’ve empowered individuals and organizations alike to break down systemic barriers, nurture genuine understanding and empathy, and embrace equity as a pathway to stronger missions and stronger communities.

Passion

Musical theatre, arts, foodie

Topics/Keywords

women in technology achieving your dreams diversity inclusion empathetic leadership coach stem discrimination lgbt diversity inclusion diversity equity and inclusion corporate culture building psychologically healthy cultures lgbtq equality lgbtqia lgbtq business finding your mission driven leadership voice mission driven work purpose driven leadership human resources workplace engagement employee engagement inclusive leadership womens leadership women in tech workshop facilitation workshops podcast
I am willing to travel up to 100 miles
Yes
I sometimes get paid for speaking
I am willing to travel up to 100 miles
Yes
I sometimes get paid for speaking

Topics/Keywords

women in technology achieving your dreams diversity inclusion empathetic leadership coach stem discrimination lgbt diversity inclusion diversity equity and inclusion corporate culture building psychologically healthy cultures lgbtq equality lgbtqia lgbtq business finding your mission driven leadership voice mission driven work purpose driven leadership human resources workplace engagement employee engagement inclusive leadership womens leadership women in tech workshop facilitation workshops podcast