Proud to be me: Stories of Black Alumni of the University of Bradford

About this webinar

This special Black History Month Alumni Panel Event "Proud To Be" will explore the personal journeys and experiences of some University of Bradford alumni and the challenges facing black graduates as they transition from university to the world of work. Panellists will share their own experiences (education, career, family) in life so far, future aspirations, and the achievements and identities they are proud of as black and brown people. There will also be a discussion around any challenges they have faced and how they managed to overcome them.

Attendees will also be invited to submit questions.

The Panel of speakers will include:

Charles Dacres, Chair, Bradford Hate Crime Alliance

Charles holds a master’s degree in diversity management. Much of his work and experience addresses complex equality and diversity issues that impact on individuals, communities, and organisations, and developing approaches that enable leaders to better understand the needs of the people they serve. He has considerable experience working for and with Local Authorities, leading on and advising those with responsibility for ensuring that services are delivered in a fair and equitable way.

Zainab Garba-Sanni, NHS England and NHS Improvement

Zainab currently works for NHS England and NHS Improvement who are responsible for leading the National Health Service (NHS) in England. Her current role is within the Innovation, Research and Life Sciences Group as a Clinical Innovation Manager. She is looks after a number of programmes and policy areas that span the innovation pipeline: from ideation, research and development to the spread and adoption. These include the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme, the Small Business Research Initiative for Healthcare, the NHS Innovation Accelerator and work to reduce health inequalities through innovation.

Kanja Sesay, Executive Secretary, Office of the Ombudsman Sierra Leone.

Kanja Sesay is currently the Executive Secretary at the Office of the Ombudsman Sierra Leone. As the National Union of Student Black Students Officer, he was the national leader for Black students leading an organisation that represented over 1 million members. Kanja has worked as a Community Engagement Officer for the Mayor of London. His roles have developed as a community organiser, researcher, and equality adviser.

Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Labour MP for Streatham

Bell Ribeiro-Addy is the Labour MP for Streatham. Born and raised in Brixton Hill, Bell is a dedicated feminist, anti-racist and trade unionist who attended Bradford University from 2003-2006 and cut her teeth in student politics as the National Black Students’ Officer. During her time in Parliament, Bell has been a champion of teaching Black history and decolonising the curriculum, calling for our schools to teach the history of Empire, colonialism and British civil rights struggles.