?? March Event Round Up ??

Reflecting on an enriching month filled with insightful discussions, connections, and learning moments at various events. It’s always tempting to post straight after an event to maintain momentum but with some many events that I’ve attended, I thought it was important to reflect on my key takeaways and what I learnt. So with that being said, here is my March Event Round Up.

瑞银集团

International Women’s Day: Inspire Inclusion

• Key takeaways include the importance of sponsorship, leadership commitment, and creating safe spaces for dialogue. We delved into addressing systemic barriers for women in senior positions and overcoming self-limiting beliefs. Allyship emerged as a powerful tool, emphasising the significance of support at all levels and the responsibility of industries to collaborate with schools for outreach. Thank you SUTANYA CHEDDA for the invite and the panellists for sharing their experiences and insight. #InspireInclusion #Allyship #DiversityandInclusion #IWD

Business Fights Poverty

Gender Equity Summit

• So many great sessions and workshops over 3 days but I found the webinar on "Harnessing Equity" particularly insightful. Speakers including Ama Ocansey , Daniel Seymour and Sandra Kerr CBE, emphasised the importance of intersectionality in addressing the diverse needs of underrepresented groups, data collection ethics and inclusive workplace practices by adopting a human centred approach. I always enjoy these summits as there is the opportunity to hear from business leaders around the world on private sector engagement to achieving the SDGs. It’s so important to have these conversations and maintain collaboration to take action towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all. #GenderEquity #BusinessFightsPoverty

One Young World Bath

Annual Caucus

• So glad to have joined Bath students (1 year later as an attendee rather than the Relationships Director!) to hear from thought leaders in Climate Justice, Mental Health in Sport and Peace and Reconciliation. Discourse throughout the day emphasised the need for collaboration between nations, addressing the historical ecological debt, transparent corporate sustainability practices, and interdisciplinary action to address challenges. Furthermore, the power of arts in promoting peace and the need for innovative diplomacy beyond traditional approaches to solve societal issues was discussed.
• Grateful for the opportunity to attend on behalf of One Young World and be invited the lunch with Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Education, Julian Chaudhuri and a few of the speakers including OYW Counsellor, Fernando Montano ! Amazing work by the OYW Bath committee demonstrating the intersectionality of SDGs and curating impactful sessions that will lead to actionable solutions from the next generation of leaders. #ClimateJustice #Sustainability #PeaceBuilding

Black Leadership Group

Tracks, Trails and Threads: Courageous Leadership in a Fractured World

• Aligning with the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, 21 March, was a conference I found the most poignant. Sponsored by Google for Education and Institute of Directors (IoD) , key themes discussed were: the role of courageous leadership in combating racism, showcasing innovative initiatives challenging the status quo, and exploring the application of anti-racist principles in education and beyond.
• A highlight of the event was a fireside chat featuring Lord Simon Woolley , where he shared personal anecdotes, insights from his latest book, SOAR, and addressed the prevailing DEI 'snapback' climate in businesses post the George Floyd tragedy. Followed by a keynote from Marcus Ryder who shared his profound insights from navigating the media industry, a sector historically lacking in diversity and representation in senior positions in the UK. He highlighted the resilience needed to thrive in an environment often set up for failure, emphasising the importance of perseverance and determination in achieving success despite systemic barriers.
• As an advocate for advancing the agenda towards an anti-racist society and promoting racial equity, I found the workshop on "Race and Education: Bringing Theory and Practice to Life" deeply resonant. The session underscored the urgent need for action in dismantling systemic barriers, prompting me to reflect on my own positionality. While I've personally benefited from quality education, I'm acutely aware of the persistent systemic and institutional barriers that Black individuals encounter, particularly in higher and further education settings within the UK and the broader Western context.
• Thank you to my corporate cousin Josh Ngondo Cert IoD for sharing this empowering event - I’m grateful for the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and reflection which provided valuable insights to drive positive change towards a more inclusive society. #BLGConference #AntiRacism #CourageousLeadership

Thank you to all organisers, speakers, and attendees for contributing to these impactful conversations. Looking forward to what April brings! If you know of any upcoming events, please share.

Let's continue to learn, grow, and drive meaningful change together. ??