Mary Agbesanwa

1
Management consultant
PwC UK

As Co-Chair of PwC’s Multicultural Business Network, Mary leads the London Steering Committee and in 2019, celebrated the success of a Black History Month initiative in London, where virtual and augmented reality created an immersive exhibition of Black British role models. This exhibition later toured regional offices across the UK. She contributed to PwC’s Ethnicity Pay Gap Reporting report, led the delivery of a Colour Brave training session to over 500 colleagues and pioneered PwC’s staff-run peer mentoring circles where staff support each other with career guidance. Outside of work, Mary is the co-founder of Now You’re Talking, a female millennial personal development community, which last October hosted a showcase to promote side hustles owned by predominantly BAME women. Mary has also appeared on the HERoes Women Role Model Lists and won a WeAreTheCity Rising Star Award.

Rodney Williams

2
Lead Project Manager
National Grid

Since joining National Grid, Rodney has been a proactive champion of diversity within his role as a Lead Project Manager and further afield. Rodney sits on the steering committee of ‘The Network of Networks’ (TNON), a community of over 80 organizations including FTSE companies. From 2016 – 2019, Rodney lead ‘ONE’, National Grid’s multicultural employee resource group. As Chair, Rodney relaunched the network, boosting membership by 95% and nurturing new programs such as the successful reverse mentoring scheme. Rodney also co-founded the ‘Development Programme for Diverse Leaders,’ a company-first course designed to accelerate and support BAME employees to management positions. Rodney is an experienced speaker on inclusion in the workplace, having spoken at several INvolve events, Gastech conferences in Texas and Barcelona, and Business in the Community events. Outside of work, Rodney is a Trustee for City Year UK, a youth social action charity, and an active member of UNISON.

Lindsey Morfin

3
Vice President, Chief Liquidity Risk Officer of GS Bank USA
Goldman Sachs

Lindsey is COO of Goldman Sachs firm-wide Hispanic Latino Network, which has seen a huge increase in membership since her joining in 2017, with numbers increasing from 3.9k to over 5k. Her role has included coaching and mentoring Hispanic candidates, taking a leadership role in Goldman Sachs’ responses to natural disasters, including the Puerto Rico earthquakes, and working to create a strategy to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Lindsey is a first generation Mexican American, and experienced early success due to her participation in Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO). She is now an active SEO alumna and gives back by being the liaison for SEO at Goldman Sachs. Outside of Goldman Sachs, Lindsey is a Board Member for Music for Autism, an organization that gives free converts for individuals with autism.

Malay Bose

4
Risk Assurance Officer
Bank of Ireland

Malay is the Founding Group Chair of Bank of Ireland’s Multicultural Employee Network and oversees the organization of various initiatives in multiple BOI offices across Ireland, Northern Ireland the Great Britain. He has helped drive the diversity and inclusion agenda across the business, helping Bank of Ireland win the inaugural D&I Award at the 2019 Business and Finance Awards. Malay has also worked to organize a number of initiatives to better the relationship between India and Ireland including; India Day, Irelands largest Indian-Irish celebration, a now-annual event with around 10,000 attendees; Diwali at City Hall in Dublin; and the Eire Vedanta Society, an organization affiliated to Ramakrishna Math and Mission of India, which promotes peace, harmony and wellbeing amongst countries, cultures and religions.

Tiffany Woo

5
Director, Translational Pharmacology Clinical Operations and Global Lead, Asia Pacific Association EBRG
Merck

Tiffany is the Global Lead for the Merck Asia Pacific Association employee resource group, which saw her win the Merck Global Diversity and Inclusion Award of Excellence in 2019. She has worked to develop a global strategy, focusing on engagement of middle management to support and recognize the work being done by their employees to foster D&I in their departments and wider company. Tiffany has given lectures on diversity in clinical trials and presentations on adopting Asian values in the Western workplace, while also supporting mentoring of Asian alums. As a Merck representative, she has participated in discussions on how to move the needle on break the ‘bamboo ceiling’ and is the Vice President and Health and Wellness Chair of the Columbia University Alumni Club of NY, Board Member and Advisor for the Asian Columbia Alumni Association and Speaker for the NJ Chapter of Ascend Pan Asian Leaders.

Zainab Kwaw-Swanzy

6
Digital Product Manager
Barclays

Zainab is currently the Deputy chair of the Barclays Black Professionals Forum, and oversees career progression and colleague development initiatives such as the internal mentoring programs and personal development workshops. She is also the Co-lead of their sixth form mentoring program, delivering workshops to students from South East London, pairing them with Barclays employee and offering work experience. The success of this program led to the Black Professionals Forum winning the Inclusion Champion Award, at Barclays Global Citizenship and Diversity Awards 2019. Zainab is also one of the founding members of gal-dem.com, an award-winning online magazine written by women and non-binary people of color. gal-dem addresses inequality and misrepresentation in the media industry, providing a platform for creative and editorial work from people of color. She is currently writing a book on Black British history, focused on afro hair, to be published in 2020/2021.

Victor Nieves, Jr.

7
Director, Enterprise Solution Consultant
BNY Mellon Pershing

Victor is a founding member of BNY Mellon Pershing’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group, and the co-chair of IMPACT - BNY Mellon’s multicultural business resource group – for the New York and New Jersey chapter. Employee programming includes mentoring, heritage celebrations and community sponsorship activities. He helped launch the firm’s first unconscious bias training program. As a financial services industry expert, Victor has incorporated D&I into his responsibilities at firm and client conferences sharing his expertise surrounding the growing wealth demographics of future generations, women and minority populations. He pioneered the development of the firms first financial advisor D&I news media partnership, with InvestmentNews. Victor is a frequent public speaker and sponsor of non-profit organizations and academic institutions, sharing his personal story to help inspire others, including speaking with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Hudson County Latino Foundation, New Jersey City University and the United States Military Academy.

Rhonda Pelton

8
Operation Excellence Leader
Dow

Rhonda serves on the Leadership Council of the Global African Affinity Network at Dow, and is a consistent advocate, volunteering with the Dow Promise program, and serving on the Dow Promise Advisory Council. The Dow Promise Program is an employee-led initiative at Dow, which strives to positively impact educational and economic challenges faced by African American youth and adults in communities near Dow sites. The annual competitive grant for this has been successful in providing financial and volunteer support for social, economic and environmental projects in communities where Dow operates. She has served with Dow University relations as a team lead to recruit diverse talent to Dow, contributing to a record number of minority interns and co-op students in 2018-19. Rhonda is also a Dow STEM ambassador, a Girls STEM Academy Speaker at NASA Space Centre Houston, and facilitator at Girls Construction Camp.

Deborah King

9
VP, Head of Paid Social
Essence

In 2019, Deborah launched Essence Village, Essence’s cultural hub from driving diversity and inclusion within the agency. Since launch, Essence Village has hosted two fireside chats, openly discussing experiences of an ethnic minority in the media industry and the progress they hope to see, which has gone on to inspire other D&I groups to be reinvigorated across the agency. Inspired after finding a lack of Black history being taught in Britain, Deborah co-founded I AM History, a Black lifestyle and culture publication designed to raise awareness and be a voice for Black stories, both historic and present day. I AM facilitates learning about Black heroes, events and era and advocates Black culture by celebrating role models through interviews and thought-pieces.

Brian Quinn

10
Director, U.S. Public Policy
Audible|Inc.

Brian is a government affairs professional with strong sense of social justice, economic empowerment, and respecting the dignity of all. Brian helped launch the Black Employee Network at Audible and sits on the Executive Board of the Impact Group. He continually mentors colleagues, spearheads various initiatives, and engages all employees to cultivate an inclusive environment. Brian collaborates with Audible’s “Spectrum and Belonging” team on initiatives to encourage a sense of community that celebrates all individuals for their authentic selves and fosters cultural awareness. Brian “connects the dots” between people and organizations, forging relationships that promote equity as a shared mission that informs and inspires our daily lives.  He mentors tech startups at Newark Venture Partners Lab, tech business accelerator, facilitating opportunities to apply innovation and technology solutions that empower individuals and strengthen communities. Brian serves on the Board of New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, and Essex Newark Legal Services.

Martin Pong

11
Product Manager
10X Banking

Having noticed the lack of visible gay East Asian role models in his own life, Martin works closely with organizations to apply an intersectional lens to their D&I initiatives. His work focuses on amplifying the voices of those from minority communities. One of Martin’s key initiatives includes an intersectional reverse mentoring program that he has introduced at his former place of work, Oliver Wyman, and inspired similar programs at other FTSE 100 companies. Martin regularly speaks publicly about his East Asian experiences of the model minority myth and explores the intricacies of navigating collectivist culture with an open LGBT+ identity. He hopes to inspire others to use the power of storytelling to make their experiences more visible to the next generation, and more tangible to senior figures who may not have considered the intersection of BAME and LGBT+ identities.

Bijal Majithia

12
Assistant Director
EY

Bijal is the Founder and Chair of EY’s Hindu Network, which hosts events for over a thousand members, and creates a space where BAME colleagues can share their experiences of different cultures, while tackling gender and racial stereotyping. She has spoken on several panels focused on inclusion, and features on BBC Radio 2’s Pause for Thought, to represent the Hindu voice on topical issues. She is a D&I ambassador for EY and has been recognized with a Person with Purpose Award, and an Inspiring Role Model Award. Externally, she has been recognized by WeAreTheCity as a Rising Star, and featured in the Consultancy UK Top 10 Inspiring Women in Consulting list. Bijal is director and founder of Veda London, which shares mindfulness and meditation in the workplace, and a mentor for The Girls Network, which empowers girls from disadvantaged communities. She is an educator and ambassador for Binti Period working for mensural education globally.

Javad Mushtaq

13
CEO
JM Ventures and MAK

As CEO of JM Ventures, Javad built Norway’s first impact investment company based on the thesis that diversity is profitable, and started by implementing a top-down approach to diversity and inclusion. He has established a ‘Circle of Friends’ approach, where a diverse set of executives serve as champions to support the company through enabling access and providing capital. When it comes to recruitment, Javad introduced a policy where possible to have a 50/50 gender split on the interview panel, and a minimum of one person with a non-Norwegian background. They also conducts unconscious bias training with all employees and stakeholders, and partners with community organizations focusing on diversity, inclusion and talent. He has been recognized amongst Norway’s Top Leadership Talents under 35 three years in a row. Javad also serves as CEO of MAK – Norway’s largest community of talents with diverse background, MinMentor and is Founder of DiversityHub in Norway.

Unsa Chaudri

14
Senior Consultant
Agilisys

Unsa is the BAME Network lead and PM for the Diversity and Inclusion Committee at Agilisys, the technology and transformation partner for the public sector. She is also a Founding Member and Policy Lead of Agilisys Women Empowerment, which promotes inclusion of women within a typically male dominated sector. Unsa’s input in the BAME network has led to the creation of a range of activities to promote a more inclusive workforce, such as lunchtime walks and socials that are away from the typical pub and alcohol-focused environment. She is also an elected local government councilor in Hounslow – the first BAME woman to hold the seat. In this position she works with young people, with the aim of supporting those who want to seek public office. She has also supported the Pakistan Welfare Association to encourage older people from an Asian background to integrate better with the community.

Manpreet Dhillon

15
CEO/Founder
Veza

As Founder & CEO of Veza, Manpreet is currently working on the HR Tech Group Diversity and Inclusion Project, which is analyzing and providing support to the tech industry within British Columbia. She is also a part of the international consultancy team for UN Women Georgia, and helped in creating a mentoring program to support women in leadership, which is now being rolled out across the tech sector. Manpreet has been involved in multiple initiatives exploring topics around diversity, including hosting an SXSW meetup for women of color in leadership, the Bamboo HR Virtual Summit and Diversity by Design – Women in Tech Regatta. She is also the Board Secretary for LiveBIG, an organization that works to make addiction and recovery support accessible, and minimize the stigma of people of color living with addiction.

Rini Laskar

16
Director
UBS

Rini is a director at UBS in Investment Banking Technology. She is currently leading a Cloud Transformation programme and has managed AI, and Unified Communication programmes for the bank. Recently named as one of the most inspirational women in the City of London in 2019 by Brummell magazine, Rini is the Co-Chair and founding member of the Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic (BAME) diversity employee network at UBS representing over 1000 members in the UK. She is a board member of BritBangla that supports the Bengali population who are one of the most disaffected communities in the UK. Rini is recognised as one of the top 100 Muslim women under Baroness Uddin’s ‘Change the script’ initiative and also represents UBS on diversity for the Lord Mayors Appeal in the City of London that helps to drive positive change on inclusion for City corporations.

Sengova Kailondo

17
Associate
Hogan Lovells International LLP

At Hogan Lovells, Sengova is an active member of the Steering Committees of the Multicultural Network and a new employee network, Race and Ethnicity at Hogan Lovells (REAHL), including playing an integral role in establishing REAHL, which focusses on the progression, retention and inclusion of BAME employees. His work has helped see an increase in the recruitment of employees from BAME and lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Moreover, he mentors BAME students through firm programs in collaboration with Rare Recruitment, a specialist diversity recruitment company, and has spoken on numerous panels to hundreds of students. He also works with Urban Synergy, an organization that helps young people reach their full potential, where he inspires students to pursue careers in the City. In addition, he is Co-treasurer of NOTICED, the UK’s first inter-firm D&I network aimed at promoting networking opportunities to celebrate diversity across the legal sector.

Farah Siddiqui

18
Manager, Trailhead Programs & Processes
Salesforce

Farah is the Co-founder and Global President of Faithforce, Salesforce’s interfaith employee resource group, and is the driving force behind Salesforce’s inclusion of faith in their equality programming. Since placing top of the EMpower Future Leader list in 2019, she has continued her work, making Dreamforce, one of the largest tech conferences in the world, inclusive to all faiths; hosted an Inclusive Language Workshop focused on religious and cultural literacy, and driven holiday celebrations and bridge building events throughout the year to promote a sense of belonging and allyship throughout the business. She has also spoken at multiple events around diversity topics including allyship, faith inclusion and leadership, is a member of the Muslim Womens Alliance and on the board of the Illinois Muslim Civic Coalition.

Andrew Monu

19
Director, Field & Product Marketing (EMEA & LATAM)
LinkedIn

Andrew is a founding member of, and UK lead for LinkedIn’s Embrace employee resource group, which focuses on ethnic minority diversity and inclusion. He has worked closely with leadership on the UK strategy for racial diversity and inclusion, including listening sessions with BAME employees and non-BAME leadership to identify key areas for the business to empower allies to better nurture BAME talent. Andrew mentors globally within LinkedIn, with mentees in the UK as well as Black and Latino mentees in the US as part of the Mentor’s Circle program. He is also a regular speaker on inclusion, including appearing on an INvolve panel exploring media portrayals of ethnic minorities, The Telegraph’s Diversity and Inclusion conference and a Bloom UK event and podcast about fighting fear of failure.

Nilesh Solanki

20
Secure Data UK Lead and PwC Hindu Network Leader
PwC

As Founder and Leader of the PwC Hindu Network for 17 years, Nilesh has helped impact the firm's Diversity and Inclusion agenda by leading, mentoring and coaching a dynamic team of 15 to drive initiatives to over 1000 internal & external members and clients. He has played a part in multiple successful initiatives including Diwali celebrations, International Women’s Day, Everyday Inclusion Day, Interfaith and spiritual events. Nilesh has been the keynote speaker at the Centre of India Studies, exploring the impact and contribution of Indian diaspora globally, and was part of the judging panel for the PwC Awards which promotes D&I, innovation, entrepreneurship and business & global acumen. He sits as an advisory board member for NHSF (UK) & City Hindu Network, and is the National Assistant General Secretary of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (UK), running 110 weekly leadership activity centers across the UK with over 2000 attendees.  

Minal Mehta

21
Managing Consultant
IBM iX (Interactive Experience)

Minal Mehta drives diversity and inclusion, internally at IBM and externally in the music industry. At IBM, she promotes diversity in tech, reaching upwards of 40,000 employees. She is a core team member of both the IBM iX Diversity Council and the IBM BAME employee resource group, sharing her career journey to inspire, support and guide BAME youth on their career paths. Recently, she organized her IBM team to represent the school career event Your Future, Your Ambition, where IBM held a director’s box incorporating Design Thinking Workshops for over 1000 students, showcasing IBM’s work with NASA. She was also part of a global initiative, led by 48in48, aiming to build 48 non-profit websites in 48 hours. Her current focus is working on launching her app that uses AI to enhance neurologic music therapy, after seeing first-hand the power music can play in supporting a patient’s needs.

Ademola Bamgbose

22
International Arbitration Associate
Hogan Lovells International LLP

Ademola is an international arbitration lawyer admitted to practice in Nigeria, England and Wales. He has previously undertaken a litigation secondment at a FTSE 100 company in London and spent some time at the ICC Court of Arbitration in Paris and a leading commercial law firm in Lagos. Dr Bamgbose sits on the steering committee of both the BAME and Multicultural Networks at Hogan Lovells ("HL"). He mentors BAME lawyers and students and takes a front seat in driving HL's diversity and inclusion agenda. Ademola co-founded Africa Arbitration, a platform designed to promote black practitioners across the globe. He is a Regional Representative (Africa) at the London Court of International Arbitration – Young International Arbitration Group, Director of the Africa Arbitration Academy and Honorary Lecturer (international arbitration) at Nigeria's premier university, University of Ibadan. He regularly features on leading media platforms and contributes to the discourse on diversity especially in international arbitration.

Donna Fraser

23
Equality, Diversity & Engagement Lead and Domestic Athletics Ops Manager
UK Athletics

Donna, a four-time Olympian, formed the ED&I Advocate Group at UK Athletics, to empower employees who are passionate about inclusion. Driving this is the main objective, and the group develops annual activities for colleagues to get involved in to raise awareness of ED&I throughout the organization. Most recently, they have launched the first collaborative mentoring project with the England and Wales Cricket Board, and held their first Let’s Talk LGBT+ network event, engaging staff, athletes, coaches and officials, to help address issues within the LGBT+ athletics community. Donna has led several training programs and sessions, including at the Officials Conference – the first ED&I session of its kind – and the UK Coaching Conference, addressing the need for diversity and inclusion in coaching. She is also the Vice Chair and ED&I Champion for the British Athletes Commission, supporting them in achieving the Equality Standard for Sport Immediate Level.

Oyin Talabi

24
Energy Engineer
BuroHappold Engineering

After organizing BuroHappold’s first Cultural Diversity Week in 2018, Oyin co-founded an employee network called FAIR – fairness, awareness, inclusion and respect. The aim of FAIR is to promote a culture of inclusion within the company and champion the needs of all identity groups, raising awareness of the challenges they face. As Chair, Oyin has run successful campaigns, including #shareyourculture, showcasing unique parts of cultures represented in the business. FAIR now serves as a sounding board for the HR department, and feeds directly into the company’s recruitment policies and inclusion initiatives and is now being rolled out to all BuroHappold UK offices. Oyin has spoken on the topic of inclusion in technology and engineering at multiple events, and as a member of District Heating Diva’s group, a network for women in district heating, she has presented at their first conference about challenges faced by ethnic minorities in the industry.

Priyanshi Srivastava

25
Software Engineer
JP Morgan Chase & Co

In addition to her role as a software engineer, Priyanshi is the EMEA lead for Diversity and Inclusion in her line of business. Priyanshi has led conversations and organized forums with senior leadership on topics such as mental well-being, promotion process and cultural diversity. She has run workshop promoting #IamRemarkable, an initiative empowering women and underrepresented groups to celebrate their achievements in the workplace. She mentors emerging talent and offers them career and technical advancement guidance by leading educational sessions. Priyanshi was a speaker for the Sit With Me campaign in 2019, promoting the importance of gender balance in the workplace, and is a member of the Aspiring Women group in Dorset, which aims to support local women by providing an opportunity to meet and share experiences. She was a winner at the TechWomen100 Awards in 2019, and a finalist for Banking Technology Awards 2019 as a Rising Star.

Amit Chouhan

26
Solution Director
Fujitsu

As Co-chair of Fujitsu’s Cultural Diversity Network, Amit’s leadership has helped to radically change perceptions of race at Fujitsu, resulting in BITC recognizing Fujitsu as a Top 50 Employer for Race and early commitment to BITC’s Race at Work Charter. Through the network he has championed close collaboration across ERGS to promote new levels of cohesiveness. Amit works tirelessly to raise awareness of the power of networks- leading town halls with the CEO, reverse mentoring senior leaders internally and externally, and promoting key actions such as Black History Month awareness. He is passionate about inspiring the next generation, promoting interfaith dialogue across the business, and ensuring a sustainable path forward for the BAME community. He takes his passion for inclusion into his role with customers and partners with vigor and pride- which has proven that it is not only the right thing to do for business, but for society.  

Deon Pillay

27
Head of Global Marketing Operations
Legal and General Investments

Deon is Chair of Legal and General’s LGBT+ network and sits on the steering committee of the Culture and Ethnicity, and Gender networks. He works closely with HR to ensure that policies across the business are inclusive of all minorities and championed the Trans Inclusion policy in 2019. As a role model, he has helped the network relaunch, and discussed the challenges faced both as a gay man and an ethnic minority. He has also helped to develop a benchmarking tool to help businesses measure ethnicity inclusion and provided best practice guidance. Being one of the few out ethnic minorities in the financial services and insurance industry, Deon is a vocal advocate for inclusion and has appeared on several panels and keynotes discussing the topic.

Vincent Egunlae

28
Audit Associate
Grant Thornton UK LLP

Vincent is the co-founder of the Ethnicity Network at Grant Thornton, and was the key driver in their response to the Government’s consultation on Ethnicity Pay Gap reporting. He regularly speaks on the benefits of diversity and inclusion on behalf of the firm and drives collaboration between Grant Thornton and external stakeholders on internal inclusion strategies. He often hosts events introducing BAME students from low socioeconomic backgrounds to accountancy. He is also a Director for the Chartered Accountants Student Society, which aims to improve the wellbeing of student accountants in London, which has led to him pioneering a tri-annual series of events call DiverCity, which showcases role models from underrepresented groups. Vincent also sits on the steering committee for TNON, a group disseminating best practice amongst network leaders and is on the FinBiz2030 Taskforce which aims to lobby the finance and business community to achieve the SDG’s by 2030.

Darice Brown

29
Global Supply Chain Communications and Messaging Manager
Rockwell Automation

Darice believes that identification leads to inspiration and motivation; she daily models her life accordingly. As the immediate past president of Rockwell Automation’s African American Professionals Network, she is a lead partner in the company’s global strategy to positively impact diversity and inclusion efforts to attract, retain and nurture diverse talent. Darice is a strategic communications advisor, currently serving in the newly created Global Supply Chain Communications and Marketing Manager role. She has a passion for improving and helping to eliminate issues impacting diverse women and children through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) exposure, education, and professional development opportunities. Darice is regularly invited to serve as a panelist or moderator on diversity and inclusion topics and shares her time and talent through her board membership with Mentor Milwaukee and the Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s Communications and Marketing Advisory Committee.

Jennie Koo

30
Head of Operations Risk Management
Capital One

Within six months of joining Capital One, Jennie had ran a D&I session for leadership and wider teams, to help break down barriers and create visibility of unconscious exclusion. She has challenged the approach to inclusion, particularly on increasing awareness on intersectionality focusing on ethnicity and mental health. Through the creation of newly established Mind Your Mind and BAME networks this has also now led to the creation of an Executive Sponsor led D&I monthly forum. Jennie was also appointed as UK lead for EmpowHER, (women’s resource group), which is aimed at driving policy change, development and support for women of all backgrounds. Through an innovative first of its kind Growth Mindset Conference in Birmingham, she successfully created a platform for a different approach to progressing inclusive thinking. Jennie is also passionate about social mobility, and mentors a diverse group of people as part of Prince’s Trust programs.

Rohit Sagar

31
Digital Collaboration & Technology Leader
Deloitte

Rohit is one of the founders and Co-chair of the Deloitte Ethnicity Council UK, and the Chair of one of Deloitte’s largest award winning Faith Networks. The Ethnicity Council has been instrumental in formulating the strategy for ethnicity in leadership for Deloitte, and is one of the business’ top priorities. It has also put the spotlight on role models, and promoted a strong sense of self-belief in junior staff, whilst also focusing on the promotion of people from an ethnic background to more senior roles. Rohit is the Deloitte representative to the Multicultural Professional Forum, which meets at the Houses of Parliament, where he is able to share advice and best practice with key Government officials and other corporate leaders. He is also a mentor and has appeared as an advisor and speaker at several events across the UK.

Kalyani Martinelango

32
Business Analytical Leader
Dow

Kalyani is Global Chair of Dow’s Asian Diversity Network (ADN), and member of Dow’s Joint Inclusion Council. As Global Chair, she has led ADN through its global expansion, creating a greater impact for European and Asia-Pacific colleagues. In the past two years, ten new chapters have started in multiple regions, with participation increasing by 250%, and membership up to 3,500. She has pioneered a Leadership Development Program pilot, due in 2020, to help with the advancement of Asian employees to beyond mid-level management. She is an active member of the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, and is the Dow point of contact, leading to a strong partnership between the two organizations, and providing guidance for their new professional network. Kalyani has served as a speaker and panelist for several events, both internal and external.

Omar Ahmed

33
Product Transfer and New Product Introduction Manager
GSK

“As Founder and Co-lead of the EMBRACE employee resource group, and a member of GSK’s Global Ethnicity Council, Omar has driven engagement, commitment and accountability with senior leaders to create an environment where Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic (BAME) employees may succeed at the most senior levels. He was instrumental in pioneering a “Let’s talk about Race” session at GSK that included senior leaders and has facilitated workshop on the topic with other organizations. His position in the network has enabled him to provide broad input into GSK’s diversity and inclusion strategy, self-identification campaign, and support the creation of mixed interview panels to include ethnic minorities. Externally, Omar is focused on inspiring the next generation of BAME talent through Your Future Your Ambition and the Migrant Leaders mentoring program. He sits on the steering committee of TNON BAME/Multicultural group, building leadership capability of BAME network leaders from over 70 public/private organizations.”

Dennis Owusu-Sem

34
Oversight Relationship Manager
BMO Global Asset Management

Dennis is Oversight Relationship Manager at BMO Global Asset Management and Founder of Success Talks. As an Economics graduate, Dennis was drawn to a career in asset management after completing his placement year at Goldman Sachs which paved a path for him to join the industry after finishing university. During conversations with a colleague at work, the lack of BAME role models struck a chord and he decided to do something about it. He started Success Talks as a platform to showcase role models and provide insights for BAME professionals to progress within their career. Success Talks has over 130,000 followers across all social media profiles, 3000+ sign ups to events and spearheaded over 30 live experiences for BAME professionals. The organization has gone from strength to strength since Dennis launched it, and the last conference was hosted by Morgan Stanley with over 140 BAME professionals and 18 speakers from the UK and US.

Ratidzo Starkey

35
Head of Outreach & Education
Bank of England

Ratidzo Starkey is an experienced senior economist, with a proven track record in economic and financial policy, strategy and communications.  Her career has spanned central banking and Tier 1 financial institutions.  She co-chairs the Bank of England’s Ethnic Minority Network and sits on the Bank’s BAME Taskforce, responsible for shaping the Bank’s strategy to improve the progression and representation of BAME colleagues.  She has championed a number of Taskforce initiatives, including the redesign of the Bank’s African Caribbean Scholarship Scheme, to increase the number of African and Afro Caribbean students in the bank.  Externally, Ratidzo is a judge for the Black British Business Awards, a School Governor and participates in a number of career-focused panels where she talks about the importance of diversity in the workplace.

Stephanie Ofili

36
Associate
Clifford Chance LLP

Stephanie has a track record of supporting diversity and inclusion both in and out of her Clifford Chance LLP network. She is a member of the Clifford Chance REACH Network Steering Committee and participates in Clifford Chance’s Reverse Mentoring programme, where she shares insights from her perspective as a Black female associate and advises on policy changes in the firm aimed at promoting inclusion and diversity and improving the numbers and experiences of BAME associates. Stephanie also co-founded the Black British City Group (BBCG) the only cross-sector network of black professionals in the City with an aim to positively impact and empower Black British communities through programmes leveraging BBCG members' collective skills and resources.

Mary Alade

37
Chief Strategy Officer
Aon

Mary, born and raised in Nigeria up until the age of 7, came to live in the UK in 1996; following her degree in Law, Mary entered the City of London in 2010. She has held a variety of positions at various international Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers, culminating in her role as a Chief Strategy Officer. At Aon, Mary has been an instrumental in developing workshops to upskill ethnic minority students. She organized Aon Insight Week; a week-long workshop for Afro-Caribbean students to learn about the insurance industry. The success of Insight Week resulted in the creation of BAME Future Leaders, a fast-track program for BAME individuals onto Aon’s graduate program which has led to a 40% increase of BAME students onto Aon’s Internship and Graduate scheme. Outside her city life, Mary is a full-time keyboardist in her church and has a deep interest in song writing and music composition.

Sonia Janday

38
Senior Legal Counsel & Aviva Origins Co-Chair
Aviva

Sonia co-chairs Aviva Origins, and has driven fundamental change at Aviva through providing leadership on race and ethnicity, partnering with the Central Diversity Team on diversity mentoring, rolling out unconscious bias training for managers, and developing the Origins Internship Programme with the Social Mobility Foundation for underprivileged students. The group has held events and celebrations to educate and raise awareness, they delivered outreach for Ramadan, opened a purpose-built prayer/multi-faith room, changed the hospitality form and launched an Ethnic Minority Leadership Programme. Externally, Sonia is a Mentor and also sits on the committee of the Society of Asian Lawyers, leads the Asian Legal Awards and represents Aviva on the House of Lords Multi Cultural Professional Forum.

McKinley Stephens

39
Sr. Digital Brand Manager
Busch Beer

At Anheuser-Busch, McKinley is the internal engagement chair for the Porter-Brown Society, an African American ERG. He has spearheaded efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, and in the last 12 months hosted dinners to recruit top talent from various minority groups. The group has expanded recruiting efforts to include historically black colleges and universities, and hosted panels featuring internal and external industry experts to celebrate African American culture and its impact on American history. McKinley is an alumni and member of the Jackie Robinson Foundation, who support the education of minority scholars around the country through mentoring and scholarship.

Natasha Persad

40
Vice President - Client Relationship Management
State Street Bank and Trust

Natasha is Involved with promoting diversity and inclusion at State Street Ireland through her role within the Pride network and the Diversity committee focusing on Race and Ethnicity and Varying Abilities. A committed champion for inclusivity in the workplace and beyond Natasha is Co-Chair of the Diversity Committee and has assisted in organizing and participating in events with several groups such as the Irish Wheelchair Association, the Ronald McDonald Trust, NEIC programs, Special Olympics, SVP, raised money for various hospices and for AIDS Ireland and as a network marched for Pride. In addition, Natasha has engaged with young people to discuss the integration of different cultures within an ever-changing Ireland and has become a visible role model for many.

Taslima Parvin

41
Director of Talent Development 
Day One Agency

Taslima is committed to driving the charge for diversity, equity, and inclusion. As one of the first members of Publicis Media’s Inclusion Council, Taslima coaches management and has partnered with C-Suite executives and business leaders to create and define Publicis Media’s Diversity & Inclusion strategy. During her tenure, Taslima has implemented a high school internship program which was met with great success and promoted partnerships with organizations such as Opportunity Network, Future and Options and the T Howard Foundation. Taslima is also a member of the Viva Women of Colour, a Board Member of VivaMama, and a founding member of the Power of Women BRG at Publicis Media.

Arzu Ozdemir

42
Human Resources Analyst, HR Transformation
AIG

Arzu Ozdemir joined AIG in 2018 and is a Human Resources Analyst in AIG’s HR Transformation Office in New York. At AIG, Arzu also works to raise awareness about diversity and inclusion as part of the leadership team for the New York Latino Network Employee Resource Group (ERG), one of more than 140 AIG ERGs worldwide providing forums for employees to advocate for one another and advance many dimensions of diversity and inclusion within AIG’s communities. Arzu helps to promote dialogue, authenticity and holistic approaches to inclusion as a member of several of these ERGs. In addition, Arzu serves on the board of Diverse Influencers, a non-profit professional development organization for diverse students in the City University of New York system. She teaches participants early on about the career opportunities and resources available to them and the soft skills that support a successful career in the corporate world.

Bernard Adjei

43
Programme Delivery Manager
Lloyds Banking Group

Bernard is the Founder of RISE (Reach Inspire Support Empower) at Lloyds’ Banking Group, providing work experience and apprenticeships to young people at ten colleges across the country. Recognized as a Lloyds’ Banking Group Role Model, he is also an ally of the Rainbow Network and has supported more than 350 students in the UK through coaching and workshops. He is committed to driving inclusion in the workplace and beyond, most notably as a Board member of the UK Chartered Banking Institute’s Forum where he raised over £1m in funds for the 2025 Foundation scheme aimed at increasing opportunities for disadvantaged youth.

Marina Ebrubah

44
Senior Manager, Financial Crime Compliance
Man Group

Marina has been instrumental in leading Man Group’s diversity and inclusion activity, which is coordinated underneath the firm’s “Drive” program. She is the Chair of the London Diversity and Inclusion Working Group, and a founding member of the firm’s Black employees’ network, BEAM.  In these roles, Marina works closely with Drive‘s Steering Committee, which is comprised of senior leaders from across the business, and assists with building the D&I strategy, and working with executives and employees in its implementation.  As part of Drive, Marina has played a key role in delivering events and initiatives focused on Black History Month; the launch of Man Group’s “NextGen” network, a group for younger professionals; inclusion-focused lunches; and she is also a member of Man Group’s mentoring program. Marina also contributes her passion to the broader asset management industry, through supporting initiatives such as ‘Talk About Black’, which was established by the Diversity Project. 

Rondette Amoy Smith

45
Executive Director, Human Capital Management
Goldman Sachs

Rondette is a member of Goldman Sachs’ Global D&I Team, the EMEA Advisor to the firm-wide Black Network and is focused on driving the BAME Talent Strategy and affinity networks. She has led the re-launch of the Black Analyst & Associate Initiative focused on retaining black talent, is responsible for building external relationships with organizations such as the Stephen Lawrence Foundation and pioneered the ‘Real Talk’ sessions driving connectivity between senior leadership and black talent across all levels. In addition, Rondette is an Alumni Ambassador for the Cornell Alumni Admissions Ambassadors Network, a youth mentor for Mentivity and Co-founder of the Podcast Race2Rise.

Aki Schilz

46
Director
The Literary Consultancy

Aki is the Director at The Literary Consultancy and leads the TLC Quality Writing For All campaign which provides a platform for and supports under-represented writers. She has brokered a sponsorship deal with AM Health Literary Agency enabling the publication of the Free Reads Anthology featuring 20 marginalized writers and spearheaded a sponsorship from the National Arts Council Singapore to support 42 Singaporean writers. Named as one of the FutureBook 40 in 2018, Aki is a Trustee and member of the Diversity Subcommittee for Poetry London and is a member of #BAMEinpublishing. In addition, she launched an Editing Training Scheme with the Publishing Training Centre in a partnership that offers free training, support and travel bursaries to aspiring editors from diverse backgrounds.

Lemona Chanda

47
Associate
Financial Conduct Authority

As a key member of the Balance Network Steering Group at the Financial Conduct Authority, Lemona proactively advises on addressing BAME and gender inclusion across all levels of business. By challenging behaviors that can prohibit progress, Lemona is a champion of inclusion and committed to driving positive change. She is leading mentoring scheme for prospective Technical Specialists and leads work to identify development pathways for Professional Business Support (PBS) colleagues. In addition, Lemona is the Founder of OurCause, Advisor to the Commonwealth Business Women’s Network, a Women’s Officer for UNA and has led over 1000 activists and NGOs globally on Sustainable Development Goals to collectively address issues such as gender discrimination.

Madison Butler

48
VP of People & Culture
Sourced Craft Cocktails 

Madison oversees Sourced Craft Cocktails people and culture initiatives. She is working to shift the focus from metrics to belonging and retention with the aim to increase diverse talent. She has also implemented training that covers the entire hiring cycle and provides coaching across all levels of the organization. Externally, Madison is a regular volunteer for ATXHR, tasked with promoting awareness of diversity and inclusion to the HR Community and their role as advocates for the wider BAME population. Additionally, she works with early-phase start-ups to develop their inclusive cultures and works with managers on tackling unconscious bias. She is passionate about humanizing the work place and honoring people for exactly who you are without the stigma that follows corporate America. 

Joanie Kwok

49
Director
Anheuser- Busch

Joanie is the Co-Chair of the Anheuser-Busch (AB) Pac Asia Employee Community and a Member of AB’s Marketing Culture Collective. She has delivered and designed AB’s first national Asian American program created to raise the profile and awareness of Asian American consumers, has led a panel to discuss Asian-American culture through food alongside the Museum of Food & Drink and Buzzfeed and has assisted on talent pipeline recruitment of staffing. She is also part of the Network of Allies at AB that works on designing inclusive policies. In addition, Joanie is a Member of Cosmos and supporter of Slant’d through which she has actively advocated for new Asian American groups through donations and participation.

Nigell Todd

50
Director - Global Foreign Exchange
Fidelity International

Nigell is a member of the LGBT+ Global Action Group, Global Lead for Enable and a member of Fidelity for Everyone at Fidelity International (FIL). He has introduced an LGBT+ Ally program within the Dublin office and upon becoming FIL’s Diversity and Inclusion Lead has been involved with organizing several global campaign events for awareness days such as International Women’s Day and Cultural Diversity.  As the Global Lead for Enable, Nigell is tasked with improving accessibility and was successful in coordinating a global campaign for International Day of Person’s with Disabilities. As an OUTstanding Mentor and providing industry thought leadership, Nigell is a champion of diversity in the workplace and beyond.

Francis Theuri

51
Data & Analytics and End To End Commercial Transition Lead
Diageo

Francis is the Co-Lead of Diageo’s Ethnic Diversity Business Resource Group REACH, a senior member of Diageo’s Rainbow Network and a Committee Member for Diageo’s annual Inclusion Week. Through these networks he has designed and delivered Carnival and Diwali events, presented at the RADIUS program initiative and championed a culture of inclusion and diversity at Diageo. Additionally, Francis is a Member of the BlackOUT Collective, leading the push for enhanced inclusion of black queer men in London and leading the Wealth Creation and Investment Committee. He has also organized a fundraiser for GiveOUT, helping to raise funds for LGBTIQ activists in the most hostile environments around the globe.

Ajay Mistry

52
Partnerships Director
BHIB Insurance Brokers & Brokerbility

Ajay is the Partnerships Director at BHIB Insurance Brokers and Create Insurance and is the Co-Founder and Co-Chair of iCAN (the Insurance Cultural Awareness Network), an industry-wide network with over 900 members and sponsored by 8 companies across the insurance industry. Through this, he has led a team to launch iCANapply, a new online platform promoting career paths and the retention of BAME talent, as well as iCANinspire, an innovative self-service mentoring tool for BAME colleagues in the industry. As a long-standing member of The Network of Networks (TNON) Steering Committee, Ajay is tasked with training new members and network leaders to help them deliver on their diversity and inclusion goals.

Nadine Dyer

53
Respect and Inclusion Manager
Deloitte

Nadine is the Co-Chair of Deloitte’s Multicultural Network, an Advisor to the Deloitte Ethnicity Council and the Lead for the BAME in Financial Advisory Working Group. Through these networks Nadine has successfully launched the Next Level Module, supporting ambitious BAME professionals, delivered a Race Inclusion Session for Senior Leaders to address inclusion-related challenges in a supportive environment and has designed the Partner Conversations series. Externally, Nadine is a Trustee for the Youth Charter and has been a TNON Steering Committee member developing leadership skills of BAME network leaders from both private and public organisations. She is committed to driving positive change within Financial Advisory and beyond.

Terrance Bowman

54
Head of Global Technology Diversity Attraction, Communities, and Inclusion Strategies
J.P. Morgan Chase

Terrance is a Summer Apprentice Mentor and firm wide Ambassador for JPMorgan Chase’s Advancing Black Pathways initiative and a Mid-Atlantic Executive Steering Committee Member for the Black Organization and Leadership Development (BOLD) Business Resource Group. He is a champion of diversity and inclusion as seen through his work transforming the global technology strategy to attract, develop and retain top talent. He has bolstered inclusion across all levels during his tenure by implementing initiatives like Sit With Me and More Than a Label. Terrance is on the Board of Directors for the Chester Alumni Foundation and on the Computer Science and Engineering Advisory Board for Delaware State University. He successfully partnered with external organizations, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Hispanic Serving Institutions as well as facilitated technical and other skill-building workshops for minority groups.  He also helped launch international chapters of the Black Women Talk Tech network.

Kuldeep Mehmi

55
Associate Director
Savills

Kuldeep has been championing diversity in the workplace for over eight years. He is passionate about raising awareness of the barriers to entry for ethnic minority groups and driving change. He has contributed to diversity research reports from industry bodies CIPR and PRCA and is a regular speaker at events including Cision’s inaugural CommsCon18 and at Universities including the University of Cambridge. Through his work with the Taylor Bennett Foundation he is a mentor to trainees and has organized events to encourage tackling issues around the lack of diversity in the communications industry and beyond. He has featured on podcasts, webinars and quoted in articles regarding business diversity, showcasing his position as a thought leader. At Savills, he is a Committee Member and lead PR representative for Savills Ethnicity Group. Recently he was appointed as a Trustee Board Member of the Taylor Bennett Foundation.

Luke Adebiyi

56
Client Engagement Lead, Business Development
Capital International Group

In his role as the Health and Wellbeing Lead for Capital International Group, Luke has successfully presented key diversity and inclusion initiatives to the Executive Committee, such as the InsideOut Charter, portraying his commitment to achieving inclusion in the workplace. In his previous role at Lloyds Banking Group he was events lead for the Ethnic Minority network and aided in organizing an annual event and has been central to the formation of partnerships for LGBT+ and Black History Month. Independent to his role, Luke is an Executive Committee Member for the Princess Diana Hospice at Home Trust, an Advisory Board Member for the InsideOut Mental Health Charter and Founder of #UCanTalktome a mental health social media movement.

Ambily Banerjee

57
Director
GSK

Ambily is the Co-Lead of EMBRACE at GSK, an employee resource group with a focus on ethnicity and she is a Mentor for the Women’s Leadership Initiative. She successfully bought together FUSION (an Asian ERG for which she was the UK Lead) with EMBRACE, thereby cultivating a cohesive voice on inclusion and increasing membership rates. She has organized events, provided a streamlined and actionable vision of EMBRACE’s business case to senior executives and has worked collaboratively with ERGs across the company. Ambily is also a Mentor for Brunel University’s Widening Participation Scheme and a STEM Ambassador for several schools in West London and Slough, with a focus on removing barriers for BAME students. Ambily also works with a local charity as a Trustee and supports wellbeing activities within an area with a largely BAME population.

Akima Paul Lambert

58
International Counsel
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Akima is the Co-Founder of Creating Pathways, a first of its kind cross-firm mentoring programme for mid-level BAME associates at City firms. The programme matches mentees with mentors in their practice areas, so that they obtain personalised coaching and career advice. She is also a Committee Member of the BSN City Group. At Debevoise & Plimpton, Akima is London Co-Editor of the Women’s Review journal, using her platform to champion the stories of diverse women. Through her various roles on the Women’s Committee, Recruitment Committee and the Associates Committee, she has been vocal on inclusive recruitment and retention and agile working. In the last year alone, she was selected as the Keynote Speaker at the Cambridge University Motherland Conference, the Commencement Speaker for the St. George’s University School of Medicine and has hosted several workshops and panels on heritage and authenticity, including an inaugural celebration for Black History Month.

Natalie Narh

59
Content Creative + Vice Chair of Ogilvy Roots
Ogilvy UK

Natalie is a Content Creative and the Vice Chair of Ogilvy Roots at Ogilvy UK. Natalie was instrumental in the design and launch of the Sticky Labels podcast, created to spark discussions and inspire change and she most recently highlighted work from Ogilvy Africa for Black History Month 2019. Independent to her role at Ogilvy, she is also the Founder of Latch Productions, a company dedicated to shaping how creative visions are accessed and assessed through various skillsets in media. Natalie is also the Creative Director at The Cellar which was created to address the lack of upscale venues to meet the upsurge of Hip Hop, R&B and Afrobeats Acts in the UK. She is committed to providing artists with a platform to showcase their talents to young music enthusiasts and talent.

Shirin Shah

60
Trainee Solicitor
CMS

Shirin is the Chair of the Trainee Sub-Committee for Diversity and Inclusion. As Chair, Shirin leads a team of twelve trainees on two projects, most recently analyzing the role of existing employee networks. Additionally, as a member of the #LeadHers Committee, Shirin encourages female founders to engage with CMS’ equIP – the firm’s incubator for start-ups. Externally, Shirin is the Co-Founder of South Asian Sisters Speak (SASS) a safe space for South Asian women to discuss their experiences as a diaspora. SASS have designed and delivered multiple initiatives such as the Brown Girls Book Club, a panel event titled Smashing the Stigma focusing on mental health within the South Asian community and Lost Histories, showcasing the untold histories of South Asian women and migration to the UK.

David Fisayo

61
Manager
KPMG

David is a founding member of the African Caribbean network, and has used his experience coming through the ranks of the graduate scheme to co-design a programme to support black talent within the firm and increase BME representation in senior positions within Consulting. In his role, he represented KPMG to launch the Race at Work charter at 10 Downing Street, and attended then Prime Minister Theresa May’s ethnicity pay gap roundtable. He has been recognised as a rising star in Professional Services at The Black British Business Awards (2018). David is a Director at Foundervine, a social enterprise on a mission to change the global face of entrepreneurship. Foundervine has helped over 2,000 women and ethnic minority futures leaders create, test and sustain entrepreneurial ventures. He has played a lead role in defining the strategy and execution of high impact initiatives, including their flagship programme, Start-up 54, which has launched 40+ ventures with founding graduates having gone on to raise £180k+ in funding.

Steve Ohene

62
Director Asset Management Services EMEA
Bank of America

Steve was involved with helping set up the Africa Programme in 2013 at Bank of America, a recruitment initiative which provides internships and fulltime roles for students from nine African countries across multiple divisions across the bank. He now serves on the Africa Programme Steering Committee to continue to grow the initiative. He also mentors junior talent at Bank of America to enhance their career development of those from minority ethnic backgrounds, which has led to some of his mentees gaining full-time roles. Steve serves as the EMEA Asset Management Services line of business diversity and inclusion forum lead and is an active member of the bank’s Multicultural Leadership Employee Network. He has also set up a ‘coding village’ for children in a rural part of Ghana to help bridge the educational technology gap, and he was successful in mobilizing 30 volunteers from two leading universities in Ghana, and colleagues at Bank of America to help deliver the initiative.

Sadaqat Hussain

63
Apprentice Surveyor
Cushman and Wakefield

As Cultural Events Lead at Cushman and Wakefield’s Diversity & Inclusion program, Sadaqat has led a small team to drive awareness of different cultures by hosting a variety of events across their offices, including Diwali, Ramadan, Easter, and Chinese New Year. These events are a space to educate and inform the workforce on the background of many of their colleagues, and are supported with a range of internal communications about their significance. Sadaqat is also the chair of the Birmingham branch of the CREation Property Network, which was set up to improve diversity and inclusion in the real estate industry. He has also organized property workshops for local colleges, aimed at BAME students to receive an insight and promote the opportunities available in the industry. In 2019, Sadaqat was a Finalist at the National Asian Apprenticeship Awards and was awarded Employee of the Year across the UK & Ireland Business.

Edleen John

64
Inclusion Advisory Board
The Football Association (FA)

Since age 18, Edleen has focused on driving Diversity and Inclusion in universities and in the corporate sector by initiating and leading initiatives focused on increasing BAME representation. Whilst at Morgan Stanley, she started the first EMEA Career Development Programme for Black Heritage employees. In her previous role at KPMG, Edleen set up their Black Heritage Working Group focused on driving and monitoring the recruitment, retention and progression of Black Heritage colleagues. She also supported and facilitated KPMG’s signing of the Race at Work Charter, the Black Heritage Reverse Mentoring Programme alongside co-running the firm's Black Leaders’ Network, designed to increase senior representation across the UK business sector. Outside of work, she mentors BAME city professionals, and started a support group for Black sixth formers applying to Oxbridge. Edleen sits on the Board of Directors at Tech Talent Charter, and in 2020 joined the Inclusion Advisory Board of The Football Association (FA).

Erica Fray Sealey

65
Vice President - Global Head of Operations Product Governance
Barclays

A champion for diversity and inclusion in the workplace and beyond, Erica is the COO of Barclays Black Professional Forum and has transformed the network. She has driven group-wide objectives by launching a Speaker Series developed to foster insightful conversations, successfully collaborated with external organizations positioning Barclays as a leader in D&I, has designed and delivered key programs aimed at developing, attracting and retaining talent. Erica has led co-led programming exploring the intersectionality of multicultural, LGBT+, gender, mental health and disability. She implemented the Barclays Black Professionals Forum Mentorship Program in 2019 to aid members in advancing their careers. In addition, she is the Governance lead for the Cross Firms Black Employee Resource Group leading events, networking opportunities and organizing cultural celebrations. Erica is also actively engaged in philanthropic and youth mentor programs for nearly 20 years serving local NYC area nonprofits such as iMentor, Girls Prep Charter School and Robin Hood.

Louise Twycross-Lewis

66
Head of Quant Research
Wavemaker

Louise is the head of Wavemaker Roots and a Board Member for Making Your Future. She is committed to driving the charge for inclusion across all levels of business and has presented the Wavemaker Industry Taskforce census, organized events and exhibitions celebrating inclusion and has shared best practice across the sector to aid in the establishment of Roots chapters beyond Wavemaker. Independent to her role, Louise is a Mentor for INvolve and Bloom and with great success is currently aiding mentees in navigating their careers. Louise has recently taken on a new role as Head of Insight at PHD.

Teik Tan

67
Supply Chain Lead
Balfour Beatty plc

Teik has been the Co-chair of Balfour Beatty’s Multi-Cultural Affinity Network for two years and has actively championed the FIR agenda. Through this, he has directly influenced the rise in the number of ambassadors and aided to equip people with the tools to address important D&I issues. Teik has hosted several Diversity & Inclusion related webinars, workshops and toolbox talks which have been delivered internally and across the Supply Chain - this has included FIR: “setting up an impactful staff network” which has provided support to small and medium-sized enterprises. In addition, Teik is a reverse mentor to a managing director, a volunteer and business mentor for several Social Mobility charities, has participated in careers events supporting BAME students and has helped to increase social mobility through enhancing collaborative dynamics, boosting employability skills and confidence.  Teik was recognized with the FIR Inspiration – Highly Commended 2019

Vannessa Whitehead

68
R & C Investments Technical Manager
Standard Life Aberdeen

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.

Krisshona Brown

69
Human Resources Director
Huntsville Utilities

Krisshonna is an Advisor for Huntsville Utilities Ambassador Program and has been responsible for promoting equality by engaging employees in diversity and inclusion initiatives through her career. She is a committed advocate for inclusion in the workplace and has previously held a speaking engagement at a local university regarding cooperative education, the diversity of industries and equal opportunities. An active member of the Society of Human Resources Management and a graduate of the Diversity Leadership Colloquium and Huntsville Leadership Management Academy, Krisshonna has provided a diverse perspective and outlook on recruitment efforts and has doubled membership of the youth group.

Aisha Suleiman

70
Program Manager (AWS Educate)/Executive Board Lead (BEN UK)
Amazon

As the Executive Board Lead of Amazon’s Black Employee Network in the UK, Aisha champions the diverse perspectives of people of African and Caribbean descent. Through this network, Aisha has promoted the importance of Black History Month at Amazon in the UK, developed a professional development program for members and worked with the Alexa team to develop utterances of ancient African and Caribbean figures. In Aisha’s role as Education Program Manager, she works with institutions in EMEA to promote learning cloud computing skills at no-cost through AWS Educate. Aisha is an advocate for gender equality. She launched a website last year - The World in Her Words. The World in Her Words inspires women to curate their careers, cultivate confidence and build balanced relationships through stories.

Jerome Grant

71
Senior Consultant
Capgemini Invent

As the Founder and Network Chair of Capgemini’s BAME Network, Jerome is a driving force for inclusion both within his role and beyond. Jerome has launched several initiatives within the network, including a UK-wide Black History Month Campaign, a flagship annual event each year since 2018, and a career development webinar series aimed to empower members with skills to succeed. He has built a committee of 15 members that lead and deliver inclusion-specific events and discussions. Externally, Jerome volunteers with the Urban Synergy charity which encourages young people to unlock their potential, as well as regularly attending BAME roundtables sharing best practice, advice and material, mentoring others to achieve their diversity and inclusion goals.

Kavaljeet Singh Bhamra

72
Service continuity lead
BP

Kavaljeet leads the Positively Ethnic Network (PEN) at Sunbury, BP’s largest site. For the past decade, he has been at the center of BP’s advancement of the diversity and inclusion agenda through engaging with executives on thought leadership, unconscious bias and senior leader “safe space. This has resulted in huge progress for senior leaders to have more open dialogue on breaking down barriers to openly talking about ethnicity. Kavaljeet runs a series of cultural awareness/bring whole self to work workshops that has increased the membership of PEN and influenced company policy. A strong supporter of mentoring, Kavaljeet works with several mentees to counter self-limiting beliefs, leading to one mentee winning the 2018 Asian Women Award. An active volunteer for SWAT (Sikh Welfare Awareness Team), Kavaljeet supports the homeless by providing food and clothes, and looking for jobs to enable people to get off the streets.

Rashmi Ghai

73
Director, Leverage Portfolio Group, Banking, Capital Markets & Advisory
Citi

As Co-Chair of Citi Roots, Rashmi is committed to diversity and inclusion within the workplace. Rashmi’s efforts have led to a 35% increase in Citi Roots membership, she has developed a BAME-focused Mentorship Program, organized outreach events such as business skills workshops for students and promoted inclusion through BAME-focused events such as the Inspire and Lead speaker series, hosting the likes of David Lammy. Rashmi is a member of the House of Lords Multicultural Network Forum sharing best practice on diversity and inclusion and more recently has championed an initiative engaging the broader workforce to aid in the professional development of BAME communities.

Rachel Ho

74
Senior Portfolio Marketing Manager
SAP

Rachel champions diversity and inclusion through her role at SAP and externally. She leads SAP’s Pride efforts in New York and co-led Pride at SAP in North America. Rachel has launched the first LGBTQ+ employee resource group in SAP Canada with a current membership spanning the country. She and her team pioneered the company’s first LGBTQ+ ally program to empower all employees to create a more equal and diverse workplace. In 2018, she partnered with Microsoft, Hootsuite, EA and Clio to represent LGBTQ+ diversity in tech. Through her career, Rachel has taken part in leadership panels at Out & Equal Workplace Summit, 3 years at the Lesbians who Tech Summit, attended the UN General Assembly LGBTQ+ global policy panel, and is a member of the #TechLovesPride Collective to highlight the importance of diversity within the tech industry.

Alan F. Ashalley-Anthony

75
Legal Knowledge Engineer Assistant
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP

Through his role at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, Alan is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion within the law sector and gaming industry. As the principal researcher and panel member at Melanin Gamers, Alan has spoken on several panels on subjects regarding race and identity at some of Europe’s largest gaming conventions and has been invited to the Mayor of London’s Skills event where he has spoken on diversifying the video games industry. He has aided in organizing gaming tournaments across London to promote the case for inclusion within communities and the tech industry at large. Inspiring local youths to pursue careers into the Tech industry while providing a vast platform for ethnic minority content creators to showcase their work.

Rachel Welch-Phillips

76
Associate
Bird & Bird LLP

Rachel is the Founder and Co-Chair of Bird & Bird LLP’s BAME Network, Embrace, through which she has carried out vital work to drive the charge for diversity and inclusion. Embrace was recognized by the UK Diversity Legal Awards as the Outstanding Multicultural Employee Network of the year in 2019 for its work in tackling barriers faced by minority communities within the workplace. Rachel is also a public speaker and has participated as a panelist at local councils, universities and private company events where she has shared her journey to law and advocates for greater awareness of black history in Britain. Rachel is an active mentor and a frequent pro bono clinic volunteer. Rachel has been recognized as the Under 35 Woman of the Year at the Inspirational Women in Law Awards 2018, and as the Future Leader Minority Lawyer at the Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Europe Awards 2019.

Coleen Mensa

77
Lawyer
EY

Coleen is the Internal Programmes Coordinator and Founder of an internal EY network - Black Connection. Recognized within EY for her diversity efforts, Coleen creates video content, prepares career workshops, has delivered a webinar and managed a career series during her tenure. Named as a Rising Star in Law by the UK Diversity Legal Awards in 2018, Coleen is also the Social Events Coordinator for the UK Black Corporate Lawyers group and in 2018 started a mentoring program for aspiring BAME lawyers with over 200 participants since its inception. Coleen has held extensive speaking engagements across multiple sectors and is vocal about ethnic minority inclusion.

Luzerne McAllister

78
Global Diversity & Engagement Strategy
PepsiCo

Luzerne champions diversity and inclusion through his role as lead of US Black, US Hispanic, and Global LGBTQ+ agendas at PepsiCo and beyond. He is the former Chair of the PepsiCo HQ chapter of Mosaic, an African-American focused employee network, and on the national leadership team of Equal, an LGBTQ+ employee network. Through these networks, Luzerne has led events for Black History Month, planned programming for PepsiCo employees attending Out & Equal 2018 and led intersectional events discussing race and LGBTQ+ issues – including over five keynote addresses. Luzerne is also the Founder & Executive Director of Rolodex Global, a network and learning platform focused on LGBTQ+ professionals of African descent, Chair of New York University’s Stern School of Business LGBTQ Alumni Committee, through which he has spearheaded collaborative efforts, organized events and undertaken mentoring, and former National Learning & Development Strategy Lead for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Judy Zhu

79
Head of Analytics - Valuation & Advisory
CBRE

Judy is the Co-lead of CBRE UK’s REACH Network (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage) and a board member of CBRE UK’s Diversity & Inclusion Steering Group. She is committed to driving workplace inclusion as seen through REACH’s impressive membership increase during her tenure. Judy has collaborated with several cross-sector external networks and has established herself as a leading figure of diversity and inclusion within CBRE. Having been nominated for multiple sector awards, Judy also works with young people to help them achieve their goals and works broadly with businesses in promoting and entrenching diversity and inclusion within their structures.

Rashaunna Nelson

80
Social Media Manager
Samsung Electronics America

Rashaunna is a member of the Samsung Equality Alliance, Samsung Veterans and Women in Samsung Electronics (WISE) at Samsung Electronics America. A committed advocate for inclusivity across the diversity spectrum, she has supported employee-led resource groups, built a cohesive strategy for ongoing D&I advancement globally and aided in Samsung receiving a qualification as a Human Rights Campaign certified inclusive workplace. She is an alumni and active member of Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Spectrum an LGBT+ Resource Group and in 2017 founded a marketing consulting business which supports various leaders to enact positive change within their communities.

Justina Omotayo

81
Business Development Manager, International Relations
Slaughter and May

Justina is a Steering Committee member of Slaughter and May’s DIVERSE Network promoting and advocating for ethnic minority inclusion in the workplace. Justina has designed Slaughter and May’s Inclusion Allies series encouraging discussions regarding workplace micro-aggressions, she has undertaken reverse mentoring, been a speaker for the firm’s graduate recruitment event and organized the 2019 Black History Month event. Justina is supporting a relationship law firm with their diversity and inclusion initiatives, exchanging best practice and increasing collaborative work. In addition, Justina is Mentoring BAME employees in other companies on how to launch their own networks.

Luis Sotolongo

82
Sr. Technical Account Manager
Visa

A champion of diversity and inclusion through his work at Visa, Inc. and beyond, Luis is the Founder and Lead for Washington D.C’s. Pride ERG. He has created a consistent channel of communication to educate on current LGBTQ+ related topics by way of a monthly newsletter, hosts an annual LGBTQ+ movie screening event as an opportunity for the wider community to reflect and raise awareness, and has also supported company-wide efforts in Salt Lake City, Austin, Miami, Virginia and New York City to help ERGs achieve equality for LGBTQ Americans. Luis supports LGBTQ+ youth to attend prom through Pride and has created multiple volunteering opportunities for these events that have been attended by over 500+ young people across 45 high schools. In FY19, Luis received the Visa North America Leadership Award for his accomplishments on the D&I space.

Fernando Sanchez Molina

83
Consultant- Strategic Shareholdings
Standard Life Aberdeen

Fernando is the global Co-Chair of Standard Life Aberdeen’s (SLA) Unity Network with the aim to provide a platform for SLA’s ethnically diverse employees to influence policies and its workplace culture. He has led the #TalkAboutRace initiative to discuss the challenges faced by ethnic minority individuals in the workforce and has influenced key changes to existing policies by making the process transparent. In addition, Fernando is a Board Trustee for Project Scotland a charity that works to help young people, including ethnic minorities, to get on in life through volunteering in Scotland and he is a Mentor for Career Ready which helps young people enhance their capabilities and guides them through career decision making.

Jonathan Charlery

84
Senior Software Engineer
Bloomberg LP

Jonathan is a leader of the Diversity Drivers at Bloomberg, an active speaker for the Bloomberg Black Engineers Community, and a member of the Black Professional Community. He has spoken extensively at events promoting and highlighting key D&I issues and is involved in promoting STEM professions to underprivileged youth at events and through mentoring. Jonathan is also the Co-Founder of Writing Legends and Talent Partner at Unleash, for which he has nominated prospective talent for the 2019 SDG Innovation Lab. A council member of World Merit and the Caribbean Implementing Partner for Giving Tuesday, Jonathan affirms the need for increased visibility of ethnic minority role models within the engineering industry.

Abidemi Ogunbowale-Thomas

85
Tech Imagineer, Senior Manager
Accenture

Abidemi is a passionate people advocate focused on cultivating a society that cares and nurtures individuals as humans first; by representing the inclusivity and vibrancy of diverse perspectives. Abidemi is on Accenture UKI’s Technology People Committee, Afro-Caribbean Network Committee (AACN) and Technology Apprenticeship Committee. Additionally, he works closely with Accenture UKI’s Technology Analyst Group AACN, Human Capital & Diversity, and Recruitment teams. Through these networks, he mentors, interviews, has spoken on numerous panels, designed workshops and initiatives, and also presented at Accenture’s 2019 Black History month Flagship event. Externally, Abidemi is a member of techUK Skills and Diversity Council and has spoken on numerous panels at Bright Network, Powerlist Foundation, BYP Network, Makers Academy and presented at SkillsMatter. Furthermore, Abidemi, as part of the Tech Partnership Degrees program, is contributing to the BSc Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship rewrite to ensure definition and applicability to a wide talent pool.

Noon Ali

86
Innovation Centre Lead- Digital
BNY Mellon

Noon is the Co-Chair for IMPACT, BNY Mellon’s internal EMEA multicultural business resource group and is a passionate and vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion. Noon has been instrumental in organizing and driving various internal initiatives, most recently joining a panel session during Black history month alongside Afua Hirsh to discuss the importance of speaking about race at work. Having been elected to participate in two Emerging Leaders Programmes, Noon uses her experience and learnings to foster constructive conversations around race and inclusivity through external events, she has organized and was a key driver in a number of events as part of her role for promoting diversity and inclusion; two panel events - each with over 100 attendees focusing on the intersectionality of race and the importance of courageous conversations.

Nzinga Orgill

87
Innovation, Product and Solutions Manager
Heathrow

As lead for Heathrow’s Network for Culture and Ethnicity en-haNCE, Nzinga has spearheaded the network’s relaunch to positively shift the dial for increased BAME representation across all levels of the business. Nzinga has worked closely with Heathrow’s other D&I networks and departments celebrating events like Holi, International Women’s Day and Red Card Day raising awareness and driving an inclusive culture for Heathrow customers. Using the network, she has been an integral part of career workshops/ethnicity focus group identifying challenges and barriers to career progression. As an Associate Member of the APM BAME Network, Nzinga has worked with the BITC, BPIC and multiple suppliers increasing engagement and encouraging collaboration with other organizations. Nzinga mentors colleagues, peers and reverse mentors senior leaders sharing some of the challenges and experiences of the networks members. Through the work Nzinga has done across the business utilizing her extensive personal and professional network she has been able to support, sponsor and promote others.

Sarah-Shay Okelola

88
Partnerships Manager
Group M

Sarah-Shay is a passionate self-starter, who’s has a made a real impact in championing diversity & inclusion throughout both her professional and personal life. Shay is Partnership Manager at GroupM and alongside her role she also voluntarily leads the CultureM committee at GroupM, which is responsible for promoting and raising awareness around ethnic, religious and socio-economic diversity within the business. She’s organized several events as part of this, including a Black History Month panel featuring senior black professionals in the media industry. Outside of work, Shay, is also the Talent manager of NNESAGA, which is one of UK’s leading black & minority Gaming & entertainment platforms. NNESAGA has partnered with EA, Sky sports, Nike, Facebook to name a few, to design safer and inclusive spaces for people of color. Shay has also launched the ‘B.Elite’ initiative, which aims to empower young black people and champion black businesses across the country.

Chirag Savjani

89
Digital Intelligence & CMI Graduate Analyst
Sainsbury's Argos

Chirag was the Retail Stores Initiatives Lead for Sainsbury’s Argos’ BAME + Allies Multicultural Network Steering Committee. During his tenure, Chirag has successfully secured iconography and messaging inclusive of the organizations multi-ethnic employees such as the incorporation of additional languages; with the Retail Name Badge Initiative currently being trialed across Argos stores. Chirag has played a pivotal role in educating colleagues on the significance of cultural events while celebrating festivals such as Diwali, Eid, Chinese New Year and more by securing campaign messaging across the Argos homepage; curating product lists and content that resonate with our customers. Chirag has supported panel discussions encouraging D&I conversations with leaders such as Dr Lez Henry and Levi Roots and provided networking and mentoring opportunities for BAME colleagues. Chirag has organized multiple celebrations across Sainsbury’s Argos’ offices through Pot-Luck lunches, Henna Artists and more while hosting local BAME businesses on site for free.

Trishanna Taylor

90
IoT Solution Specialist
Vodafone Ltd

Trishanna is the Engagement and Operations Lead for Vodafone’s Black Professionals Network (BPNet. & Friends) and the Multicultural Inclusion Network (MIN). She spearheads the creation and delivery of methods to engage employees across all levels of business in D&I activities. Additionally, Trishanna has provided mentoring and support as well as leadership support to both networks and chairs and through her efforts, these networks have a membership of 300 and 400 respectively. Outside of Vodafone, she is a member of the Tab Church London and volunteers within the Digital and Social Ministry providing this multi-cultural community with valuable tools to spread the importance of inclusion.

Victoria Akotha

91
Finance Business Partner
EDF Energy

Victoria is the Communications and Regional Office Lead for EDF Energy’s BAME Committee. She champions diversity and inclusion across the spectrum, as seen through her work relaunching the BAME network in 2019. In revitalizing its mission, her work has led to new opportunities like working with careers fairs, an increased engagement with schools and co-hosting an impressive panel with Linbert Spencer OBE regarding inclusive leadership. Now available as a video interview, this panel has enhanced EDF Energy’s internal diversity and inclusion goals. Victoria’s efforts have led to the formation of new networks between EDF Energy and the local community creating many avenues of collaboration.

Paul Asare-Archer

92
Director of Compliance
Telefonica UK Limited (O2)

Paul is a Law Graduate, a MBA and a Fellow (and tutor) at the International Compliance Association. Paul has been at Telefonica UK Limited (O2) since 2012, and in 2018 became the organization’s first ever Director of Compliance. Paul was a Finalist at the Black British Awards in 2017, and was in 2019 recognized in the FT as within the UK’s Top 100 BAME Leaders. In 2020 he was named as Employee of the Year by the Black Tech Achievement Awards. Away from work, Paul is a supporter of the mental health charity YoungMinds UK, and has completed a number of charitable events on their behalf.

Shwetal Shah

93
International Technology Partnerships Planner
MediaCom

Shwetal currently works at MediaCom Global as an International Technology Partnerships Planner and is on the MediaCom Global Council where she organizes various events to engage employees across different levels. She is also on the Forbes Under 30 board London and a Trustee at Volunteer Centre Camden. Passionate about role model representation using the power of tech as a force for social change. Her collaboration with the Mayor of London, Cabinet Office, US Embassy, IBM, Microsoft, Mozilla has led to recognition from the Financial Times Top 100 ethnic minorities in tech, Forbes Under 30 and European Commission. As a UN Empower Women champion she created an award winning documentary on women in tech which led to the Feminist Library in London creating a year-long tech skills program.

Celia Fraser

94
Business Intelligence and Strategy Lead (Europe and Asia)
Capital Group

Celia is Business Intelligence and Strategy Lead for Europe & Asia Distribution at Capital Group. Newly at Capital, most of Celia’s recent inclusion work occurred in her previous role at Lloyd’s Banking Group, where she was Signature Event Lead for the BAME Network R.E.A.C.H (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage). Here, she organized and delivered various inclusion-focused events, ensured BAME female representation among guest speakers to address intersectionality, and educated colleagues about the benefits of an inclusive multicultural workplace. Outside work, Celia mentors university graduates and, separately, volunteers to create marketing content and exhibits at The Foundation for Reach Society events. Having been an internationally-ranked junior tennis player, Celia obtained a 1st Class BSc Finance degree whilst on a 100% sports scholarship at the University of Houston, Texas. She has since established a career in Financial Services and is a visible role model to many young BAME people.

James Stewart

95
Chief Technology Officer (Integrated Account)
IBM UK

James is a core team member and Technical Stream Leader of IBM UK’s BAME Employee Network. Through this James pioneered the Safari Stories interview series with senior Black & Asian technical leaders, has created content for dissemination across the organization, delivered key events, developed a program focusing on relevant topics such as bias within AI and is actively growing the IBM UK BAME Tech UK team. Externally, James volunteers for LEAD Curriculum with a focus on addressing fears of AI and developing problem-solving skills among young people. James is passionate about diversity and inclusion and aims to continue work to remove barriers to success.

Arit Amana

96
Deputy Company Secretary
Chubb Europe

Arit is the Chair of Chubb Europe’s Cultural Awareness Network, a member of the Gender Equality Network, a Chubb Ally and Diversity and Inclusion Connector (DICE). As Chair, Arit has been integral to promoting diversity and inclusion at Chubb Europe and has spearheaded the delivery of cultural events like Black History Month to Diwali and Eid celebrations as well as the Culture Kitchen for Inclusion Week. In addition, Arit is an active participant of the Afro-Caribbean Insurance Association (ACIA), the Insurance Cultural Awareness Network (iCAN) and The Network of Networks (TNON), promoting events and encouraging participation from minority groups. As a Governance professional, Arit is passionate about gender and ethnic diversity at Board and senior management level which can improve decision making, create a more inclusive corporate culture and lead to improved company performance.

Elizabeth Perez

97
Legal Project Manager, D&I Staff Liaison
Reed Smith LLP

Elizabeth is the Staff Chair for the D&I New York Leadership and has designed and delivered programs for awareness months and cultural celebrations. The Legal Project Manager and D&I Liaison at Reed Smith LLP, she is a committed advocate for diversity and inclusion issues leading many initiatives to drive the charge for change. Elizabeth has been central to the formation of Educational programs for the NYO to promote diversity and inclusion.

Sherifa Benjamin

98
Head of Studio Production
Essence Global UK

Sherifa is the Co-Chair of Essence Village and an Ally of Pride @ Essence at Essence Global UK. Instrumental to Essence Village’s decision-making, Sherifa has amplified the conversation surrounding ethnic minority inclusion within the organization and provided resources to colleagues to learn the history of different cultures. She has conceptualized, produced and hosted a series of panel discussions bringing prominent ethnic minority individuals into Essence to engage with employees. She is a member of POCC and a founding member of Changemakers by Utopia, a group implementing positive changes within businesses. Sherifa is also a mentor for We Are Stripes and is a visible role model to many.

Anna Dilku

99
British Red Cross Partnership Manager
Aviva

After winning a national election to Chair Aviva Balance in the UK, Anna built the foundations of the community, designed its strategy, recruited members, socialized it to employees, encouraged intersectionality and shared best practice externally. She introduced Diwali celebrations into Aviva Bristol and her artwork, titled “We Sikh Peace”, was featured in a Remembrance exhibition and raised awareness of the 83,000 Sikh soldiers who lost their lives fighting with the British Army. Anna has worked closely with media personality and former monk, Jay Shetty, to help wisdom go viral within Aviva’s marketing team. She’s a member of the Incorporated Society of British Advertisers’ Diversity and Inclusion Network and was a panelist alongside Marketing Directors from The Guardian, Boots and Direct Line in the Inclusion Panel at their annual conference. She has trained with Google to run #IamRemarkable workshops with under-represented groups and was recently awarded an internal Diversity Champion Award.

Andre Charles-Foster

100
Product Manager
Xaxis

A champion of diversity and inclusion, Andre is the Co-Chair of CultureM, a member of GenderM and a member of the Xaxis diversity committee. He is committed to creating and fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce at Xaxis and GroupM, through his involvement on guiding and directing best practice management training. As a passionate ambassador of D&I, Andre is a key team player in organizing black History month activities and is also a regular speaker at Insight Days aimed at BAME students. As a member of We Are Stripes, Andre aims to address the ethnic diversity imbalance in creative industries, offering personal insights and experience to help shape this in the future.