Ellen Wagner

Ellen Wagner is a bilingual intercultural trainer, business psychologist, certified coach, and anti-racism expert whose work spans both sides of the Atlantic. Wagner focuses on diversity and inclusion, with particular emphasis on racism and queerphobia. A qualified hotel manager, business administration graduate, and certified systemic coach, Wagner also holds a master's degree in business psychology. She is a certified coach and change manager with a diploma in business administration. Drawing on her personal experience as a Black transracial adoptee and queer woman, Wagner brings a lived perspective to her professional practice.

Wagner founded Cross Cultural Bridges - Wagner Coaching LLC in the United States to train, educate, and empower individuals and organizations to understand diversity and foster inclusion. As a diversity and expat coach, she supports marginalized groups such as people of color and LGBTQIA+ individuals, and works with organizations to establish cultures of belonging through anti-racism and empowerment workshops. Wagner also provides transatlantic support for expatriates during assignment processes through intercultural training, empowerment workshops, and coaching.

As a business psychologist, workshop facilitator, coach, speaker, and author, Wagner specializes in analyzing how different backgrounds shape behavior, what motivates individuals, and why teams interact as they do. She is the founder of cross-cultural-bridges.com, a lecturer and author for IST University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf, and serves on the marketing committee at the New Jersey LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Wagner initiated a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Experts of Color circle for practitioners and entrepreneurs to exchange best practices, share challenges, and build networks.

Wagner's coaching services include anti-racism workshops and training for global teams, as well as empowerment programs for FLINTA individuals and minorities including BIPoC and LGBTQIA+ communities. Her approach is rooted in empathy and cooperation, creating a space where participants can engage honestly with challenging topics. Colleagues and clients have noted that Wagner bridges conviviality and fun while holding space for in-depth examination, and that her sincerity fosters safety and effective learning.

Wagner is a keynote speaker and industry expert who addresses topics such as diversity and inclusion, social activism, culture, business consulting, DEI, LGBTQ issues, personal growth, empowerment, civil rights, and European heritage. An experienced moderator, speaker, workshop facilitator, trainer, and author, she focuses on creating inclusive corporate cultures in both Europe and the United States. With a transatlantic reach and a commitment to practical and transformative DEI work, Wagner is recognized as a credible voice in the global conversation on anti-racism and inclusive leadership.