Adriana Vazquez Ortiz is the co-founder and CEO of Lilu, a women’s health company building tech-enabled devices to empower new moms. She spoke on a panel at the 2022 National Retail Federation (NRF) Big Show in New York City earlier this year, sharing her insights into developing diversity and inclusion initiatives on stage in the event’s FQ Equality Lounge.

In this interview at the Big Show with Women in Retail Leadership Circle Senior Editor Marie Albiges, Ortiz discusses Lilu’s hands-free pumping and massage bra, why she has focused on building a diverse team, and how she’s implementing long-term diversity and inclusion plans as she builds company culture. She shares how language used in a job listing can play a role in recruiting diverse candidates, and how Lilu’s products are empowering women in the workplace to take charge of their authentic selves. Lastly, Ortiz discusses why workplace initiatives such as lactation rooms and paid family leave are benefits to every business; how these offerings improve employee acquisition, retention and performance; and where consumers can shop for Lilu products online.