ABOUT US
ABOUT US
Brain Cultured is a global consultancy dedicated to empowering organizations and leaders to navigate the complexities of a diverse world. We specialize in fostering inclusive cultures, enhancing cross-cultural communication, and driving global success.
Through our tailored training programs and strategic coaching, we equip individuals and teams with the cultural intelligence needed to thrive in today’s interconnected business landscape. By breaking down cultural barriers, we create environments where innovation flourishes, collaboration is seamless, and everyone feels valued and empowered.
OUR MISSION
To empower organizations and individuals with the cultural intelligence (CQ) needed to thrive in today’s interconnected world. By bridging cultural divides, enhancing cross-cultural communication, and fostering inclusive environments, we drive sustainable global success.
OUR TEAM
WEYU HODGE
International Advisor, Consultant
Currently Based in: New York, NY
Languages: English, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, and Garifuna
Places around the world where she has lived, worked, or has expertise: Belize, Brazil, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Ghana, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, Honduras, and India.
Weyu Hodge is a learning and devolopment, program manager, and cross-cultural consultant with a passion for helping individuals and organizations navigate the complexities of global and multicultural environments. With a career spanning over six countries, Weyu brings a wealth of international experience in leadership, diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural intelligence. She works with clients to develop strategies that bridge cultural divides, enhance communication, and foster collaboration within diverse teams.
A Belizean-American with a rich background in Afro-Central American culture and a deep commitment to the preservation of Garifuna heritage, Weyu’s personal and professional journey has equipped her with a unique perspective on the transformative power of cultural understanding. Her expertise lies in guiding professionals and organizations through pivotal transitions—whether navigating cultural differences in the workplace or expanding into new international markets.
Weyu’s experience extends to global consulting, where she has worked with companies like Google and Chime on leadership development, cross-cultural training, and actionable goal-setting. As a cross-cultural consultant, she offers a blend of practical, hands-on insights and deep cultural knowledge to help organizations leverage their diversity for greater innovation and success. She holds a Talent Development Certification in Leadership Cross-Cultural Training & Assessments from the Cultural Intelligence Center, as well as extensive training in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIAB).
Weyu is also the host of the Labyrinth of the First Gen podcast, where she explores the stories of first-generation immigrants and trailblazers who have broken barriers through travel and entrepreneurship.
As a Colombian mother who has lived in Belgium and experienced life in several other countries, Catalina brings a deep, personal understanding of the challenges and opportunities that come with navigating new cultures. Her own journey of relocation and adaptation fuels her passion for helping individuals and organizations successfully bridge cultural divides. With a strong empathy for those undergoing similar transitions, Catalina is dedicated to guiding her clients through the complexities of cross-cultural integration.
Catalina’s expertise as a cultural strategist is rooted in over a decade of experience in strategy and program management, where she has led numerous successful cross-cultural initiatives. She is adept at helping individuals and teams develop the cultural intelligence and communication skills essential for thriving in a globalized world. Whether working with expatriates, international teams, or companies expanding into new markets, Catalina’s approach focuses on fostering inclusive environments and seamless collaboration.
Her commitment to cross-cultural success drives her to empower both individuals and organizations to unlock the full potential of diverse teams. With a proven track record in building effective cross-cultural strategies, Catalina is a trusted partner for companies looking to foster innovation, increase employee engagement, and drive sustainable growth in an interconnected world.
LAURA CATALINA PEÑA
International Advisor, Consultant
Currently Based in: Ghent, Belguim
Languages: Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, English, and Dutch
Place around the world where she has lived, worked, or has expertise: Colombia, Italy, Brazil, Paraguay, Chile and Belgium
KYRA BROWN
International Advisor, Consultant
Currently Based in: Baltimore, MD
Languages: English and French
Places around the world where she has lived, worked, or has expertise: Cameroon, Ethiopia, Dominican Republic, China, Guinea, Ghana (Peace Corps), and Mauritania
Kyra’s journey as a cultural bridge builder began with a transformative experience in the Peace Corps in northern Ghana, where she first encountered the complexities of cross-cultural dynamics. This experience ignited a deep passion for fostering positive change through cultural understanding and collaboration.
For nearly a decade, Kyra has dedicated her career to international non-profit program management, focusing on democracy, governance, public health, and conflict resolution in the Sahel region of Africa. As the Sahel Program Manager, she has worked across Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and neighboring Littoral States, where she has developed a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities that arise when working across diverse cultural and geopolitical contexts.
Kyra’s work is centered on building strong, sustainable democracies, equipping communities with the skills needed for conflict resolution, and fostering resilience against violent extremism. She is a passionate advocate for deconstructing white saviorism in international aid and promoting inclusive, locally-driven solutions that empower communities to create lasting change.
Kyra brings her extensive cross-cultural experience, cultural sensitivity, and unwavering dedication to Brain Cultured. With a commitment to bridging cultural divides, she helps organizations and communities navigate complex cultural landscapes, fostering collaboration, empowerment, and a more equitable world.
MALIKA HODGE
International Advisor, Consultant
Currently Based in: New York, NY
Languages: English and Spanish
Places around the world where she has lived, worked, or has expertise: Haiti, Dominican Republic (Peace Corps), and Guatemala
Malika is a passionate advocate for creating safe, trusting, and motivating work environments for all. As a humanization strategist, philosopher, and DEIA thought leader, she empowers organizations to dismantle systemic inequities and foster a more just and equitable future.
With a Master’s in Public Health and a rich background in organizational development, coaching, and facilitation, Malika brings a unique perspective to her work, blending both the human side and strategic depth needed for transformative change. Driven by a deep desire to address the multi-generational impact of toxic work cultures, she champions human-centered approaches that prioritize well-being, particularly for BIPOC communities, within the workplace.
Malika’s expertise lies in bridging the gap between cross-cultural initiatives, learning and development, and organizational development. She helps organizations translate their team principles into actionable strategies, particularly for virtual and hybrid teams, creating inclusive and equitable work environments for all. By addressing cultural nuances and fostering belonging, Malika empowers teams to thrive across diverse cultural contexts, ensuring collaboration and productivity in today’s global workspaces.
Karina Eileraas Karakus is a professor and published author with over a decade of experience in academia including UCLA, USC, UC Berkeley, and Pomona College. Her teaching, research, and writing address sexual and gender-based violence, transnational trauma, global reproductive health and politics, diaspora, sexuality, nationalism, revolution, film, fashion, visual culture, music and performance studies, social media, digital citizenship, and bodily protest, centering especially on the Middle East & North Africa.
Eileraas Karakus is the author of Between Image and identity: Transnational Fantasy, Symbolic Violence, and Feminist Misrecognition. She has also published and presented research on Turkish modest fashion influencers, nude protest and digital citizenship in the MENA region, gendered Islamophobia, 1990s girl bands, Marilyn Monroe and celebrity culture.
Beyond academia, Karina consults on global gender equity and social inclusion, global organizational development strategy, ESG, social impact and community engagement, sexual and gender-based violence, mental health, gender and cultural inclusivity, free speech and inclusive content curation on digital media platforms. She has also worked as a global consultant with Ernst & Young, Accenture, and Sidley & Austin.
KARINA EILERAAS KARAKUS
International Advisor, Consultant
Currently Based in: Istanbul, Turkey
Languages: English and French
Place around the world where she has lived, worked, or areas of expertise: Algeria, France, Norway, Turkey, and Iran
MARIA MERCÊDES
International Advisor, Consultant
Currently Based in: São Paulo (SP), Brazil
Languages: English and Brazilian Portuguese
Places around the world where she has lived, worked, or has expertise: Brazil, Chile, and Japan
Maria Mercêdes is a singer, writer, artistic manager, and professional life coach, she inspires individuals to embrace their authentic selves and build fulfilling lives. Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Mercêdes’ diverse experiences—ranging from acting to working at Brazil’s largest bank—have fueled her passion for empowering others to realize their personal and professional aspirations.
With a deep understanding of cross-cultural dynamics, Mercêdes is dedicated to helping people from all backgrounds bridge the gap between their goals and achievements. As a life coach, she tailors strategies to meet the unique needs of individuals and organizations, fostering inclusive and supportive environments that encourage success. Her ability to connect with clients across cultures, combined with her expertise in human behavior, allows her to guide them through transitions and challenges with empathy and clarity.
A lifelong learner and dedicated athlete, Mercêdes stays active with pursuits such as boxing, pilates, bodybuilding, and even hip hop. Her love of adventure and exploration of new cultures enriches her coaching approach, enabling her to relate to clients from diverse backgrounds and empower them to live their best, most authentic lives.
With over 11 years of experience in hospitality, Andrea brings a wealth of knowledge in customer service, team management, and program development to Brain Cultured. Her strong work ethic, cultural sensitivity, and ability to build rapport allow her to thrive in diverse environments, fostering positive interactions and collaboration within our team.
Andrea’s commitment to global collaboration extends beyond the hospitality industry. During her time leading medical programs in Honduras, she successfully recruited volunteers, sourced medical supplies, and managed logistics for international medical teams. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, she helped foster a sense of community among volunteers, ensuring a positive and impactful experience for all. This experience deepened her understanding of the importance of cultural awareness and collaboration in international settings.
Her ability to manage diverse teams and deliver impactful results makes Andrea a valuable asset to Brain Cultured. She excels in challenging situations and is passionate about creating a welcoming, inclusive, and culturally competent environment for our team. Her cross-cultural expertise ensures that our work thrives in a globalized world, where understanding and collaboration are key to success.
Andrea Montenegro
International Advisor, Consultant
Currently Based in: Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Languages: Spanish and English
Place around the world where she has lived, worked, or areas of expertise: Germany, Bolivia, Honduras.