Sam Cooper-Gray | HSBC
Sam Cooper-Gray is the Global Head of Propositions for HSBC Global Business Banking, based in London. Sam was appointed to this role in 2019.
In this role, she is responsible for leading the proposition for Global Business Banking, supporting over 1.3 million customers in 53 countries.
In addition to her responsibilities at HSBC Global Business Banking, Sam is the Global Co-Chair of HSBC BALANCE, an employee resource group focussed on ending gender imbalance within the bank and across the industry, by creating an environment where gender balance is the norm, impacting over 50,000 members, 150 Senior leader ambassadors and advocates in 43 countries around the world. Sam regularly speaks at industry events on the topic of gender equality and empowering women in financial services. She is also a Board member for Women on the Wharf, leading the creation of the new Beyond Mentoring programme connecting mentors and mentees across businesses. In addition to this Sam is a Non Exec Director for Mason Breese, a Jersey based change management company, advising on diversity and inclusion and is a mentor both internally and externally.
Prior to taking on her current role, Cooper-Gray was the Global Head of Learning for HSBC Commercial Banking, supporting the development of over 24,000 employees across 53 countries and has held senior positions within HSBC for 20 years, having joined as a graduate in 2000. These roles include, Chief Operating Officer, HSBC Channel Islands Commercial Banking, Regional Head of Client Experience HSBC Global Trade, Europe as well as relationship management and leadership roles in both HSBC UK Commercial and Retail Banking and Wholesale Risk.
Cooper-Gray holds a Bachelor’s degrees in History and Politics from the University of Kent at Canterbury and in Banking and Finance from the University of Manchester.
Catherine Coltart | Northern Trust
With over 15 years of experience within the recruitment Industry, Catherine has established herself as a pragmatic leader with a strong focus on inclusion and minimising unnecessary barriers, allowing the business to broaden their pool of talent.
After completing her Bachelor of Business in Australia, Catherine moved to the London, where she formed a global resourcing team across Australia, South Africa & UK. Catherine has continued to built her in-house Talent Acquisition career at Northern Trust and now leads a team of senior consultants across EMEA, embedding diversity as a business as usual aspect of the recruitment process and advising beyond expectations. An advocate of the firm’s Business Resource Counsels, a former co-chair of Women in Leadership and currently a member of the EMEA Diversity Counsel; ‘Her understanding of the business and its culture is highly appreciated within the firm and will ensure her place as a future leader in the industry.’ David Mapplebeck, EMEA Chief Administrative Officer at Northern Trust.
Leah Bracha | RBS
I love working with people, so building my career in recruitment has been fantastic!
I am currently an Executive Researcher in RBS’ in-house search team. In this role, I help to ensure that the bank’s hiring into top leadership layers is diverse and sustainable, which is something that I feel very passionate about. I joined the team in 2018 after moving internally from my previous role as a Resourcing Consultant, where I supported hiring managers with the internal and external recruitment process, having started at RBS in 2015. I began my career as a Recruitment Consultant at Katie Bard Recruitment, after completing the graduate programme in 2013.
Outside of my day job I’ve become very involved with RBS Women, our internal employee network which works to attract, retain and develop women. I became involved after completing the network’s development programme for aspiring leaders in 2017, which I loved so much I have helped to organise it ever since! This included coaching a London team on last year’s programme, and I am thrilled to have been asked to co-lead this year’s programme for the region. I am also the lead for the network’s Communications & Marketing committee, which is responsible for promoting events and development initiatives to colleagues and members across the bank. I’m also very excited to be mentoring two individuals through the network’s mentoring scheme.
I’m passionate about inspiring and supporting young people from all walks of life. Before moving back home to London in 2017, I chaired BPS Birmingham’s Talent Committee. We organised events for aspiring talent and young professionals in the city, to help with their development and networking. I’ve also volunteered for Moneysense, RBS’ financial education programme for young people, and for Envision youth charity as a business coach and mentor.
I graduated from University of Birmingham with a BA in Economic and Social History in 2013.
Gurdeep Sira | London Fire Brigade
In 2009, Gurdeep was appointed as HR Administrator for TfL, one of the largest public sector organisations belonging to the Greater London Authority (GLA).
Working within the high volume HR Services TfL function, she provided support to over 28,000 employees, Gurdeep developed a passion for HR.
Her proactive and eager to learn nature led her to expand her skills set as Employment and Skills Advisor. Here she provided pastrol support, designed and developed programmes, supported senior business stakeholders and built advocacy. This opportunity allowed Gurdeep to add value and influence others career options by highlighting everybody has an equal opportunity to demonstrate their capability.
Following the completion of her CIPD qualification, Gurdeep has now held a number of other managerial positions including Capability Skills Manager, Recruitment Manager, Apprenticeship Development Manager and has supported TfL’s position as a world class employer by driving organisational outcomes and high quality programmes. Her considerable passion has enabled Gurdeep to become responsible for 26 varying programmes spanning HR, Engineering, Rail, Technology to Project Management to name a few. Having established significant credibility within the HR profession, she takes time to really invest in the future generations, actively participating with the Apprenticeship Diversity Champions network (chaired by MP Helen Grant), Care Leavers Covenant, and is a member of several GLA wider working groups, a member of the CIPD community,a STEM Ambassador and belong to the London Apprenticeship Ambassador network. She has a pivotal role in these groups, influencing employment routes, partnerships and HR agenda, creating confidence that HR's role is essential in building value.
Following her achievements at TfL, in 2018 she was recruited as Talent Manager for the London Fire Brigade. With the broader remit of Talent impacting 6000 employees, she now sets the strategic direction through attracting, developing and retaining people, and helping to define the people strategy, culture and organisation development. Gurdeep has done some impressive diversity, outreach, HR and recruitment work which focuses on social mobility and accessibility. She hopes to build on this work at the London Fire Brigade. In 2018 she was recognised for her potential and part of the Mayors Our Time leadership programme.
Louise Deverell-Smith | The Daisy Chain
Before Daisy Chain was created I was working in recruitment, and I saw first-hand how many mums were missing out on great jobs because the employers just weren’t taking their needs into consideration, mostly around childcare.
Not only was this unfair, it just didn’t make sense! What if employers were a bit more flexible in their approach towards working parents? Just think of the talent they would retain!
So, after the birth of my daughter, Daisy (and yes, Daisy Chain is named after her!) I decided to take the plunge and launch Daisy Chain. And it’s been quite a ride!
Apart from placing mums and dads with family-friendly employers across a wide range of industries, we have supported events run by Pregnant then Screwed and Mother Pukka (AKA Anna Whitehouse), and I was included on the #ialso f:entrepreneurs Top 100!
But most of all, I have LOVED meeting with all the mums, dads and amazing employers who get what we’re trying to do. We have placed our candidates with the right employers and both parties are really happy with the result.
I want my Daisy to grow up in a world of equal opportunity, where she will look back on the current situation with disbelief. And I am proud beyond belief to be part of a movement that is pushing for a flexible future.
Dr Larisa Corda | NHS
Dr Larisa Corda is an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and Expert in Reproductive Medicine.
She qualified from Imperial College London and her training has been both in the UK and Australia, seeing her gain an understanding and appreciation of gynaecological, obstetric and fertility issues across a wide international population. She believes in a holistic approach to treating a patient that addresses many lifestyle factors, as well as a combination of Eastern and Western medical approaches, and is a passionate womens’ rights ambassador, with roles on a number of international charities that have included UN Women and The Circle. She believes in using innovative natural and mild IVF techniques to assist conception where needed, is ITV This Morning’s and Channel Mum’s Fertility Expert, regularly appears and is quoted by the media, and has several research interests, some of which have been published in international journals. These include the effect of stress on reproductive outcomes, older age motherhood, as well as the current global injustice of inequity of access to reproductive care. She is also brand ambassador for KicksCount and Wellness Sisters, and has launched her own website www.drlarisacorda.com which offers guidance and support for all those wanting a natural empowering approach to their fertility. In keeping with this, she has devised a unique programme for fertility and pregnancy called The Conception Plan, which aired on This Morning, and provided help for couples affected by infertility who applied and did not qualify for treatment on the NHS. The holistic approach encompassing diet, exercise, stress management and toxin free living resulted in a natural conception for one couple, after 3 years of struggle, and the birth of This Morning’s very own Baby Freddie!
Khadija Owusu | St George's, University of London
Khadija Owusu is a British Ghanaian Award-winning Leader, Speaker and Medical student.
She is the President of the Medical Elective Equipment Fund, Engagement Lead and Ambassador at Medics2You; a healthcare technology start-up that aims to deliver quality patient-centred care to the continent of Africa. Khadija is also the Head of Outreach at Melanin Medics, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting diversity in Medicine whilst supporting African and Caribbean aspiring students, medical students and doctors. Her passion lies in inspiring and motivating thousands of young students in the UK from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds to achieve their full potential, despite the barriers and gain successful entry into medical school. Khadija is a change agent, an advocate and a voice for BAME medical students and doctors as she works to tackle several issues often encountered such as discrimination and differential attainment.
Khadija has been a guest of Michelle Obama at the White House; she won the Women in STEM Award by Her Royal Highness Princess Ann as well as received the Akindolie Medical Scholarship Award and many others. In addition to this, she has spoken at various national and international conferences, is selected as a ‘Top 150 UK Future Leader 2019/20 by Powerful Media and has been featured on the BBC, ITV and Channel 5 News.
Khadija Owusu is a true definition of an all-round hard-working, inspirational young woman that is breaking glass ceilings whilst making a strong impact and excelling at medical school.
Olamide Dada | Melanin Medics
Olamide Dada is a medical student and the founder of Melanin Medics, a non-profit charitable organisation for the present and future African and Caribbean doctor.
In her early years at Medical School, Olamide started Melanin Medics as a blog having realised that there were very few African and Caribbean students in medical schools across the UK. Determined to find a way to share her journey and encourage prospective African and Caribbean students to apply to study Medicine at university, she set up Melanin Medics in June 2017. The blog soon grew to become a nationally recognised organisation which aims to promote diversity in Medicine, widen aspirations and aid career progression. Melanin Medics supports African and Caribbean aspiring medics, medical students and doctors in the UK who have been found to face a number of challenges on their career journeys. Melanin Medics has been focused to implement positive solutions which will help to overcome underrepresentation and socio-economic barriers in Medicine.
Olamide is an advocate for youth social action and continues to amalgamate her two loves, medicine and social equality, in order to positively influence and inspire the next generation.
Olamide is also a current Scholar the Healthcare Leadership Academy and sits as a member on the GMC Equality and Diversity advisory board.
Her education and experiences in leadership further introduced her to current health policy debates and medico-political issues, sparking her interest specifically in healthcare leadership and the opportunities to bring about change and put forward solutions to benefit the health sector. Olamide is passionate about racial equality, leadership, widening participation and empowering young people.
In 2018, Olamide received the Rare Rising Star Award at the House of Commons having been recognised as one of the Top 10 Black students in the UK, she was also recognised as one of the Powerlist Media Top 100 Future Leaders 2018 and welcomed to No.10 Downing Street as a result. Olamide was a recipient for the Akindolie Medical Scholarship awarded to minority ethnic medical students with strong leadership potential.
Ayomide Ayorinde | Imperial College London
Ayomide is currently a 5th Year Medical Student at Imperial College London.
When she moved to England at 13 years old, she never thought she would end up studying medicine partly due to continuous discouragement from teachers along the way and not having all the opportunities she thought she would require. This was especially because Medicine is often viewed as quite an elitist hard to penetrate field. She attended state schools for secondary and sixth-form education and through this experience gained a vested interest in widening access into higher education as she realised how much difference support during the application process helps in accessing university.
When she got to University, she actively searched out projects that were helping school students from disadvantaged backgrounds and those aimed at people of colour. She has worked formally with Imperial College Outreach department and with other student led initiatives such as Imperial Vision Society and Black Medical Society. All these are aimed towards students from disadvantaged background. She is also a mentor for sixth form students through Melanin Medics where she provides support for students as they navigate the medical school application process. She believes that it is a disservice to patients if the doctors being produced lack a global understanding of the patients that they serve. Therefore, she hopes to contribute to tackling this through levelling the playing field through outreach in order to help make medicine representative of the general population.
With some colleagues, she recently co-founded ‘Native HealthMate’; a platform that hopes to widen access to health information for groups that are mostly under-represented in health care. This is through providing information that is sensitive to their needs. She is also a co-founder of the National Collaborative for Health and Social Media. This is a platform which aims to raise awareness about the importance of social media with regards to health and how social media can be used as a tool in healthcare.
Outside of this, she has served as the 2018 drama director in Afrogala; Imperial College African Caribbean Society's annual flagship show and Vice-President of the society. She is also currently the recruitment officer for the Imperial College Vision society which organises events for school students to experience medicine early. In 2017/2018, Ayomide was named one of the top 100 African and Caribbean Future Leaders in the UK by Powerful Media. She was also a contributor to the Merky Book’s ‘Taking Up Space’.
Her favourite quote is by Edward Everett Hale ‘I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something I can do’.
Mansata Kurang | VR Revival / Royal Holloway University of London
I am a Nesta and Story Futures Immersive Mental Health Fellow at Royal Holloway University of London where I graduated with a First-Class Honours in Mathematics.
My project involves working alongside Psychology Academics to develop immersive solutions for Adults in the UK Mental Health industry. I am a Creative Technologist, passionate about using innovative strategies to fill gaps in the care of vulnerable underrepresented populations and promoting health inclusivity in Adults. As the Founder of Health Tech Start-up VR Revival, I spent the last year building a virtual reality 360 software application for dementia patients so they can experience love and joy through wellness and education. Our Revive VR app was released on Worlds Alzheimer’s Day in 2019 and has now been downloaded in 3 continents with our BBC Worldwide Campaign raising awareness on Dementia having over 500,000 views across TV and social media platforms. I also received positive patient trails and testimonials in South London through collaboration with Hestia Adult Crisis group. I was Finalist for 15 National and International Awards and won 7 Awards for excellence in Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Technology. I love personal development and I am very enthusiast about leading by example to inspire and motivate young women to unlock their full potential and do what they love while impacting the world positively. I am a self-taught technologist and an entrepreneur of excellence with my work featured in many publications such as BBC, The Times and Business Cloud. Prior to VR Revival, I built a platform where Young Professionals can submit inspiring content and I edit it using video and animation in return for donations. Donations are used to give musical training to help poor or war-torn children to unlock their creativity or aid the children going through mental health through music therapy. This evolved to Freestyle 4 Africa Foundation (F4AF) where we donate arts and musical instruments to African schools and impact hundreds of children including the MIS Arts and Music project and the Acholi Voices Uganda Project.