I am Louise, a proud self-proclaimed equality geek, human right activist, public speaker and aspiring CEO.

My passion for equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) began when I when I was a student at UWE Bristol in 2007 where I joined the LGBT+ Society. What started as nights out in gay clubs at the beginning of the semester ended up with becoming the Vice President of the LGBT+ Society. This opened me up to a world of activism, campaigning and politics which admittedly I completely fell head over heels with. My passion for EDI, creating change and championing marginalised voices grew from there and led me to amazing opportunities of representing my University at various conferences and events. After 2 failed elections to be a full time representative within the Student’s Union – I got elected as Vice President Community and Welfare at the 3rd attempt. This was the first time that I realised that I could get paid to do what I love.

Since then, I have had the privilege to be in different roles and organisations where I have advocated for diverse voices and experiences to be celebrated, heard and visible. Now, out of some twist of fate, I have returned to UWE Bristol to be their Staff and Student Engagement Officer where I lead on University level engagement programmes such as Black History Month, our sponsorship relations with Bristol Pride and St Paul’s Carnival, Staff Networks and our organisational wide health and wellbeing campaign. When I ran in the elections as a student my strapline was “Making Things Happen” and I am proud that I have lived by my motto throughout my career.
In the last year, I have spoken on a variety on national and international panels, led on research projects, curated digital content on equality issues – and have what it feels like grown in my career journey on an accelerated trajectory.

As a proud Black lesbian with anxiety and depression – I know first-hand the importance of organisations taking diversity and inclusion seriously. For me, equality isn’t just my job but an intrinsic part of who I am.