Siqi Chong | Finance Control and Oversight Associate | Nomura
Siqi is a Chartered Accountant and is currently working as a Finance Control and Oversight Associate at Nomura, where she drives through process and control environment improvements and challenges risk and control governance via designing and implementing assurance frameworks within the regulatory reporting space.
She holds a Bachelors in Laws degree from London School of Economics and joined Nomura after qualifying as an Assurance Senior within the Banking and Capital Markets division. She currently leads the Regulatory Reporting Quality Assurance Reviews where she and her team identify risks, control deficiencies, or process gaps within periodic reviews, where thematic findings are presented to senior management to deliver improvements and efficiencies across the functions.
Outside of her day job, Siqi is the Bi Inclusion Lead and Interbank Representative for the Nomura Pride Network and was previously the UK&I Bi Inclusion Lead for EY as well, and works to ensure bi+ individuals are represented in workplaces, collaborating both with other organisations and charities to advance bi+ inclusion where she was highly commended for the Queer Graduate of the Year award in 2021 for her efforts. She is passionate about helping everyone feel like they belong in the workplace and actively campaigns for women's empowerment and LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
Sianne Ramlal-Tapper | Diversity, Inclusion, Culture & Engagement Specialist | MUFG
I am a DEI and Culture professional with over 5 years of experience and dedicated to creating diverse and inclusive workplaces.
In my current role as a DEI, Culture and Engagement Specialist at MUFG, I advocate for the 'Listen Up, Speak Up' culture principle and lead various projects such as focus group programmes and the launch of quarterly pulse checks to improve the employee experience, provide employee voice across all levels and help drive change. I am passionate about building a workplace culture where everyone feels a true sense of belonging where they can thrive. I am responsible for managing employee engagement, increasing DEI data capture, policy reviews, and other related projects.
Before joining MUFG, I have reviewed recruitment processes and hiring manager training and implemented DEI strategies. I worked as a D&I professional at Financial Times where I led initiatives like creating global D&I training for all employees, D&I learning resources, a talent programme for employees from underrepresented backgrounds and managed the employee networks. I also co-chaired the British Diversity Award nominated FT Embrace employee network, leading inclusion for all races and cultures. The network was shortlisted among over 28,000 submissions for the 2023 awards.
Keisha Adair Swaby | Inspirational Speaker, Radio Presenter, Author | Empowering Dyslexics
Keisha is an International Inspirational Speaker, Radio Presenter.
Keisha was diagnosed with severe Dyslexia and Dyspraxia at the age of 41. Despite her challenges she achieved a First-Class BSc (Hons).
Keisha then went on to achieve Merit in her master’s degree in health psychology.
Keisha is passionate about helping others and creating more awareness of Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. Her eldest daughter was also diagnosed with Dyspraxia making her mission even closer to her heart. As part of her awareness work, she has given several people with Dyslexia and Dyspraxia the opportunity to share their own stories on her radio show.
Keisha is a Goodwill Ambassador for the Jamaica Dyslexia Association. She is a regular speaker at events for international women's day and is a regular speaker at the annual Dyslexia Show held each year at the NEC in Birmingham.
Keisha launched Empowering Dyslexics to inspire and be an example to others that they too can achieve anything they put their mind to.
Keisha has been chosen as one of the top 50 most Influential Neurodivergent Women and was a finalist for role model of the year at the Multicultural Business & Community Champion Awards (MBCC).
Keisha is listed on the Northern Power Women Future List.
Keisha is the Author of Empowering Dyslexics - Blessed and Gifted and is also a Co-Author in the book Black, Brilliant and Dyslexic which are both available on Amazon!
Jignasha Kanani | Learning & Development Manager | Lloyds Banking Group
Jignasha is currently a Learning & Development Manager – responsible for learning, development and capability across Risk Division, as well as enabling inclusive career development opportunities.
Prior to this, Jignasha was a Credit Officer in Corporate and Institutional Credit directly managing a portfolio of Manufacturing & Passenger Transport Clients (typically FTSE 100 & 250 companies). She has also been a Relationship Manager working across a range of businesses from start-ups all the way up to Global Corporates. . Jignasha has been recognised as a future leader and is a graduate of LBG’s Risk Leadership Development Programme.
Jignasha is extremely passionate about supporting and developing others and channels this through a number of activities over and above her day to day role. This includes mentoring, buddying and being a lead member of her divisions Inclusion & Diversity team. Jignasha is identified as a REACH (LBG’s ethnic minority network) Role Model (every year since 2018) featured in particular for her desire to inspire and help others accomplish their goals. In September 2021, Jignasha was awarded “Outstanding Returner” at the Women in Credit Awards for her achievements.
As a mum to two young girls, Jignasha strives to be a good role model to them and show that with hard work and perseverance, they can achieve anything. She wants to inspire and give back to the next generation and was honoured to be featured as a ‘Woman of the Future Ambassador’., Most recently, Jignasha was the keynote speaker and panellist on ‘Women in Credit’ TV.
Helen Choudhury | Head of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion | The MPA Group
I would describe myself as an EDI change management specialist and a qualified trainer.
I have a legal background and more than 20 years working experience in diversity and inclusion, teaching (in colleges and training centres) and training both nationally and globally.
I have worked in different sectors including Music, Oil and Gas, Finance, Regulators and Investment Banks. I have worked with diverse communities, disadvantaged communities and faith groups which has enhanced my knowledge and understanding of diversity and inclusion.
I am always keen on creating an inclusive work environment, where employees can bring their ‘true’ self to work and where no one feels excluded!
I have supported organisations to move from ‘tick box mindset’ to ‘embedding EDI into every area from organisational, business, HR to corporate risk. I have recommended initiatives that link to internal opportunities for improvement, worked with leaders within the businesses to educate them and broader teams on the benefits of an inclusive workplace.
I am currently working as the Head of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion. I lead on and manage all our diversity and inclusion work. I am also the Champion for Menopause (and related health matters) for my sector. Our organisation has over 200 global and national member organisations. My diversity and inclusion work extends to all our members and their staff!
I enjoy bringing people together to share their lived experiences and to celebrate what we have in common but most of all to understand and respect what makes us different.
Grace Benham | Chair, "Channel" employee representation group | Royal National Lifeboat Institution
From my first experiences of joining the workforce as the only female working in a butcher shop at age 14, I quickly realised the importance of a culture of diversity, inclusivity, friendliness and support; values I have always held through my career.
As I continued my education, becoming the first graduate in my family, I grew my passion for leadership and engagement. I joined the graduate scheme with Marks & Spencer and at the age of 25 I was appointed Store Manager with the responsibility of a £10M sales business. Focusing on diversity and inclusivity, I mentored aspiring managers, creating the opportunities needed for others to thrive regardless of age, gender and ethnicity.
I then decided to follow my passion for helping others and joined the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), eventually joining the Engineering directorate. As a non-engineer, I quickly saw an opportunity to develop the people engagement, wellbeing and STEM strategies, while working my way through CIPD qualifications to help broaden my thinking. I co-founded the Bournemouth Council Manufacturing STEM Steering Group, currently lead our award-winning Women in Engineering events, and drive our STEM agenda nationally.
At the age of 33, I am now the Chair of the employee network. I support and lead diversity in all areas of the business, focusing on wellbeing, engagement, case work, employee rights. I continue to live by my values of equity for all by supporting the Race, Young Professionals, LGBT and Disability networks, while co-founding the RNLI Women’s Network.
Arshia Ahmad | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consultant | Changing Mindsets
I am a versatile and accomplished DE&I and Wellbeing Consultant with nearly 13 years’ experience in a breadth of functions including Diversity & Inclusion, Training & Development (CIPD qualified) and HR.
After 10 years working within the automotive industry, I decided to set up as an independent DE&I and Wellbeing Consultant and have had the pleasure of working with some leading brands including CIPD, Omnicom, NHS, Premier League, Astra Zeneca & Estee Lauder.
Diversity and Inclusion topics can be sensitive and triggering and I has been known for creating safe spaces where people feel comfortable sharing their experiences without judgement. I inspire others through my own experiences as a female, South Asian, Muslim, working woman and often a minority within my spaces.
I coach senior leadership teams to overcome their fears in engaging with DE&I work and start taking action towards becoming an equitable and inclusive organisation where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
I also coach women of colour and particular Muslim women to overcome the barriers to progression in their personal and professional careers in order to level up.
I was recently recognised as an Leader through the Estee Lauder X Vital Voices Emerging Leaders programme and was selected in the top 20 out of 100 fellows to attend an in person summit in Washington DC.
Anna Nguyenova | Business Consultant | IBM
Anna obtained a First Class Honours Degree in International Business at the University of Salford, with placement abroad at the University of Grenoble in France and an internship at IBM, all whilst working full-time.
Her academic excellence earned her positions of Representative for the International Business Programme and International Opportunities Ambassador.
In her IBM internship, Anna was a Financial Analyst for IBM Consulting UK’s highest-revenue Public Sector account. Since re-joining IBM after completing her degree, in just 2.5 years, Anna has carved out a reputation and expertise in not only her consulting work but also the diversity and inclusion space.
Anna gained eminence from the very start of her IBM career as co-founder and -lead of the East Asian Early Professionals Community. Her work on creating a sense of belonging soon led to her recruitment in the UK Asian Business Resource Group (BRG), initially as Communications Lead and then as Co-Lead. Anna’s eminence extends beyond her BRG leadership, as a key member of the IBM Distribution Sector D&I Council and the AI & Analytics Practice D&I team, as well as running workshops promoting allyship for over 400 IBMers to date. This training is now being rolled out to the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) business, as a result of Anna’s influence as an excellent leader.
Anna also mentors and reverse mentors at IBM and as part of IBM Pathways in Technology (P-TECH) Programme in the Czech Republic, a country with the lowest percentage of females in technology in the EU.
Anjali Chorlton | Graduate Technology Analyst | Barclays
Anjali is a Graduate Technology Analyst in the Chief Technology Office at Barclays, working in the Architecture, Practices and Governance team.
Anjali holds a passion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and supporting women in the technology space. Her aim is to stay true to her purpose whilst striving to create a diverse and inclusive workforce. Prior to her time at Barclays, Anjali started her career in retail, moving to Banking in 2019. Anjali worked within Personal Banking, playing an integral role in guiding, and supporting branch customers to help them achieve their financial goals, proactively finding ways to enhance the customer banking experience. Whilst supporting frontline customers, Anjali attended university, securing a First-Class Honours degree in BSc Accountancy. Following this, Anjali went on to serve as a Premier Banking Manager, building and maintaining relationships with a high net worth portfolio of customers, whilst maintaining a visible positive presence in the wider business.
Anjali has created a new initiative to engage Early Careers colleagues through monthly sessions, whilst also assuming a position within employee workstreams that aim to celebrate culture. Through her Early Career, Anjali positively impacts people day on day and has been part of several projects and initiatives such as Early Careers Engagement events, speaking at panel events, mentoring activity and volunteering.
Anjali sits on the UK Leadership team for the Multicultural & Faith Employee Resource Group at Barclays, supporting a key relaunch in 2023. As part of this, Anjali has arranged a global panel event for colleagues to diver deeper into culture and how this has impacted personal and professional journeys.
Mei-Shiang Shen | Business Consultant | IBM
I earned a First-Class Honours degree in Marketing from Bournemouth University.
I have a Professional degree in Marketing with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and a Digital Marketing certificate at the Institute of Data and Marketing (IDM). From my degrees and job roles, I found my passion in user-centred design and technology.
In 2020, I joined IBM’s Consulting Graduate Programme as a Business Consultant. I sit within IBM iX, IBM’s experience design arm which works at the intersection of technology, data and customer-centred design. I deliver business value to a range of clients across sectors, using Agile and Design Thinking methodologies.
Prior to IBM, I carried out a Digital Marketing and Social Media internship at a Marketing Agency based in London. I curated engaging content which aligned to the brand’s guidelines and target audience. Furthermore, I developed innovative social media strategies and produced key SEO marketing data statistics and research with the aim to optimise the client’s reach and customer engagement levels.
I am passionate about Diversity and Inclusion. In 2020, I co-led and founded the Early Professional Emb(race) South-East / East Asian community to foster a supportive and inclusive place for culturally similar individuals. I am an instrumental player within IBM’s UK Asian Business Resource Group, co-organising events and initiatives for the community.
I am a strong believer and advocate for Mental Health. I was previously selected by the UKI IBM Associate Management team as Wellbeing Lead (2021-2022), championing physical, mental, and social wellness for 300+ UKI Associates.