Breaking Stereotypes & Building Inclusion: Insights from Lobna Ismail

In a world that’s becoming increasingly diverse, how do we navigate cultural differences and create truly inclusive environments? In a recent episode of Connected Conversations, we had the privilege of speaking with Lobna Ismail, an expert in cultural competence, diversity, and inclusion. As the founder of Connecting Cultures, Lobna has dedicated her life to bridging cultural gaps, challenging stereotypes, and fostering a deeper understanding of how language and culture shape our interactions.

In this blog, we’ll delve into Lobna’s personal story, her professional insights, and the vital lessons she shares about creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued.

Lobna’s Personal Journey: Living and Connecting Cultures

Lobna’s passion for cultural connection is rooted in her personal experiences as an Egyptian-American growing up in a small, conservative town in Egypt. Her upbringing was unique—her family was open and curious about different cultures, instilling in her a deep appreciation for diversity from an early age. This background paved the way for Lobna’s career, where she not only works to connect cultures but lives that mission every day.

As Lobna notes, inclusion is about belonging—ensuring that people of all backgrounds have a place where they can be themselves and thrive. For her, diversity means more than just representation; it’s about seeing the value each individual brings, regardless of their cultural background, language, or personal identity. This vision fuels her work at Connecting Cultures, where she collaborates with corporations like Disney, Nike, and Microsoft, as well as government agencies like the U.S. Department of Justice, to promote cultural competence and inclusion.

Understanding Stereotypes and Bias

A key part of Lobna’s discussion is the pervasive nature of bias and stereotypes. According to Lobna, we all develop biases from an early age, shaped by our surroundings, culture, and the media we consume. These biases can often become ingrained and unconscious, influencing how we perceive others and interact across cultures.

She emphasizes that breaking down stereotypes requires a conscious effort to “pause” and see beyond the categories we place people in—whether it’s based on gender, ethnicity, or disability. For instance, non-verbal cues, idioms, and slang vary significantly across cultures, leading to misunderstandings if not approached with sensitivity. Lobna’s advice is clear: to create a more inclusive environment, we need to actively listen, learn, and be open to different perspectives.

Creating Inclusive Spaces: What Does It Really Mean?

Lobna defines inclusion as more than just a corporate buzzword. For her, it’s about creating spaces where everyone feels heard, valued, and accepted. She points out that many organizations miss out on the immense potential of people from diverse backgrounds, especially those with disabilities, including the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

For true inclusion to occur, companies must go beyond surface-level diversity initiatives. It’s about embedding cultural competence into the core of an organization—ensuring that policies, practices, and workplace environments are designed to welcome and empower people from all walks of life.

Lobna’s work emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the specific communication needs of different groups. For instance, idiomatic expressions and slang may differ vastly among cultures, impacting how messages are received and understood. Effective communication is not just about speaking the same language, but about understanding the cultural context in which words are used.

Navigating Cultural Communication

One of the most impactful topics in the episode is how cultural communication shapes our interactions. Lobna explains that language is more than words; it’s a means of expressing identity, values, and worldviews. Understanding cultural communication requires an awareness of non-verbal cues, gestures, and even silence, which can hold different meanings in various cultural contexts.

For example, direct communication is valued in some cultures, while indirect communication is preferred in others. Similarly, the use of eye contact, hand gestures, and personal space varies globally, influencing how messages are conveyed and received. As a cultural consultant, Lobna helps organizations identify these nuances and develop strategies for more effective cross-cultural communication.

The Role of Language in Inclusion

Lobna emphasizes the critical role of language in fostering inclusion. As a speaker of English, Arabic, and Spanish, she understands firsthand how language can either be a bridge or a barrier. She highlights that language access is a key factor in achieving equity, particularly for immigrant and marginalized communities.

Through her work, Lobna aims to ensure that language is not an obstacle but a tool for empowerment. Her approach involves using plain language, clear communication, and cultural adaptation to make information more accessible to all.

Overcoming Challenges: Living with Multiple Sclerosis

Beyond her professional achievements, Lobna’s personal journey adds depth to her advocacy for inclusion. She lives with multiple sclerosis, a degenerative neurological disease, and faces daily challenges that many people might overlook. Her experience with disability has given her unique insights into the importance of accessible spaces and the need for greater understanding in the workplace.

Lobna’s story serves as a reminder that inclusion must encompass all aspects of a person’s identity—including disabilities that are not always visible. Her resilience in the face of adversity underscores the importance of designing inclusive systems that support everyone, regardless of their physical or neurological conditions.

AI, Bias, and the Need for Human Connection

The episode also touches on the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in communication and inclusion. While AI has the potential to bridge language gaps and facilitate global communication, Lobna warns of its limitations. AI systems are often developed with inherent biases, as they reflect the perspectives of those who create them—usually a homogenous group.

Lobna argues that while AI can assist in communication, it cannot replace the human connection that is essential for true understanding. Building inclusive environments requires empathy, face-to-face interactions, and the ability to adapt to the unique needs of individuals. AI can be a helpful tool, but it should complement, not replace, human-centered communication strategies.

Cultural Competence & Inclusivity

Lobna’s insights offer valuable lessons for anyone interested in building more inclusive and culturally competent spaces. Her work reminds us that inclusion is not just a goal; it’s a continuous journey that requires awareness, action, and a commitment to seeing the world through the eyes of others.

As you listen to this episode, consider how you can apply Lobna’s teachings in your own life—whether it’s by challenging your biases, embracing cultural differences, or advocating for greater accessibility in your community. Inclusion is not just about policies; it’s about people. It’s about creating a world where everyone, regardless of their background, feels they belong.

Tune In and Learn More

Tune in to Lobna's episode of Connected Conversations to hear more about her inspiring journey and her strategies for fostering inclusion. It’s a powerful reminder of the role each of us can play in breaking stereotypes and creating spaces where every voice is valued.

You can watch/listen to this episode here:

🔴 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-ODTeM-VvA

🟢 Spotify: https://shorturl.at/jvSWo

⚫ Apple Podcast: https://shorturl.at/46TlN

🔵 Amazon Music: https://shorturl.at/Dy6Sk