As the Co-Chair of Standard Life Aberdeen’s relaunched Unity Network, Vannessa has been at the forefront of a significant network membership increase. Core to this success was the launch of the #TalkAboutRace initiative to discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by ethnic minorities in the workplace and normalize the topic of race for all. Vannessa also led focus groups which have gone on to influence important changes to SLA’s discrimination policy. Through the Unity Network, Vannessa has worked alongside Career Ready, SEO London and the Social Mobility Foundation to provide work experience opportunities to young people and exposure to role models. Vannessa has recently joined The Network of Network’s (TNON) Steering Committee where she will be exchanging best practice and advocating for inclusion and has represented SLA at #TalkAboutBlack’s Opportunities in Investment Management event, providing valuable insights to a young cohort looking to enter the industry.