Zoha Omer | Future Leaders Graduate | CBRE GWS
As an ambitious and goal-driven individual, I have always believed in creating value while moving forward in life.
My journey began in Saudi Arabia, where I grew up as an immigrant from a middle-class divorced family. Fitting in with the culture and establishing an identity was a struggle, but I persevered and maintained high academic achievements throughout high school.
I was fortunate enough to secure a merit scholarship allowing me to attend Jeddah's best private university. During my undergraduate, I faced the challenge of balancing school with work to support my family's needs, instilling a profound sense of responsibility. These challenges shaped me into a committed and goal-driven individual, which led me to immerse myself in community-building organizations and serve causes more significant than myself.
In the summer of my junior year, I secured an opportunity at Cummins, Middle East, where I was responsible for developing corporate sustainability and management policies. After graduation, I received a full-time internship offer at Desert Technologies (DT), where I had the opportunity to deploy several rural electrification projects across Africa to provide clean, cost-effective, and sustainable energy.
My ambition is to make impactful opportunities and develop my understanding to decode and implement deep-seated change in the community. I aim to expand my knowledge of facilities management while complementing and broadening my current expertise within the energy sector. With the support and guidance of CBRE GWS and my manager Chris Demuth, I am eager to be involved in the transformation of people's lives.
Tokunbo Ifaturoti | Senior Project Manager | Ministry of Justice
I started my corporate legal career at Amazon.co.uk and worked as a solicitor and consultant for various Law Firms having qualified as a Solicitor in England and Wales.
I am a Senior Project Manager and have worked on various projects in sectors such as Construction, Data Protection, Digital Transformation, and Procurement. I am a Global Goodwill Ambassador and advocate for Sustainable Development Goals.
As the CEO of a corporate social responsibility and sustainability management consultancy with a particular focus on the development of emerging nations, I remain passionate about Sustainable Development. I advocate its benefits across corporate and non-profit organizations in the United Kingdom, Africa, and Asia drawing from 22+ years of working and volunteering experience.
I am also the host of a Sustainability Development Podcast series that amplifies the voices of people from communities, businesses, academia, and civil society organizations. I use this platform to share bold and innovative solutions that help tackle social, economic, and environmental issues which affect sustainable development.
I have worked and volunteered with over 15 Not-for-profit organizations and charities in countries to provide strategic direction, and visibility, drive projects, and meet the organizations’ goals including UNICEF (United Kingdom). I have led and also been part of, fundraising projects raising millions of pounds to provide access to material resources to meet needs not limited to girl child education, hunger, crisis-ridden communities, and the environment.
I have 2 bachelor's degrees (in Law and International Development with NGO Management) and a master's degree (in Computer & Communication Law).
Sarah Zarywacz | Meetings & Events Operations Manager | BCG
Sarah is a multi-award winning corporate event manager and marketer, passionate about furthering industry DE&I and ESG progress, and growing others to achieve success on their own terms.
Following a degree in French and German, Sarah embarked on a career as corporate EA before uncovering her passion for marketing and events. Having since worked in global teams, built event functions and strategically professionalised event programmes, Sarah has simultaneously become an industry thought-leader and advocate for ESG and DE&l. Sarah can frequently be seen speaking to these areas at industry conferences and in industry press. Similarly, in a previous firm, Sarah was the Global Co-Lead for a corporate neurodiversity ERG and was a Global Event Sustainability Lead, spearheading and implementing event sustainability best practices firmwide.
Sarah’s work and industry contributions have been recognised via C&IT's Corporate A-List, Conference News' 30underThirty, M&IT's Tomorrow's Talent and shortlisted in WeAreTheCity's Rising Stars in 2022.
Outside of work, Sarah is an industry mentor for Manchester Metropolitan University and volunteers for the alumni programme of Fay Sharpe OBE's Fast Forward 15 mentoring scheme. Sarah also runs an Instagram blog on all things events, marketing, professional development and corporate life to inspire, motivate and promote the corporate events profession.
https://linktr.ee/sarahzmarketingevents
Sally Orange | Mental Health Campaigner | Sally Orange Ltd
Sally Orange is a physiotherapist and dedicated mental health campaigner.
Having hidden her own battles with severe depression and chronic anxiety for over 20 years, she now speaks openly in person and through social media of her challenges, in an attempt to remove associated stigma.
She also encourages others to manage their own mental well being through physical activity and is the only person on the planet to complete a marathon on every continent in fancy dress (as different pieces of fruit!) , with the specific purpose of breaking the stigma.
By taking on physical challenges, dressed as fruit, she never fails to make people smile. More seriously however, she is often asked why she is dressed in the colourful costumes. When she tells of her dedication to break the stigma associated with mental illness, people often open up and talk about their own struggles or how they know someone who has or is currently having difficulties with their mental health.
It subtly starts a conversation, while also proving you don’t have to be the fastest or the fittest to gain a sense of achievement from physical activity.
From running a marathon in a pod of the London eye, symbolising the ups and downs the pandemic had on the Nations mental health to another underground deep in a mine, which she named 'beneath the surface', as you never know what is going on in someone else's mind, Sally always seeks to give purpose to her challenges for the benefit of others.
Pasha Khan | EMEA Strategy & Transformation Lead | RWC
As a Strategy & Transformation Lead with expertise in Organisational Design, M&A Integration, Enterprise Application Implementation, and Business Change Management, I have had a diverse and rewarding career to date.
My previous experience in Lean and Six Sigma tier 1 initiatives in the manufacturing sector has been instrumental in delivering tangible financial, operational, and efficiency-driven metrics in global organisations.
Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with a wide range of businesses and industries, which has allowed me to develop strong communication, emotional intelligence, and influence skills. These skills have enabled me to effectively turn business vision into operational excellence, and I am proud of the positive impact my work has had on organisations and their stakeholders.
As a Strategy & Transformation Lead, I have had the opportunity to work on some of the most complex and challenging projects in the industry. Whether it's designing and implementing new organisational structures, integrating acquired businesses, or implementing enterprise-wide applications, I have consistently demonstrated an ability to deliver high-quality outcomes on time and on budget.
One of my key strengths is my ability to understand the unique global challenges facing each organisation and develop tailored solutions that address their specific needs. This has enabled me to build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, and to deliver projects that are truly transformative for the businesses I work with.
Michelle Smith | Portfolio Delivery Manager - Digital | River Island
I’ve worked in retail for 20 years, I have a real passion for the evolving world of Retail and have worked my way through the changes and challenges it has faced.
From what was a part time job at 15, has given me a career, filled with amazing experiences and opportunities to develop myself.
While stores has always remained a real passion of mine, this has evolved into the world of Omnichannel and has been my area of interest over the last 8 years. Getting to work in digital gives me the opportunity to be part of that progression and how we bring our instore and online experiences to life for our customers.
I put everything into what I do, I really enjoy my role, the business I work for and the people I get to work with.
Martyna Adam | Senior Data Analyst | Grayce
I am a Senior Data Analyst at Grayce, but I have only started my career in data 16 months ago.
I come from a non-technical background, and after graduating with a BSc in Psychology and a MSc Research Methods in Psychology, I decided to take a leap of faith and switch my career into data. From there, I began a journey of hard work and determination to upskill in technical areas and navigate the ever-changing world of data and technology.
My core responsibilities lie in delivering excellence for my client, and utilising my technical and soft skills to help my clients make data-driven business decisions. Currently, I am working in the legal industry for a Magic Circle law firm, supporting on an industry-leading innovative programme of firm-wide scale.
Outside of core client commitments, I'm a Lead for the Digital Community of Practice, a mentor across several schemes, a co-host of monthly Data community calls, and a committee member for a Skills Club designed to promote technical skill development through practical projects. I also helped organise a week-long digital festival, with external speakers and live coding demonstrations, to promote knowledge exchange within the company.
In my spare time, I'm a Trainee Instructor for Code First Girls, a Medium writer and author of 'From A to SQL' series, and take part in projects and events that promote the visibility of role models in data and technology. My overarching aim is to continue to inspire women to pursue careers in data and technology.
Marsha Castello | Data Analyst | UK Civil Service
I am a Data Analyst within the UK Civil service where I help to translate data into valuable insights and Business Intelligence.
I am also a trainee Software Engineer with Xuntos. I champion workplace wellbeing through different initiatives as a trained Mental Health First Aider. I am a UN Women UK Delegate to the Commission on the Status of Women, the largest annual gathering of gender equality advocates in the world, where I will continue to champion equity and access to life changing technology for women. Over the last 8 months I have battled various personal and life challenges to take charge of my career and complete an intensive 16-week Python Software Engineering Bootcamp with Firebrand, and an intensive 6-week, 60 hours + Advanced Data Analyst Bootcamp, with Fast Futures. While completing the Advanced Data Analyst Bootcamp I also completed two further courses concurrently: Code First Girls 8-week Introductions to Python and Apps, and Data and SQL. I achieved Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals, I am also due to complete the globally recognised PCEP Python exam. I successful secured mentorship and a supportive network through Cajigo and BGIT. Post courses I have completed my own projects and shared my learning on LinkedIn. I have continuously sought to share my knowledge with others through peer mentoring, and further sharing my story and resources through published articles and blogs, I have become a STEM Ambassador and Mentor empowering school children from disadvantaged backgrounds into tech. I enjoy Pilates, theatre, sci-fi movies, and live music.
Cherie Stephenson | HR Change & Projects Lead | Browne Jacobson
I am extremely proud to be the first person in my family to go to sixth form and university.
I graduated from Lincoln with a 2:1 in Human Resource Management. After finishing university, I started working in recruitment where I was quickly promoted into a role within reward specialising in HR MI/data.
I joined Browne Jacobson 12 years ago as a HR Data Analyst, progressing to a Business Change Manager within the PMO and returning to my HR roots into the role I have always wanted, HR Change & Projects Lead. This role which I have shaped pairs my passion for people, equality and fairness with my technical project management and data capabilities.
I am part of our HR Leadership team which gives me the opportunity to add value across all of our HR functions. Recently, I was delighted to lead on some fantastic projects such as implementing a brand-new HR system and building an inclusive approach to reasonable workplace adjustments helping employees with disabilities. I am a proud ally for inclusion and always try to use my experience and influence to champion and advocate for others.
As a proud mother of two, I am keen to be a positive role model for part time working parents.
Cynthia Ko | Manager, Behavioural Designer | Cowry Consulting
Born in the Netherlands to Chinese/Malaysian parents, Cynthia has experienced inequality and mental health struggles which inspired her social impact journey.
She believes in influencing change through both private and charity sector work.
Private sector work:
- With a design research background, Cynthia started her post-university career as a Qualitative Researcher in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. She’s helped clients (e.g. Channel 4, Youth Futures Foundation, MET office) uncover the needs of minoritised communities, leading to her recognition as a 30-under-30 Significant Insights Leader in market research.
- She currently works at Cowry Consulting, using her expertise in Human-Centred Design and Behavioural Science to improve customer journeys in the energy sector. During the cost–of-living and energy crisis, it is imperative that businesses: 1) help customers understand complex communications and available support, and 2) help employees deliver positive customer experience. One of the projects she’s leading is helping contact centre agents take care of their wellbeing and empowering them to help distressed customers.
Charity sector work:
- As the youngest trustee at Mind and only South-East Asian, Cynthia is a voice for intersectional change as the charity is working on supporting the mental health of ethnic minorities, youth and people in poverty.
- As a campaigner and board member at Slow Fashion Movement, she highlights environmental injustices in the fashion industry and the potential for a circular economy.
- This year, Cynthia's also an official UN Women UK Delegate for the UN’s 67th Commission on the Status of Women and fundraising for the Single Homelessness Project.