Professor named as ‘inspirational’ diversity leader
Survey includes people from some of the world's biggest companies
Professor Udy Archibong from the University of Bradford has been named an inspirational diversity and inclusion leader in a global survey.
The d&i Leaders Global Benchmarking Survey 2021 aims to promote inclusion in the workplace and organises the annual Race at Work Summit, whose signatories include the likes of Google, PayPal, Virgin Media, Sport England, Tesco and many others.
Prof Archibong, who was awarded an OBE in 2014, has been named an inspirational diversity and inclusion leader by over 350 diversity and inclusion professionals.
Commenting on the honour, she said: "I am delighted. Words cannot express how proud I am to be included in such distinguished company. To be named alongside leaders in their field such as Barbara Whye at Apple, Cecilia Weckstrom at LEGO, Verna Myers at Netflix, and Pamela Hutchinson of Bloomberg LP is not only a career high, this is all about University of Bradford. It acknowledges what we stand for, our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion as a University, and the positive impact and difference that we are making."
Vice-Chancellor Professor Shirley Congdon added: "We are fortunate and proud to have Udy as a senior executive within our University. Our vision is a world of inclusion and equality of opportunity where people want to – and can – make a difference. As a global, inspirational leader, Udy demonstrates that vision in all she does and deserves to be on the Inspirational d&i leaders list."
Prof Archibong, who is also Pro-Vice Chancellor for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, has been a pioneer in the field and is leading the University’s own transformational ‘decolonisation’ strategy, which seeks to overhaul decades-old norms to create a more inclusive educational space.
She has led the University to win numerous Athena Swan awards, which again recognise equality in the workplace. In June 2020, she was included in a photographic exhibition Phenomenal Women: Portraits of UK Black Female Professors. She continues to lead, support and take part in many other activities and events linked to equality and diversity.
To reach this year's list more than international diversity and inclusion professionals were asked ‘Which diversity and inclusion leader inspires you the most?’, as part of the d&i Leaders Global Benchmarking Survey 2021.
The list, which is updated annually, offers a tiny snapshot of some of the many inspiring people accelerating workplace inclusion across the globe. View the full list here.