Liana Stewart is an award winning Welsh Filmmaker and Director specialising in observational and character-led documentaries for television. Liana’s passion for telling authentic thought-provoking stories comes from her upbringing in Cardiff’s multicultural melting pot, Butetown (Tiger Bay), where she learnt never to shy away from difficult topics and sensitive subjects, which are often tackled within her documentaries.

Liana has worked on a multitude of programmes from landmark series to single documentaries and short films. Credits as a self-shooting director include: Bafta award winning series Ambulance (BBC One), Grierson 2021 nominated for My First Time, Take Your Knee Off My Neck (Channel 4), Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over (Sky), Black & Welsh (BBC Wales) which was nominated for 3 Bafta Cymru awards 2021, winning Best Director: Factual and most recently the Grierson Shortlisted 2022 documentary; Jay Blades: Learning to Read at 51 (BBC One).

Liz Pemberton (she/her) is the Director of The Black Nursery Manager Ltd - a training & consultancy company which focuses on anti-racist practice within Early Years.

Liz’s mission is to continue to promote inclusive practice in the Early Years sector, with a particular focus on how race, culture and ethnicity should be considered in this practice. 

Liz has developed a fantastic network of likeminded practitioners and professionals by sharing her expertise about why anti-racist pedagogy must be a thread that runs throughout early years practice.  With bespoke CPD that she has developed and delivered to a range of clients including whole Early Years departments at universities to local mother and toddler groups, Liz wants to help the adults who care for and educate children under 5 to deepen their knowledge about anti-racism as a series of ongoing, conscious, and intentional actions.

When she took the helm at the Women’s Equality Party in 2019, Mandu Reid became the first black person to lead a national political party in British history. She has lead campaigns to: challenge racism and misogyny in policing; tackle male violence against women and girls; address the cost of living crisis; and push for a radical new approach to parental leave and childcare which would transform the UK economy and accelerate progress to equality. She has stood for election multiple times including contesting the 2021 London Mayoral election, where she and WEP won over 150,000 votes. 

Mandu is passionate about making sure the fight for feminist change goes hand in hand with the fight for racial justice, and liberation for all marginalised groups.  

Growing up in Southern Africa in the twilight years of aparthied, she has seen profound change happen and has never stopped believing it is possible.

Mandu Reid

Leader of the UK Women's Equality Party

Milimo Banji is an award-winning entrepreneur, leader, and advisor. He’s the founder and CEO of the Gen Z talent agency TapIn, an agency that supports some of the biggest employers in the U.K. attract, engage and hire diverse youth talent. He serves as a board member and advisor to FTSE 100 companies, is a prominent public speaker, and has a depth of knowledge/insight into the minds of Gen Z.

Milimo brings with him a wealth of expertise on social media, engaging diverse audiences, leadership, and building inclusive teams.

Natalie Scarlett is a Social Entrepreneur and Director of the Black Heritage Support Service.

Natalie's strength is finding innovative and sustainable solutions to social deprivation by investing in a

UK-based Black ecosystem.

BHSS is an advocacy service dedicated to closing the disparity gap in the UK by empowering the Black

community through career development opportunities and health advocacy. Natalie launched

Birmingham's first health negligence helpline, dedicated to supporting those in the Black community

who experience racial discrimination when trying to access healthcare.

In 2022, Natalie also launched Birmingham's first all-inclusive, interactive tech programme, Tech Rootz.

Tech Rootz was designed to open up access to high-paying non-coding tech roles and specifically targets

Black and Disabled people.

Natalie has a masters with Distinction in Political and Corporate Communication, specialising in race &

class and was chosen as a Fellow at the International Federation Red Crescent's Solferino Academy.

In 2007 she was awarded for professional tutorship by Lord Mayor Ahmed of Coventry and Coventry City

Council. In 2018 She was also invited to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office by Lord Ahmad of

Wimbledon to read article 6 of the European Convention on human rights.

I am a fashion designer from Wales that makes made to measure and bespoke formal wear for men, women and children. Formally represented Great Britain in the 110 meter hurdles and Welsh rugby union on 7’s IRB circuit.

I have been in the commercial fashion industry since 2010 when Nathan Palmer clothing was created making smart casual menswear. That transformed into suit making, which became Nathan Palmer Bespoke in 2015, opening a shop in 2017. I love what I do and the opportunities it brings, such as presenting and styling on BBC Wales and BBC Scotland and Northern Ireland.

I have made suits for Ian Wright (FA cup final), Sam Warburton (receiving his OBE from HRH Prince William), sport personalities, movie stars and many more. 

In 2021 launched Perverse Demand streetwear clothing, with my business partner Debbie O’Sullivan. 

Nicôle Lecky is a multi-hyphenated creative talent making her mark on the industry with the release of her six-part television series MOOD for the BBC. The project originated as a one-woman show titled Superhoe, written and performed by Nicôle at the Royal Court Theatre in 2019, with the BBC commissioning an adaptation before it opened on stage, showing an unwavering vote of confidence. 

Written by and featuring original music by Lecky, MOOD is funny, dark, and boldly original, a deeply resonant, powerfully affecting story for our times. The series aired in March 2022 in the UK to rave reviews and will release later this year on BBC America.

With multiple other projects in the pipeline including the launch of her solo music artist project, a West End musical and commissions for future TV and film projects, Nicôle is in demand as one of the top emerging talents in the UK.

Olivia Sweeney is a lifetime environmentalist. She currently works as a sustainable waste consultant, trying to make it easier for people to reduce their waste, recycle and build the circular economy. 

Alongside this she does lots of other things too, most of which are underpinned by the aim of seeking climate and racial justice. Having studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Edinburgh in order to make a practical impact in the sustainability field, this passion of the environment is still what drives her, but the ways in which she is creating change are different to what she expected. 

She loves music and is lucky enough to share this with her community of as a breakfast radio DJ/presenter on Ujima 98fm, a black led local radio station in Bristol. She was named one of the Top 100 most Influential Women in Engineering by FT in 2019 and one of Rife Magazine’s 30 under 30 in 2022.

Paislie Reid is a multi disciplinary artist who started her career as an actress in 2 seasons of

CITV series "The New Worst Witch" as a main character.

Since this early television debut, Paislie has continued to have a lucrative acting career that has included working with: The Royal Shakespeare Company, Frantic Assembly, Open Clasp, Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse, 20 Stories High, Storyhouse, Contact, a theatre for film project called SUGAR, which aired on BBC iPlayer last year & more.

Her recent work includes appearing on an episode of BRASSIC season 4 (Sky TV), which will air later this year.

As a Black mixed, Neurodiverse artist, Paislie hopes to make the arts more accessible. When she isn’t busy working as an actor, Paislie facilitates creative singing, dancing, drama and personal development workshops in her local community. Her mission is to empower, inspire and create more opportunities for marginalised young people.

Rhiane is an award winning community organiser, and outdoor advocate, passionate about social inclusion and development. She is the founder of Black Girls Hike UK CIC: a non profit organisation challenging the lack of representation and inclusion of Black women in the outdoors. Black Girls Hike is a safe space to connect with nature and adventure, hosting nationwide hikes, activity weekends and training events. 

Having previously been acknowledged for her work at the Northern Power Women Awards and as a Wellness Warrior at the Boots Women of The Year Award 2019, Rhiane was also more recently awarded Campaigner of the Year at the Great Outdoors Awards 2020 and the Positive Role Model award at the National Diversity Awards 2021. In June 2022, she was awarded the prestigious Geographical Award by the Royal Geographical Society for her work encouraging and empowering Black women to explore the great outdoors.

Rhammel Afflick, aged 28, is an outspoken community organiser, campaigner and writer. For almost two decades, Rhammel has actively lobbied for change on a number of issues including racism

 and LGBT+ rights in the UK. Throughout Afflick’s career, he’s actively led from the front, amplifying the voices of others, upskilling those around him and disrupting spaces to make way for meaningful change. 

Afflick is currently Head of Advocacy and Communications at the British Youth Council and plays an active role in providing strategic counsel to some of the biggest businesses and charities

 in the UK on community engagement, social impact and equality in the workplace. Afflick is involved in a number of organisations including as Trustee of Bi Pride UK and is known for playing a crucial role in Pride in London as Director of Communications.

I'm Rochelle Odubela. Welcome to the place where business growth happens!

With a degree in Electronic and Embedded Computer Systems Engineering that led to working for multibillion dollar semiconductor companies in Software Automation this shaped my future as a highly respected Marketing Automation Expert since 2011.

After 3 near-death experiences, I’ve dedicated my life to giving back to the Health community that saved my life. 

This developed into a passion to help as many Health professionals as possible enroll more clients online with our done for you Facebook, Instagram, Google and YouTube advertising solutions. This means they reach more people, help them get healthier, and save more lives across the globe, by leveraging a unique combination of organic and paid advertising.

I’m a Certified Copywriter and love helping happy clients around the world take what they teach offline in their coaching practice online.

Furthermore, my work has been featured on radio shows from London to Washington, WERA FM, Medium, Authority magazine, ABC, CBS, FOX and The Swift Kick Show.

I have also been featured on the front cover of High Profile Club magazine with the likes of The Queen, Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey representing our healthier cereal snack Little Hearts Muesli.

LanaRoc has been supporting youths in developing countries through our Youth Empowerment Initiative LanaRoc.org where we help youths monetize their existing skills to create jobs for themselves.

Sayce Holmes-Lewis is the founder and CEO of Mentivity, a mentoring organisation, and alternative education provision that provides aspirational support for young people, schools, families and caregivers across London, Brighton, Barbados, Kenya and Uganda. 

Founded in 2016, Mentivity has touched the lives of thousands of young people with their holistic approach and expertise in coaching and mentoring, winning the ‘National Mentoring Programme of the Year’ award at The National Mentoring Awards & the Mayor of Southwark's - Civic Award, for exceptional contributions to civic, educational and community life in and around the Aylesbury Estate.

Sayce is also a sports coach, activist and consultant providing strategic counsel, keynotes and cultural insight within the public & private sectors on the importance of community, racial equity and personal development. 

Using his platform and vast network within business, sport, education, and government, Sayce is a formidable advocate for underserved communities.

Shevelle is recognised for his roles in English National Ballet productions of, The Nutcracker as the Mouse King, The Moor in Fokine’s Pertrushka.

Shevelle’s dance career began in Brixton, attracting the attention of the Royal Ballet’s Chance to Dance and the Royal Ballet School Junior Associates Programme. He joined Royal Ballet Lower School in 1997 - 2005 He then joined English National Ballet.

At English National Ballet Shevelle worked with their outreach he worked with ENB youth company. Shevelle works with the Chance to Dance to see more closely how these initiatives are implementing change.

Shevelle was appointed Patron to All England Dance

Shevelle has been recognised as a role model by the National Portrait Gallery, London, in Simon Frederick’s 2016 work, which is in their permanent archive. .

Shevelle I now a freelance Artist attended Identity school of acting, part time. He also appears in Netflix’s Bridgerton Season 2 in the ballroom.

Siobhan is Corporate Counsel Regulatory & Trade at global automotive manufacturer BorgWarner. She advises on trade and supply chain related regulatory and compliance matters, developing global strategy and policy. A board director of The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (UK automotive trade body), Siobhan chairs their International Trade Working Group and sits on various UK, EU and US private sector and government committees.

Siobhan is an active campaigner and advocate for social justice and democracy through various local and national organisations including senior leadership positions as Black Equity Organisation trustee, chair of school governors, Tory Reform Group Board Member and chair of the Conservative Friends of the Caribbean. Siobhan co-founded Conservatives Against Racism, for Equality, Britain’s first centre-right organisation dedicated to race-relations, during the pandemic, which has gained the support of MPs and councillors across the Conservative Party.

INFORMATION TO COME

Samuel is an award-winning social entrepreneur, commentator, and strategist. He served as Special Advisor to Prime Minister Boris Johnson where he held the Civil Society and Communities brief. His work included leading on the cross-government vaccine deployment confidence programme. He was the most senior black Advisor in government.

Samuel has been involved in setting up and growing a number of initiatives to support the progression of Briton’s black and minority ethnic population. This includes setting up a student network connecting peers with employers whilst at university that grew to 30,000 members. He went on to set up and run a campaign that supported over 8000 start-up businesses.

He is the founder of Inclusive Boards, an executive headhunting firm specialising in non-executive board appointments across sectors. Samuel is an elected local councillor and brings extensive knowledge of how local and national government works. He grew up in Barnet, North London.

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Zulum Elumogo is a Special Advisor at Freuds Communications where he has worked with clients such as Vogue, Dior, Premier League, Comic Relief, Bolt and the Lewis Hamilton Commission into Diversity in Motorsport on their communications strategies and public presentation. He has also worked on Goals House at UNGA New York and COP26 in Glasgow galvanising progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Zulum is a passionate advocate for the Arts and quality education for all. He is currently on the Board of Directors for multiple cultural organisations including the Fair Education Alliance, Dance Umbrella, and the Barbican Centre, Europe’s largest multi-arts venue; he is the Centre’s youngest-ever Board member.

Zulum was General Secretary (President), and Chairman of the London School of Economics Students’ Union from 2018 to 2020, making him the first Black man to hold the position in the LSE’s 125-year history.

Trevor is TikTok’s Head of Business Marketing, EUI. He leads a function that consists of Creative Lab, B2B Marketing and Comms, Brand Strategy and Partnership Solutions. He joined TikTok from Facebook/ Instagram, where he spent 12 years. 

He started in London as one Facebook's earliest employees, helped to set up 12 commercial offices across EMEA, LATAM and APAC, spent 4 years in NYC and spent his last year running operations for Instagram in EMEA. He is also an Independent Non-Executive Director on the operational board of the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), is a mentor to the England Rugby Football Union (RFU) team and is on the global advisory board of Soho House Group. 

Finally, Trevor also plays an active role in championing diversity and inclusion within the advertising industry, holding advisory roles in a number of organisations in the sector.

Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe MBE is the founder of the BAFTA accredited British Urban Film Festival formed in 2005. 

In December 2019 it was announced in the 2020 New Year’s honours list that he was to be awarded with an MBE for services to the Black and Minority Ethnic film industry. He received his medal from HRH Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace in March 2020.

In his 20 career, Emmanuel has worked for Channels Television News in London, BFM (Black Filmmaker Magazine), and the Screen Nation awards, has written for both The Voice newspaper and The TV Collective, and has also produced and presented film programmes for Colourful Radio and Choice FM UK. He was previously headhunted for the post of head of cinema at the Barbican. 

Founder of the British Urban Film Festival in July 2005 to showcase urban independent cinema in the absence of any such state-sponsored activity in the UK The festival has screened over 500 films, facilitating broadcast platforms for a majority of Black and urban independent writers, actors, actresses, producers and directors on Apple TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, the BBC i-player, Channel 4, Community Channel (now Together TV), Showcase TV and London Live. In October 2020, the festival was granted BAFTA qualifying status for British Short Films. 

Tunde Kukoyi is a Medical Doctor and trainee Cardiologist who is keenly interested in leadership,

personal and professional development.

He runs the Passion and Purpose Hub on Youtube and hosts an innovative monthly talk show titled

The Passionate Professional Series which features inspiring professionals from all works of life.

He is the author of The Illiterate Professional, a book which has helped many people break free

from professional stereotypes and define their own versions of success and fulfillment.

He has worked in different leadership capacities within the medical profession and is passionate

about developing inspired leaders across the profession.

He is an active member of the Toastmasters Club and a Speaker and Trainer with The Maxwell

Leadership Team.

His inspirations from the Black community include Martin Luther King Jr, Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama.

He believes that true leaders find success when they help the people they lead succeed.

Vanessa Fernandes is a multi award-winning entrepreneur. Born in Lisbon to parents of African, Portuguese and Asian descent, Vanessa moved to London in early her teens. 

After graduating in Fashion, PR and Marketing, Vanessa went on to study for a Masters in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship. While working in the corporate world she spent her free time mentoring other young entrepreneurs and volunteering at correctional facilities to mentor young offenders. She became determined to make her mark in the world of business. 

Her first company NAYA LONDON was born with the purpose of solving the need for more suitable products made from quality ingredients specifically for afro and curly hair. For the past 16 years, NAYA LONDON has been supplying salons across the UK with professional hair products. Vanessa has received many awards including Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2014), Rising Star of the Year (2018). She was also named highly commended in the Health and Beauty category of the prestigious Women in Trade Awards (Wintrade, 2019) and won a wintrade award for international business in 2020.

In 2021 soon after the lockdown Vanessa launched her Aesthetic clinic in the heart in London’s Knightsbridge. The Dolls London. Again breaking barriers and creating a space where black women are seen and celebrated. Along with her global partners, the mother of two is using the business of beauty as a medium to empower women worldwide. She has supported women in countries such as Ghana, Brazil and Suriname to earn a living beyond aid and help building a school for girls in Guiné-Bissau.