As 2024 winds down and we set our sights to the new year, we’re reflecting on a year’s worth of programs, progress and pride. In this interview, we spoke with Niarchos Pabalis, an inspiring leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) who has been at the forefront of DEI efforts across Latin America and the US Hispanic region. As a proud gay Latino man, Niarcho’s personal and professional journey has been marked by a deep commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels they belong and can thrive. From pioneering DEI initiatives to overcoming regional challenges, he shares his insights, achievements, and vision for the future of DEI.

Can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to work in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)?

My journey into Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is driven by a passion for creating spaces where everyone feels they belong and can thrive. As a proud gay latino man working in a region where the DEI function barely existed in my professional career, I’ve been privileged to pioneer DEI initiatives across Latin America, transforming cultures and breaking barriers in global organizations.

Today, as the Director of DEI for Latin America & US Hispanic, I’m inspired to amplify voices, foster equity, and build a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone.

What were some of the key initiatives you focused on in the LATAM region this year?

I am super proud of many of the programs we executed this year, like our voluntary self identification program, where LATAM was the region with the highest participation rate in the world. I’m proud of our Business Resource Groups (BRG) for having the highest NPS experience metrics of WBD. I also believe that our Access Program Black Brazil Unspoken was a success-- beyond our expectations. In 2024, we earned 12 external awards that recognize the impact we are having in DEI space and the mark we are leaving in the industry.

Did you encounter any challenges while implementing DEI programming this year? If so, how did you overcome them?

Implementing DEI programs always comes with challenges, and this year was no different. One of the biggest hurdles was navigating through a lot of change across a region as complex as Latin America. Thankfully, the People & Culture team and the business were very supportive with our DEI vision, and due to the partnership, we had outstanding results.

Could you share a specific success story or moment that stood out to you this year in your DEI work?

I witnessed myself and heard from others about moments where colleagues felt comfortable to share about their authentic selves with someone for the first time in their careers. On some occasions, that someone happened to be me! DEI is for everyone. We are continuously making an effort to ensure everyone feels that they belong at WBD and that they’re reminded that they’re on the right path.

How do you see the DEI landscape evolving in LATAM, and what are your priorities for the coming year?

I see that social economic background is a topic that is becoming increasingly relevant, not only in the LATAM region, but across the whole world. Socio-economic complexities often mean extra barriers, and that means that DEI strategies must take that into consideration when we implement programs in our different markets.

What advice would you give to organizations or individuals looking to strengthen their DEI efforts in this region?

Collaboration and partnership are key. We are stronger together.