LONDON SUMMIT TO INSPIRE NEXT GENERATION OF AFRICAN CARIBBEAN AND BLACK HERITAGE STUDENTS TO THINK BIG AND AIM HIGH IN CAREERS.

The First Black Heritage Leadership Summit from leading UK Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) charity, SEO London, is designed to inspire the next generation of black leaders to work in some of the UK’s top industries.

Statistics produced by the government [1] highlight that only 5% of black workers are in management and senior roles in comparison with 11% of white workers.

Further reports [2] show that the biggest differences in earnings between black and white women workers, specifically exist in banking, finance and insurance.

The event, to be held at Lloyd’s on 21st April 2023, will bring together African Caribbean societies and black heritage students from UK universities to meet black leaders disrupting the status quo in the fields of finance, consulting, government, law and media to encourage them into impactful roles and make change happen.

Nathalie Richards, CEO of SEO London, and co-host of the summit said: “It is vital that young people of black heritage are exposed to outstanding examples of black leadership excellence. We wanted to create a space where pioneers in their field can exchange ideas and create an allyship to help propel young people to the top of their chosen fields.”

Students will have much to gain from the impressive line-up of speakers, which include co-host Lord Doctor Michael Hastings CBE, who has helped shape policies on racial equality and who is currently Chairman of SOAS, University of London. Keynote speaker Will Njobvu, best known for presenting Good Morning Britain, The Masked Singer (Unmasked) and Jeremy Vine will be at the event to provide his take on making it in media.

Will Njobvu said: “It’s important that young people hear from the lived experience of others that have faced the same barriers that they have faced.  I want to motivate these young people and equip them with the practical tools and knowledge they need to become great leaders.

“Events like these can influence positive change.”

The Summit, a first of its kind, will consist of interactive lectures and panel discussions between senior leaders in HR, education, politics, law, finance and tech. Attendees can expect topics such as navigating racist structures, having confidence in your cultural background and overcoming imposter syndrome.

Nathalie continues: “We’re hoping that students will leave the event, after hearing from our influential speakers, feeling more confident about what they have the potential to achieve.”

SEO London (Sponsors for Educational Opportunity Ltd) is a UK-registered charity delivering superior educational, training and mentoring support to young people from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds with the aim of helping them succeed in some of the UKs top careers.

To find out more about the summit and the rest of the line-up, please visit: BHLS (seo-london.org)

[1]Source - Ethnicity facts and figures – GOV.UK (ethnicity-facts-figures.service.gov.uk)

[2]Source - Labour Force Survey - Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)