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Curiosity. Humility. Empathy. Empowering Change in Self
and Systems.

With Dr. Sumun Pendakur

The Getty Trust
Mellon Foundation
Buzzfeed
FX Networks
HUbspot
LinkedIn
Dr. Sumun Pendakur is dedicated to unlocking potential and breaking down barriers, biases, and outdated systems within companies, higher education, and leaders.

Human potential soars when individuals feel a sense of belonging, experience psychological safety, and are challenged in alignment with their unique capacities. 

Whether you are an individual or an organization, ask yourself:

“Why do we do things this way? 
And who benefits from the way we’re doing things?”

Because when you can answer those two questions, we can find the heart of the problem.

The majority of us didn’t create the problems of inequity, systemic or structural racism and bias, but most of us benefit from the systems in the way they are - even if we don’t want to admit it. 

 

Choosing to take responsibility to course correct is one of the greatest things we can do to be in service of humankind. 


And for those of us who have experienced multiple forms of oppression in the structures not designed by us, it's a powerful way to manifest our own agency, brilliance, and knowledge for us to shape the world for those who come after us.

Sumun L. Pendakur, a DEI Strategist/Consultant/Speaker
Sumi+on+Panel-2.jpg

It is rare to encounter someone who leaves you energized for the work ahead every time you meet. Dr. Pendakur (Sumi) has that gift. She engaged members of our Board of Trustees in a highly interactive and inspiring session on Equity as a Fiduciary Responsibility. Everyone wished we had more time because of the innovative thinking that the session inspired. Sumi's style is so accessible that she puts people at ease in the midst of awakening them to some very uncomfortable truths. Her experience in higher education was evident in the examples she was able to offer which worked to broaden the discussion into more systemic possibilities for action. She also made the conversation relevant to the group by personalizing her presentation based on her research into our unique culture and challenges. Working with Sumi felt transformational, not transactional. I look forward to partnering with her again.

Katherine Lampley

Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer
Bentley University

What clients are saying about Sumi

Select Recent Keynotes

​2024

  • Virginia Tech Advancing Diversity Annual Conference (January 2024)

  • Palomar College Flex Week (January 2024)

  • Marshall B. Ketchum All University Retreat (February 2024)

  • Harvard Campus-Wide EDIB Forum (April 2024)

  • California Asian American and Pasifika Leaders in Education (April 2024)

  • Higher Education Student Affairs - Central Valley Conference (April 2024)

Select Facilitation/ Trainings

​2024

  • Ogletree Deakins (Global Law Firm) (March 2024)

  • Glendale Community College (March 2024)

  • FX Networks (Spring/Summer 2024)

  • AEA Consulting (Summer/Fall 2024)

  • University of Pennsylvania (September 2024)

  • LinkedIn (October 2024)

External Reviews

  • Northwestern University Campus Inclusion and Community (October 2020)

  • Stanford University Cultural and Community Centers (2018-19)

  • UC Irvine LGBT Resource Center (2018)

  • UCLA LGBT Resource Center (2015)

  • Claremont Colleges Queer Resource Center (2015)

  • AEA Consulting (2024)

ASSOCIATION CLIENTS & SPEAKING EVENTS

CORPORATE AND NON-PROFIT CLIENTS

HIGHER EDUCATION CLIENTS & SPEAKING EVENTS

CONNECT WITH SUMI

© Copyright 2024 Sumun L. Pendakur. All Rights Reserved.

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