Black Inclusion Week
11th to 18th May 2026
Black Inclusion Week 2025 events were electric
Enjoy the Black Inclusion Week 2025 recap, the events were inspirational and lit up those who attended and took part. Please make sure you don’t miss out next year, sign up for updates and news!
BLACK INCLUSION WEEK LAUNCH
EVERY VOICE, STANDING UNITED
CITY OF LONDON
BLACK WOMEN PIVOTING INTO DIGITAL
PROGRESS, PAY, AND POWER
WORKPLACE CHANGE FOR BLACK INCLUSION
STRENGTH IN VULNERABILITY
REDEFINING BLACK MASCULINITY
BEYOND THE CEILING
BREAKING BARRIERS TO ACCESS TRADITIONAL PROFESSIONS
DANCE AFROBEATS ONLINE
PROMO CODE BIW25 for 25% off ticket price
BREAKING CYCLES
WEALTH, WISDOM, AND LEGACY, BUILDING FINANCIAL POWER
UNAPOLOGETICALLY US
THE POWER AND JOY OF BLACK WOMANHOOD
EGYPTIAN YOGA ONLINE
PROMO CODE BIW25 for 25% off ticket price
BEYOND THE DEGREE
ALTERNATIVE ROUTES TO SUCCESS FOR YOUNG BLACK TALENT
STANDING UNITED AS ALLIES
SHOWING UP WHEN AND HOW IT MATTERS
NO VOICE LEFT BEHIND
THE INTERSECTIONAL BLACK EXPERIENCE
Aggie Yemurai Mutuma
CEO, Diversity and Inclusion expert, executive coach, speaker
Aggie Yemurai Mutuma
CEO, Diversity and Inclusion expert, executive coach, speaker
Aggie Mutuma is the CEO and lead consulting director of Mahogany Inclusion Partners. She is a passionate, award winning Inclusion and Anti-Racism expert, People Leader and Executive Coach with a track record of supporting organisations as they build cultures where everyone can thrive.
She works with Exco leaders and their teams to deliver DEI and Anti-Racism strategies. Cross industry organisations she has supported include global FTSE100 organisations, consultancy firms, retailers, third sector and public sector organisations.
She is a trusted advisor for the CIPD and an engaging speaker, for many leading organisations, most recently for the CBI, and the CIPD Annual Conference 2020.
Aggie’s experience of HR leadership in large and small organisations, her experience as an executive coach, her expertise in diversity and inclusion and her warm, empathetic and engaging style all combine to make Aggie an excellent speaker and panellist.
David McQueen
Executive Coach, Facilitator Board Advisor and International Speaker
David McQueen
Executive Coach, Facilitator Board Advisor and International Speaker
David McQueen is passionate about developing leaders. A family man first, he is the husband of one, father of two and friend of many. He has founded and cofounded a number of businesses including Q Squared, Black Founders Hub and Evermoor and sits as a Non Exec on the advisory board of many companies offering support on leadership and financial competence.
In his works as an Executive Coach, Facilitator Board Advisor and International Speaker, he has worked with corporate and non profit organisations worldwide to develop their senior leaders and managers. His clients include Facebook, Google, Shopify, Lloyds, HSBC, Mercedes Benz, Sky, BMW, Uber, Fidelity Investments, EY Foundation and Barnardo’s.
David is also an Angel Investor, Mentor, Host of the BRAVE Leader podcast, a three times TEDx speaker and is currently writing his first book on leadership and never works on a Saturday!
Sandra Kerr CBE
Works together with business leaders and government policy
Sandra Kerr CBE
Works together with business leaders and government policy
Sandra works together with business leaders and government policy makers to influence action on race in the UK.
Prior to working at Business in the Community Sandra worked for DWP and the Cabinet Office. Between 2012 and 2016, Sandra chaired the DWP Ethnic Minority Employment Stakeholder Group, advising the Government on employment barriers facing individuals from ethnically diverse backgrounds.
In 2012 Sandra was awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List for Services to Black and Minority Ethnic People. In 2019 Sandra was awarded a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday honours list for Services to Equality and Diversity. In 2020, Sandra published the Race at Work Black Voices and the Race at Work Charter report. Sandra has sat on the Royal Society Diversity Committee since 2018.
Madeline McQueen
Executive Coach, Speaker, and Trainer
Madeline McQueen
Executive Coach, Speaker, and Trainer
Madeline McQueen is a multi-award-winning Executive Coach, Speaker, and Trainer who, as a businesswoman, has been working with organisations and professionals on their clarity, confidence, and empowerment. She’s been building businesses for the last 20 + years, with a career that has expanded for over 35, positively impacting others to achieve their personal greatness. She coaches, consults, trains, and hosts and has worked with a range of companies, including Sopra Steria, Saatchi & Saatchi, Google, Facebook, Omnicom, and Natixis Asset Management, to name a few. Madeline is on a mission to change the dial for gender equality by supporting women to step into their magnificence. She’s been married for 28 years and with her husband for 35 years. She has two teenage daughters and loves to dance and travel. She also sits on the board of NoMore.Org
Bernadette Thompson OBE
Director of Inclusion at Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Bernadette Thompson OBE
Director of Inclusion at Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Bernadette Thompson OBE, currently the Director of Inclusion at Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, boasts a distinguished career spanning Barts Health Trust and several pivotal government departments. As a forward-thinking HR professional, her expertise lies in Diversity, Inclusion, Culture, and Inclusive practices. Demonstrating a remarkable history of utilizing leadership skills and business acumen, Bernadette has pioneered innovative strategies, fostering accountability, and engagement in talent pipelines while catalyzing cultural transformations. Co-chairing a multi-award-winning cross-Government race network for five years, she holds a pivotal role as an influencer and trusted partner to senior leaders across diverse sectors.
Recognized for her impactful work, she secured the Workplace Hero award in the 2020 Investing in Ethnicity Awards and the “We are the City” Rising Star Champion award in 2021. Her exceptional contributions were further acknowledged with an OBE in June 2021 for services to Diversity and Inclusion, and in 2023, she earned a coveted spot on the top 50 Inclusive Companies Diversity Powerlist.
Dr T Ayodele Ajayi
Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr T Ayodele Ajayi
Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr T Ayodele Ajayi is a Consultant Psychiatrist and a Fellow of the UK Royal College of Psychiatrists. He is the Royal College of Psychiatrist’ South East Division Recruitment Lead. He is a public mental health educator and advocate, and regularly features as a mental health columnist and as guest in several media interviews on mental health of people of Black heritage in the UK. He has on multiple occasions being a voice and a champion to the Black Community for the Office of Health Improvements and Disparities’ Every Mind Matters campaign.
Sope Agbelusi
Executive coach, international speaker, and founder of MindsetShift
Sope Agbelusi
Executive coach, international speaker, and founder of MindsetShift
Sope is a renowned executive coach, international speaker, and founder of MindsetShift. His unique ability to shift perspectives and install new mindsets enables his clients to navigate ambiguity and complexity confidently. Sope’s coaching style is collaborative, expansive, and results-oriented, partnering with clients to achieve their goals while challenging them to grow.
He has worked with various clients, including Fortune 500 and FTSE 100 companies, startups, government agencies, and non-profits such as Google, HSBC, and Philips. As an in-house executive coach at Shopify, the world’s largest e-commerce platform, Sope guides individuals and teams through the fast-paced and ever-changing business environment.
Sope’s leadership development company, MindsetShift, focuses on exploring personal and professional selves, fostering high-performing teams, and creating inclusive and equitable cultures that thrive in uncertainty and change.
With his extensive leadership experience and background in finance, project management, and consultancy, Sope brings a unique perspective to navigating the corporate world. He is committed to supporting his clients’ growth and seeing more Black leaders in senior positions.
Rob Neil OBE
Co-author of ‘The Key to Inclusion’
Rob Neil OBE
Welcome to my professional journey, where a lifelong commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion, and racial equity has been the cornerstone of my career. My career highlights include:
Ministry of Justice (1983 – 2019)
My career as a civil servant spanned over three decades with the Ministry of Justice. During this time, I honed my skills and expertise in various roles, contributing to the administration of justice.
Chair of the Civil Service Race Forum (2016 – 2018)
Elected as the Chair of the Civil Service Race Forum, I passionately led initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion within the civil service.
Trustee with RELATE (2008 – Present)
As an elected Trustee with RELATE, I have been dedicated to supporting relationship well-being and contributing to the organisation’s mission.
Founding Member and Volunteer with Reach Society
I am proud to be a founding member and ongoing volunteer with the Reach Society (@ReachSociety10), actively engaging in initiatives that empower and uplift communities.
OBE Recipient (2018)
Recognised for ‘Services to Race Equality in the Workplace and the Community,’ I was honoured with an OBE in 2018, a testament to my commitment to fostering positive change.
Department for Education (2019 – 2021)
Building on my civil service experience, I continued my journey with the Department for Education, contributing to strategic initiatives in education.
HR Magazine’s ‘Most Influential Thinkers’ (October 2021)
In October 2021, I was included in HR Magazine’s prestigious list of fifty ‘Most Influential Thinkers,’ acknowledging my impact in the field.
Co-author of ‘The Key to Inclusion’ (May 2022)
In May 2022, I co-wrote my first book, ‘The Key to Inclusion,’ published by Kogan Page, aiming to share insights and contribute to the discourse on diversity and inclusion.
D&I Leaders ‘Inspirational Leaders’ List (June 2022)
Recognised internationally, I was honoured to be included in the D&I Leaders’ ‘Inspirational Leaders’ list in June 2022.
Mahari Hay
Highly experienced people focused leader
Mahari Hay
Highly experienced people focused leader
I am an award winning, highly experienced communications, engagement, and people focused leader who actively seeks out and delivers on opportunities to transform traditional ways of working, improve colleague and leadership engagement as well as excellent creative strategy development and execution. My purpose is to make a difference to the lives of others, so I will always encourage others to adopt a growth and inclusive mindset, explore opportunities not barriers and use my extensive knowledge and network to guide them to achieving and delivering great results. I have over 19 years’ experience working in the highly complex and dynamic Financial Services Sector. My exceptional ability to understand the ‘colleague sentiment’ is what I pride myself on, as I have built a great reputation of being able to develop and ‘tell the right story’ that not only educates but can also motivate and inspire at all levels of an organisation.
Flavilla Fongang
Multi-award-winning serial entrepreneur and an international keynote speaker
Flavilla Fongang
Flavilla Fongang is a multi-award-winning serial entrepreneur and an international keynote speaker. Computer Weekly named her the number 1 most influential tech woman in the UK in 2022. Mercedes Benz awarded Flavilla the “She’s Mercedes” businesswoman award among women such as Sheryl Sandberg, the COO of Facebook. She is also the founder of Global Tech Advocates Black Women in Tech, the largest organisation of black professional women in tech. She is the founder of Black Rise, the first business platform dedicated to connecting the business world to talented, skilled and experienced black professionals and businesses. She is also an Entrepreneurship Expert with the Entrepreneurship Centre for Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. She is the author of “99 Strategies to Get Customers”.
Christos Tsaprounis
People & culture leader
Christos Tsaprounis
People & culture leader
Christos is a people & culture leader with a career across different industries ranging from digital to social housing. He spent four years at the Co-operative Bank before joining Auto Trader, a thriving technology business, in 2014 where together with his brilliant team he creates a space where everyone’s uniqueness is celebrated and is empowered to be at their best.
Professor John Amaechi OBE
Professor John Amaechi OBE
John Amaechi OBE is a world-renowned organisational psychologist, bestselling author, and Professor of Leadership at the University of Exeter Business School. As the founder of APS Intelligence Ltd., John leads a global team that transforms leaders and cultures by combining cutting-edge behavioural science with psychological insight. His bespoke programmes aren’t about quick fixes—they drive sustainable growth, ethical leadership, and organisational well-being.
From his roots in Stockport, near Manchester, to becoming the first Briton to play professional basketball in the NBA, John’s personal journey exemplifies resilience and ambition. Inspired by his mother’s words —“The most unlikely of people in the most improbable of circumstances can become extraordinary”— John has spent his career challenging expectations and helping others unlock their potential.
An adviser to FTSE 100 boards, a LinkedIn Top Voice, and the recipient of the Sport Industry Integrity and Impact Award, John is recognised as one of the most influential voices in leadership and organisational culture. His bestselling book, The Promises of Giants, inspires leaders worldwide to embrace authenticity, drive ethical change, and create lasting legacies.
Timi Okuwa
Timi Okuwa
Timi Okuwa is the Black Equity Organisation’s CEO since December 2023. She has been involved with the charity since 2022, when she joined as its Director of Partnerships and Programmes, forging relationships with Sky, Mission 44, and Operation Black Vote and significant foundational fundraising.
With a history of significant consulting roles at EY, Deloitte and the Department for Business and Trade she has collaborated with major institutions to drive impactful change initiatives. Timi was a magistrate for 11 years and applies this extensive experience to BEO’s critical mission, focusing on creating opportunities and fostering change.
Andy Ayim MBE
Andy Ayim MBE
My Work should be more than a pay check—it should be a source of fulfilment. I believe that when workplaces empower curiosity, nurture authentic connection, and align personal purpose with meaningful contribution, people thrive—and so do organizations. As a leadership advisor and facilitator, I specialize in helping managers transform their teams and cultures by focusing on what truly matters: creating environments where people feel seen, valued, and inspired to bring their best selves to work. Most managers are promoted because of technical expertise, but many struggle with the human side of leadership. They face the challenge of building trust, fostering connection, and recognizing the unique contributions of their team members. That’s where I come in. Through my talks, workshops, and consulting, I equip leaders with the tools to: Lead with curiosity and ask better questions. Build trust and psychological safety through authentic connection. Inspire meaningful contribution by aligning individual strengths with team goals. Fulfilment isn’t something we find outside of work—it’s something we build within it. My mission is to help managers become the linchpins of culture, creating workplaces where people feel empowered, engaged, and fulfilled. I’ve worked with organizations like Google, Tesco, Nando’s, Uber, and Novartis to help leaders turn workplaces into thriving ecosystems of growth, trust, and impact. If you’re ready to rethink leadership and build a team that thrives, let’s connect.
JJ Clarke Gordon
JJ Clarke Gordon
A bit about me: I’m an Award-Winning Certified Coach, Facilitator and Business Mentor – an all-round purpose-driven multipotentialite. I help other passionate and purpose-driven leaders develop the courage, confidence and mindset to thrive in their careers, businesses, and lives. My mission is to help those driven to create a positive impact in the world, people with integrity and values, like you, to lead with confidence, courage and purpose. I founded Ability Business Group, The Purpose Accelerator Business Mentoring and The Confidence Queens Academy to do just that. My global presence uniquely positions me to support you to THRIVE, online or in-person wherever you are based.
If you would like to see more from JJ Clarke Gordon, see below links to their socials and website.
Tanya Prendergast
Tanya Prendergast
Tanya Prendergast is the founder of Bidii, a Black health and well-being platform dedicated to empowering communities through knowledge, wellness, and self-care. Passionate about holistic health, Tanya launched the publication Our Health Supplement in 2021, providing expert-led insights on black health, and hair care.
In 2022 Bidii launched B-Uzuri, a fitness and wellness platform tailored specifically for Black women. Tanya’s mission is to create a fitness space that celebrates and supports Black health.
As Bidii evolves, 2025 marks an exciting chapter with the rebranding of the magazine and the launching of the Bidii Talks YouTube channel, further amplifying conversations around well-being, movement, and self-empowerment. With a commitment to fostering health-conscious communities, Bidii strives to be a driving force in reshaping the narrative around Black health and wellness.
If you would like to see more from Tanya, see below links to their socials and website.
Isabella Mascarenhas
Isabella Mascarenhas
Isabella is a people-centred and purpose-driven senior leader who has enjoyed a rich and varied career that spans private, public and charitable organisations in engineering and technology.
She specialises in social impact, youth engagement and development, charity partnerships and humanitarian aid response with her work always grounded on a solid foundation of anti-racism, diversity, inclusion and equity. Her passion and reputation for this work enabled her to rise to Vice President of Education & Social Impact for a global FTSE 100 business.
Over the last decade, she has helped organisations to transform their cultures by leading initiatives from the heart. Isabella’s work has helped businesses to collectively reach, positively impact and empower over 800,000 lives around the world, including young people, under-served groups, refugees and communities in developing countries. She has recently founded a new consultancy called The IM-Pact Kinship and aspires to assist businesses with the strategy, design and implementation of meaningful social impact programmes in partnership with charities, youth and grassroots organisations.
Nadine Dyer
Nadine Dyer
Nadine is a Senior Manager at Deloitte and leads inclusion in the Financial Advisory business, and recently led the Black Experience across the UK firm. She is the former Chair of the award-winning Multicultural Network at the firm and sits on the Ethnicity Council as an advisor.
Nadine is an advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion and champions the voice and experience of under-represented groups. She is dedicated to not only bringing to light the importance of DEI, but takes a proactive stance, working with business lines, central functions, and external organisations to improve experiences and drive positive and impactful change.
Nadine has been listed as one of ten Future Leaders as part of the Ethnicity Awards’ Top 100+ List 2020 for her efforts. She was also listed in the EMpower Ethnic Minority Role Model Future Leader list in 2018 and 2020 and was recently recognised and won the category for professional services at the 2023 Baton Awards.
She has been pivotal in driving the conversations on race across the firm; educating allies and contributing to the evolving positive cultural change.
Passionate about helping young people achieve their full potential Nadine is also a Trustee at Reedham’s Children’s Trust
Chanelle Kuevi
Chanelle Kauvi
Breaking away from the traditional university route, Chanelle is forging a successful career in Audit and Accounting through a Level 7 apprenticeship at KPMG UK, one of the world’s leading professional services firms. Just six months into the program, she is gaining invaluable hands-on experience while simultaneously working towards industry-recognised qualifications. Alongside her apprenticeship, Chanelle also pursues entrepreneurial ventures, solidifying her drive to create opportunities beyond standard education.
After excelling in her A-levels, Chanelle joined the working world straight away – one that combines practical learning with real application. Through interacting with clients, volunteering, and giving back with student mentorship, her journey so far demonstrates that success for a young black individual isn’t confined to a single path, but rather shaped by ambition, adaptability, faith and a keen willingness to learn and grow.
She hopes to share her insights on navigating the corporate space as a young person, challenging societal norms, the benefits of apprenticeships and making informed decisions about the future.
Yenbon Zanlerigu
Yenbon Zanlerigu
My name is Yenbon and I’m a private banking degree apprentice at HSBC. I feel it is so important to have representation on programmes like mine to show that they are accessible to everyone, not just individuals who fit a certain demographic. I’m excited to speak to you all and share my experience!
Ben Motley
Ben Motley
Benjamin Motley is the founder of the award-winning Three Trees Center for Change, where he has spent over 20 years working with individuals involved in domestic and sexual violence, and sociopathy. Through this work, Ben became deeply attuned to the harmful patterns of control and disconnection—and noticed these same dynamics often show up in workplace culture. This realization inspired him to shift his focus to working with organizations, where he now helps leaders drive personal growth, foster intersectional insight, and create transformative workplace cultures.
Ben also co-hosts the Ben and Jamesa Podcast, where he and Jamesa challenge oppressive thinking patterns behind leadership decisions and explore what it means to lead with courage, insight, and humanity.
Ben experiences much meaning in life through spending time with his wife and kids and wandering around the El Camino trail.
Illy Balde
Illy Balde
Illy is a Communications and Employee Engagement Leader who is passionate about driving culture change and helping people be at their best in a constantly changing environment. She currently leads communication and engagement for the Finance Transformation function at HSBC, responsible for defining and executing strategy to ensure colleagues understand and engage with the change in the organisation, and feel supported through the transition.
Illy has extensive experience working with Transformation leaders across the Financial Services industry, helping them successfully deliver transformation programmes and helping employees navigate through that change and continue to perform at their best.
Illy’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and her passion for helping others in her communities thrive have led her to play an active role in many employee networks over the years, from mentoring young Black Heritage talent to, more recently, being the co-chair of HSBC’s Black Heritage in Technology Network. The purpose of this network is to drive meaningful change and increase the representation and career progression of Black Heritage colleagues in HSBC and beyond.
Illy holds a Master’s degree in Business Management and foreign languages. She was born in Guinea, grew up in France, and now lives in London with her teenage daughter. She loves to travel and make new connections.
Adeshola Akanji
Adeshola Akanji
Adeshola is an accomplished leader with 16 years of experience in the NHS. An expert public speaker, specialising in topics related to diversity and inclusion, health and well-being, and leadership strategies. I focus on areas such as Disability Empowerment, Enhancing Health and Wellness, Embracing Neurodiversity, and Prioritising Mental Health. I actively promote disability awareness and provide education to both individuals and professionals regarding disabilities and available resources. My lived experiences enable me to connect meaningfully with diverse audiences, aiming to create a positive impact in the lives of others. As an effective communicator, I am dedicated to encouraging, motivating, and inspiring peers while fostering innovative ideas and contributing to a proactive work environment that enhances efficiency and productivity. I am a collaborative team player with a proven track record in various sectors, including administrative and managerial roles, laboratory settings, research, primary and secondary healthcare services, and medical education. I prioritise excellent service delivery and team dynamics. I am agile and adaptable in the face of change and seek an opportunity to leverage my extensive experience and skills within a reputable organisation while also pursuing continuous learning.
Shauna Roper
Shauna Roper
Shauna Roper is a strategic business executive with 17 years of experience in global financial services, specialising in people strategy, operational excellence, risk management, and cultural transformation. She has a proven track record of navigating complex regulatory landscapes, embedding inclusive business practices, and driving enterprise-wide change.
Currently serving as Chief of Staff in Global Procurement, Shauna operates at the highest level of leadership, collaborating with executives to enhance decision-making, manage sensitive business priorities, and solve complex challenges at pace. Her role is critical in aligning procurement strategy with organisational goals, optimising supply chains, and driving resilience and innovation across global operations.
Previously, as Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion for HSBC Global Functions, Shauna led a data-driven People & Inclusion strategy that exceeded representation targets, reshaped hiring and promotion pathways, and improved retention of underrepresented talent. Through strong partnerships with business leaders, she embedded DEI as a performance driver, transforming workplace culture and proving its commercial value.
With a decade-long background in Risk and Compliance, Shauna specialised in financial crime, regulatory advisory, and operational risk transformation. She has extensive experience in interpreting complex regulations, mitigating business risk, and embedding risk frameworks, expertise that now informs her work in procurement, ensuring governance, resilience, and sustainable value creation.
Beyond corporate leadership, Shauna is an executive coach to C-suite leaders and entrepreneurs and the founder of a women’s leadership program that has driven senior promotions and business growth. Her ability to lead people-focused transformation and business innovation has earned her recognition as one of EMEA’s Top 75 DEI Influencers (2022), a Top 25 Black Female Trailblazer in the UK (2023), and a Top 30 Inspirational Woman & Change Maker (2024). Shauna continues to be a driving force in shaping high performing, inclusive organisations that thrive in an evolving global landscape
Richard Etienne
Richard Etienne
Former official videographer to British Prime Minister Theresa May, Richard holds senior communications positions within the private and third sectors and has aided the online promotion of global brands in academia, art, and politics for over 18 years. Currently Director of Internal Communications at Elsevier, a medical data and technology company, Richard is also a Masterclass tutor with The Guardian News and Media and is also the founder of The Introvert Space and Black Introvert Week UK.
Tony Cealy
Tony Cealy
Tony is a drama & theatre practitioner producer using the arts to create dialogue about social, economic and political concerns. He collaborates with grassroots groups, charitable, community organisations and the wider voluntary community sector to provide creative programmes, projects and events that support people to live with the uncertainty and complexity that surrounds them. Out of these partnerships and collaborations he co-design a range of community led workshops, performances, projects and programmes that are about empowerment and social change.
As a theatre practitioner and cultural producer, he is passionate about developing policy solutions alongside people most affected by them.
- Founder, Director & Producer of 492 Korna Klub the UK’s only weekly improvised radio drama exploring social issues amongst the black community
- Artistic Agitator Fellow Brixton House - connecting strangers & beginning difficult conversations in shared spaces about Brixton and its people
- Co-Founder & Curator of https://81actsofexuberantdefiance.co.uk/ a ground-breaking grass-roots project, built from the ground up with over 300 people giving their time and energy for free to make a radical reclaiming of heritage – to imagine, experiment and create new futures. Click here on how to get involved: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=287694275664249&ref=watch_permalink
- Facilitator & trainer at the Core Learning Group. A project that sets out to envisage how civil society in London might better share resources and power to drive change. https://smk.org.uk/resources/power-project/
- Founder of http://theblackmensconsortium.com/ a project that supports Black Men affected by Mental Illness.
- Facilitator & trainer at https://www.ubele.org/ using arts culture & heritage for community development
- Reference Group Member at https://www.culturehealthandwellbeing.org.uk/creative-health-quality-framework
- Facilitator at The London Health Inequalities & Community Development Network Team for GLA working across public health, local authority, voluntary and community sectors throughout London with the shared goal of improving health inequalities https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/health/healthy-communities
- Lead Creative Trainer for Tutu Foundation UK https://tutufoundationuk.org/ubunto-round-tables-project/ deepening conversations for change with the Metropolitan Police and Young People
- Check the CAMHS creative health redesign project here:https://camhsreimagined.com/
- Read the GLA report (Page 51)
- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mU7yZSevLTEDQxww7BCfAWmQwxGHB5AD/view
- Read the report: https://londonartsandhealth.org.uk/story/clinical-champions-programme-by-diabetes-uk/
Amanda Epe
Amanda Epe
My zeal for education has enabled me the privilege of working in educator and teaching roles since 2000, as Learning Support, Learning Mentor, Lead of Creative Writing workshops, heritage and international development programs lead, and a lecturer in further and higher education travel and tourism courses. Being a multidisciplinary creative artist, I combine the literary arts, visual arts and performing arts for personnel development and community empowerment delivering within statutory education, institutions and community settings. With a passion for heritage and diversity, my previous role as Project Lead involved orchestrating a comprehensive heritage programme. We brought to life the stories of pioneering women in politics and STEM, capturing their legacies in a celebrated film and supplementary e-book for the ‘Brent Women of Renown’ project. This initiative not only enhanced educational resources but also highlighted the importance of diverse narratives in shaping our understanding of history. As a Storyteller, I’ve translated the rich tapestry of the Windrush Generation’s experiences into compelling poetry and dramatic pieces, delivering them across community spaces. This work, especially for the Windrush 75 history, reinforced the power of storytelling in preserving cultural heritage and promoting inclusivity. My approach integrates project coordination skills with a deep commitment to fostering engagement and empowerment through the arts. Additional keynote speaking bookings have included diversity in aviation and wellbeing for women. My directional debut documentary drama film ‘Flying for Britain’ which features the story of WW2 hero Flt Lt Johnny Smythe from Sierra Leonne premiered attracting over 60k views, thus indicating the need to bring captivating DEI storytelling to the market. Being a successful self-starter independently creating content in book and film media and founder of the empowering FLY GIRLS initiative I have helped emerging creatives find their voice and define their narrative in one-to-one consultations. I am motivated and rewarded to see new writers I have coached become successful authors and speakers, and my students excel in their courses.
Raj Tulsiani
Raj Tulsiani
Raj Tulsiani is one of the UK’s leading figures in executive and interim search, workforce planning and diversification. He has over 20 years of experience moving the dial on leadership, talent and diversity and is the author of ‘Diversity and Inclusion for Leaders: Making a Difference with the Diversity Headhunter.’
An industry pioneer in building diverse senior leadership teams and more equitable workplace cultures, Raj sits on and advises a number of boards and change agents across the public and private sectors on diversity and talent.
The founder and CEO of one of the recruitment industry’s few minority-owned businesses, Raj is a passionate advocate of the power of diversity as a source of competitive advantage and has helped set the benchmark for more inclusive, fair and ethical recruitment practices.
Originally a challenger brand, Raj has led Green Park to become an award-winning talent consultancy, recognised for its consistent attraction of diverse and appointable leadership candidates and with a global footprint spanning 55 countries. At the forefront of client and candidate service and innovation, Green Park has featured in the Financial Times’ list of 1000 Fastest Growing Companies and the Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100.
Laura Bennett
Laura Bennett
Laura is Director of Digital Delivery at the Parliamentary Digital Service (PDS), having worked there for 8 years initially in more technical roles and lately in the world of delivery.
She is a passionate advocate of action over discourse and has recently applied this to taking an action-led approach to the delivery of PDS’ Inclusion and Diversity plans. Inspired by a leadership programme delivered within the House of Commons last year focussed on race, and by an inclusion initiative initiated elsewhere in Parliament called CLEAR Pathways (Cultivating Leadership across Ethnicities to Accelerate Representation), Laura is sponsoring the PDS CLEAR Pathways programme, focussing on reducing the ethnicity pay gap and removing barriers to progression for colleagues from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.
Katrina Young
Katrina Young
Katrina Young is a human-focused trailblazing Futurist, CTO, and Strategic Business Consultant who has been named among the Top 40 Digital UK Women to Watch (2020) and recognised as a Digital Innovator (2021), Black Tech Innovator nomination 23, Featured in global platforms such as Forbes, The Times, Psychologies Magazine, and BBC News, Katrina’s expertise lies in Ethical Human Focused Inclusive AI adoption, digital transformation, and sustainable business strategies.
With over 26 years of experience, she has become a trusted advisor to enterprises, SMEs, startups, and global organisations. Her proven methodologies help businesses harness the power of technology, turning innovation into impact and ideas into scalable, profitable solutions.
Lady Phyll
Lady Phyll
Phyll Opoku-Gyimah is the nucleus of the award-winning celebration and protest that is UK Black Pride. Widely known as Lady Phyll – partly due to her decision to reject an MBE in the New Year’s Honours’ list to protest Britain’s role in formulating anti-LGBTQI+ penal codes across its empire – she was also the executive director of Kaleidoscope Trust, an organisation working to uphold the human rights of LGBTQI+ people around the world.
She is also the co-founder and CEO of UK Black Pride, Europe’s largest pride celebration for LGBT+ people of colour. Phyll is an experienced community builder and organiser; an Albert Kennedy Trust patron, and a writer and public speaker focusing on race, gender, sexuality and class.
Ruth-Anne Eghan
Ruth-Anne Eghan
Ruth-Anne Eghan is a Senior Inclusion and Diversity Consultant at Inclusive Employers, with a background in law, employment rights, and human resources. She has worked across multiple sectors, including healthcare, legal firms, and charities, delivering anti-racism training, inclusive leadership programmes, and organisational-wide DEI strategies. Her expertise spans intersectionality, anti-racism, decolonisation, faith inclusion, and psychological safety, ensuring that diversity efforts lead to meaningful, lasting change. She regularly works with senior leadership teams to embed inclusive practices at every level, from recruitment and policy development to workplace culture and leadership accountability.
Ruth-Anne regularly writes about racial justice, cultural identity, and workplace inclusion. Her work provides practical insights on tackling discrimination, building inclusive cultures, and understanding intersectionality in the workplace.
Cynthia Davis
Cynthia Davis
Cynthia V Davis was honoured with a CBE in 2023 for her exceptional services to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. She is Founder and CEO of D&I services organisation, Diversifying Group, as well as co-Founder of Diversifying Jobs, a collection of inclusive job boards, both proud B Corps.
As an award-winning diversity advocate and accomplished public speaker, Cynthia shares her journey and inspires others in panel discussions, workshops, and keynote speeches. She also mentors four young people from ethnically diverse backgrounds, holds a Fellowship at St. George’s College Leadership and serves as a Trustee for the children’s charity Over the Wall.
Cynthia’s recent awards include Women-Led Business of the Year at the British Business Awards 2023 and Inspirational Woman of the Year at the Black Tech Achievement Awards 2024.
Sally Spicer
Sally Spicer
Sally Spicer is the Co-Founder of Talent Included and a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in recruitment. With over 20 years of experience in the recruitment industry, she began her career supporting finance and accountancy executives through their career transitions within global organisations. It was during this time that she recognised the challenges in presenting representative and balanced shortlists and saw the need for more inclusive hiring practices.
Sally’s dedication to driving change led her to take on the role of Global Head of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) at an international recruitment firm. There, she successfully developed and implemented EDI and ESG strategies, embedding them across the organisation to drive greater inclusivity and impact.
Sally is also a qualified CMI Level 6 Professional in Management and Leadership Practice, specialising in Leading Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. Motivated by a desire to make lasting, positive change in the recruitment landscape, she co-founded Talent Included to help businesses build representative and inclusive teams that reflect the world we live in. Through her work, Sally is committed to creating opportunities and shaping a more equitable future for all.
Justin Placide
Justin Placide
Justin is the Head of Net Zero Governance and Fiscal Events Team from The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. He’s responsibilities cover strategic governance, fiscal events, briefing, ministerial engagement, business and corporate planning.
He leads his team on delivering the benefits outlined in the Net Zero Strategy and Powering Up Britain developing and co-ordinating ambitious new action across Government to deliver on HMG’s net zero target and on interim Carbon Budgets.
He is also a BEIS School Outreach Programme trainer, encouraging students from a diverse range of backgrounds to consider a career in the Civil Service.
He also Co-Chairs two Networks and is a school governor for two schools.
- The Civil Service Race Forum (CSRF), a collaborative group of ethnic minority Networks across the Civil Service, including Non-departmental Public Bodies, Agencies and Arms-Lengths Bodies, working to advance diversity, inclusion and equality.
- The Faith and Minority Ethnic (FAME) Network, represents staff from different ethnic backgrounds and faiths. An inclusive network, welcoming individuals who do not identify themselves as being from an ethnic background or religious group.
- Oliver Thomas Nursery School – Safeguarding lead and member of the finance committee.
- St Michael’s Catholic Primary School – Vice-Chair and deputy finance lead.
“We all need to do more to establish a sustainable D&I culture within the workplace. This will encourage and empower more people from different backgrounds, cultures, religions, regions and experiences to come forward with new ideas, perspectives to support their organisation and not accept the status quo or existing thinking“
Dr Kikie Gardner
Dr Kikie Gardner
Dr Kikie Gardner is the first fully digital NHS general practitioner in the UK. She graduated from St Bartholomew and the Royal London School of Medicine with an intercalated Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from King’s College London.
She is passionate about using digital innovation for improved patient outcomes. She believes that the future of healthcare lies in combining collective, population-based solutions and individual, more personalised approaches.
Tommie Edwards
Tommie Edwards
Tommie Edwards is the visionary co-founder and CEO of Tech1M, an innovative AI recruitment engine utilising specialized Agents to streamline sourcing, vetting, interviewing, and onboarding global talent. A recognized trailblazer in entrepreneurship, Tommie is at the forefront of applying agentic AI to enhance recruitment efficiency, improve candidate experiences, and combat systemic bias. Her expertise encompasses AI-driven innovation, data analytics, and fostering inclusive talent ecosystems.
Recently honoured as Business Woman of the Year 2024 at the Future Awards (by Foundervine, sponsored by PayPal and Lloyds Bank), Tommie was also named one of the Founders Forum Group’s 100 Women Tech Founders to Watch in 2025. As UK President for G20 Young Entrepreneurs and Board Chair at the UK Entrepreneurs Alliance, she actively promotes global collaboration, having facilitated £25 million in trade. Under her leadership, Tech1M was accepted into the prestigious Google AI First programme and recognized as a finalist at the National AI Awards and British Business Awards.
Featured in Forbes, BusinessDay, Financial Times and The Guardian, Tommie is a sought-after speaker who has addressed audiences at the United Nations in Geneva, London Tech Week, FII8 in Saudi Arabia, and delivered a keynote at the G20 Entrepreneurs Summit. Her passion for leveraging technology to solve global challenges makes her a compelling voice on the future of AI, recruitment, and innovation.
Kristin Bigras
Kristin Bigras
Kristin is a transformative systems strategist and unapologetic advocate for collective liberation through inclusive design and equity-centred leadership.
She reshapes how we understand “excellence” by centring relational accountability and intersectionality in every space she enters. Her work goes beyond performance metrics to dismantle extractive business models by implementing practices rooted in equity frameworks, like Lean Six Sigma.
She’s known for bridging silos and building people-powered ecosystems that foster shared power and interdependence. Kristin has a unique ability to translate complex operational systems into transparent narratives. Kristin is consistently pushing organisations to move beyond optics and into embodied action. Her approach is grounded in clarity and care, making her a steady collaborator for those committed to moving beyond performative inclusion into meaningful, sustained change.
Above all, Kristin brings generosity, curiosity, and a fierce dedication to co-creating liberated futures where everyone—not just the privileged few—can thrive.
Akil Hunte
Akil Hunte
Hello! My name is Akil Hunte—Lawyer, Speaker, Social Entrepreneur, and Spoken Word Artist.
My journey has been anything but straightforward, and that’s what shaped me into who I am today. I’ve faced my fair share of challenges, setbacks, and unexpected turns, but each one has become a stepping stone towards discovering my purpose.
From struggling to fit in as a kid to overcoming professional hurdles, I’ve come to learn that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about reinventing yourself when life calls for it. And now, I’ve made it my mission to help others navigate their own journeys with confidence and purpose.
After pursuing a career in law, I realised my calling went beyond titles or achievements. I wanted to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness and redefine what success looks like for them. Through every twist and turn, I discovered that true growth happens when we stop running from who we are and start leaning into it.
Now, as a Lawyer, Speaker, Social Entrepreneur, and Spoken Word Artist, I’ve made it my mission to help others find confidence in their journey. Whether through advocacy, coaching, or storytelling, I’m here to support those ready to rise above their challenges and create meaningful change.
Dr Sally Penni MBE
Dr Sally Penni MBE
Sally is a high-profile award-winning barrister. Outside of this role she is a public speaker, patron & board member, diversity leader, radio broadcaster & contributor and most importantly a proud mother of three.
Sally also sits as Non-Executive Director on a variety of boards bringing her experience and expertise in a variety of areas including governance, employment law & cyber security.
These boards include: Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, Arawak Walton Housing Association, Codethink Ltd and Camberwell Park School – Governor (Vice Chair) & Chair of Standards Committee.
Sally is a keen fundraiser supporting numerous local & national charities including Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. She is also the founder of a social enterprise “FMD” which is a community network that aims to connect the community and campaigns to end loneliness and isolation in the community.
Chris Lawrence
Chris Lawrence
Regional Lead for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Deutsche Bank
Chris has a degree in Accountancy & Finance and over 12+ years’ experience in Global Markets Operations wherein he was formerly the European Lead for Sales Support & Operations Client Relationship Management. Chris has extensive product knowledge covering Emerging Markets, Rates, Credit and Fixed Income and has a proven track record of adding value to the Client experience.
Chris has a passion for people development and inclusion wherein he is a founding member of the Black Leadership Forum and has been instrumental in helping to drive DE&I initiatives within the region. As of Jan 2023 Chris moved internally into HR and is now the Regional Lead for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for UK, Ireland and EMEA (excluding Germany).
Gerald Palmer
Gerald Palmer
Gerald is the Regional Head of Fitch Community, EMEA & Americas and is a CSR manager that’s ready to push beyond the norm.
His experience focuses on employee engagement, sustainability, responsible business and diversity and inclusion. He has a great deal of experience in working as part of an effective team, leading projects and reaching company targets.
He keeps up to date with the latest news regarding corporate responsibility as he has a desire to influence business’ involvement in their community.
Dr Jo Flack
Dr Jo Flack
I am a community-rooted clinical psychologist and the founder of Doing Better Therapy, a space grounded in collective care, justice, and liberation. My practice centres people, not pathologies—especially those who’ve been pushed to the margins by systems that fail to see their full humanity.
With over 25 years of experience in London—one of the most culturally vibrant yet systemically inequitable cities—I’ve walked alongside families, young people, and survivors navigating complex trauma, displacement, and institutional harm. My work spans across inpatient and outpatient settings, including NHS, Children’s Services, CAMHS, and specialist services for care-experienced, asylum-seeking, and refugee communities—many of whom are still actively resisting erasure and exclusion.
My approach isn’t about fitting people into clinical boxes. I draw from systemic, trauma-informed, and decolonial frameworks that honour context—social, political, familial, and ancestral. I recognize that healing doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens in relationship. And any model that ignores racism, migration, poverty, or colonization is incomplete.
As a white practitioner, I hold responsibility for dismantling power imbalances in the therapy room and in the field more broadly. This includes challenging the dominance of Eurocentric models, and making space for diverse ways of knowing, being, parenting, and healing—many of which are already thriving in the communities I serve.
Healing work should always be accountable to those most impacted. That’s the heart of what Doing Better means.
Prof. Inez Brown
Prof. Inez Brown
Prof. Brown is a trailblazing lawyer and leader with over two decades of legal/business expertise. She has dedicated her career to transforming organisations through strategic consultancy, corporate governance, and championing diversity and inclusion. Her multifaceted roles reflect her commitment to driving positive change across various sectors.
Recently appointed as Aston University’s Vice-Chancellor Professional Fellow, she provides strategic counsel on equity, diversity, and inclusion. This appointment underscores her commitment to shaping inclusive educational environments and fostering diverse leadership in academia. In July 2023, Aston conferred upon her an honorary doctorate, recognising her contributions to the legal profession and local business community.
As Managing Director of McKenzie Brown Consultancy Ltd, Prof. Brown empowers organisations by offering bespoke advisory services focusing on Corporate Governance, Leadership Development, Strategic Management, and Organisational Change. She has assisted clients across health, education, business, housing, and law sectors, unlocking their potential and driving sustainable growth.
As Regional Chair of the Institute of Directors (IoD) Central region, Professor Brown oversees 7 Branch Chairs and over 3000 members, promoting good governance, ethical practices, professional development and diversity.
In 2020, she became the first Black President of Birmingham Law Society in its 202-year history, expanding membership, establishing a diversity inclusion scheme, and providing scholarships to underrepresented students.
Her most notable legal case was the inquest of David Gray (deceased) in 2010. The inquest highlighted systemic failures in the registration, vetting, induction, training and monitoring of doctors in private out-of-hours services, prompting nationwide review of these services to enhance patient safety. The case was particularly noteworthy due to the circumstances surrounding Mr Gray’s death and the involvement of a foreign locum doctor. It garnered substantial attention from both local and national media outlets including BBC, Channel 4, Sky News, ITV News, local media and print publications.
Patrick Vernon OBE
Patrick Vernon OBE
Professor Patrick Vernon OBE, is the Chair of the Birmingham and Solihull NHS Integrated Care Board (BSol ICB). Patrick initially took up the role on an interim basis in January 2023 and was appointed as permanent Chair in January 2024. Patrick was the first Non-Executive Director to be appointed at the BSol ICB and was appointed to specifically lead inequalities (in fact he was the first NED lead for inequalities to be appointed in the country). He received an Order of the British Empire in 2012 for his work on tackling health inequalities and ethnic minority communities. In 2019, he was awarded a lifetime achievement award for campaigning and advocacy work by the Sheila McKechnie Foundation.
Patrick is a former Non-Executive Director for Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust and Healthwatch England. In 2020 Patrick established the Majonzi Fund, which is providing grants to families and community organisations to hold commemoration events for individuals from Black and racialised communities who have died from COVID-19 during the pandemic. Alongside his work for the BSol ICB, Patrick also chairs the Walsall Together Partnership Board working to create happier partnership working in the locality.
In August 2021 Patrick was appointed by Wolverhampton University as Honorary Professor of Cultural Heritage and Community Leadership for the Department of Community Development. In 2020, Patrick was selected by British Vogue as one of Britain’s top 20 campaigners and was included in the 2020 power list of 100 influential Black People in Britain. Also in 2020, Patrick co-authored 100 Great Black Britons. Patrick is a sought-after broadcaster, public speaker and writes blogs and articles for the national and international media on healthcare, cultural heritage and race.