Authenticity at work
Being your authentic self at work is important to feel comfortable and enhance your individual well-being, maximise your impact in your work and help others feel comfortable being their authentic selves.
This year, we introduced our equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) focused 'Authenticity at work' offer, designed to provide you with a platform to engage with professionals across various sectors.
Our aim was to address important topics such as coming out at work, navigating microaggressions, allyship, and promoting inclusive practices by engaging with professionals with experiences in these areas.
If you need support regarding any of the topics discussed on this page, please visit the university support page.
Have your questions answered
Sam Hawkins, Head of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) - All areas of EDI
A summary of your career journey so far.
Growing up in care, I learned very early on how important a supportive setting is in positively influencing a person’s potential and success. This realisation has driven my entire career history and is why I’m so passionate about creating spaces where people feel supported, included, and that they belong. I graduated in 2020 where I become the Liberation Officer at UoNSU for a year. I then worked at the University of Leeds as Equality and Inclusion Project Officer for just over a year, before joining Anglia Ruskin University as their Head of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in 2022, and I have been here since!
Particular areas of EDI you’re passionate about.
I’m interested in all areas of EDI – there are many different factors that influence and shape someone’s life. In order to create truly inclusive environments, we need to look at all aspects of a person, a situation, or a challenge for people, so that we can fully understand what's really going and how we can help. I guess I have a natural leaning towards EDI themes such as care leavers, LGBTQ+, and disability as this is where my own experience lies, but truly what I’m most passionate about is identifying a problem and solving it so that it makes a lasting difference for people.
‘Ask me about…’
I'm very happy to answer anything about adjusting to life during or after university, interview preparation, identifying opportunities at university that will stand out in job applications, interview preparation, how to make the most of extracurriculars, how to build professional networks, lessons I've learnt, financial advice, preparing for the workplace, advise on choosing a career path, etc.
Submit your questions for Sam
Denis Lelin, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Officer
Bio:
Hi, My name is Denis Lelin and I was an international student myself. I have graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2020 with a degree in Politics and International Relations. Since then I worked at the Students' Union as Activities officer for a year. After my time in Nottingham I have continued to work as fundraiser in a charity (Unseen UK), until I have started my Graduate Scheme at Deloitte, where I worked as an Auditor for two years. I am now working as an EDI practitioner at Queen Mary University of London. I will be happy to provide my advice on how to progress to employment as an international student and answer any questions on working in Corporate Sector, Charities, and Higher Education.
Submit your questions for Denis
Watch interviews with our past speakers
Ashley Storer-Smith, Student Voice Manager at University of Nottingham - Being trans in the workplace
I started within students' unions when I was elected as Vice President Activities and Employability at London South Bank SU after I graduated.
I have been fortunate to work at a range of students' unions including Brighton, Warwick and Newman. I am currently the Student Voice Manager at UoNSU.
I also run a monthly webinar series with Unitu around student voice and student engagement. I have recently completed my MA in Student Engagement in Higher Education and published articles for Wonkhe around student engagement.
Areas of interest:
- Trans and non-binary
- Neurodivergency
- Disability (generally)
Sarissa Guo, Residential Experience Officer at University of Nottingham - Being trans in the workplace
With a commitment towards fostering meaningful equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, I have had the fortune to work in a number of impactful roles.
After graduating with an International Relations BA from the University of Nottingham Malaysia, I began as a Protection Assistant with the UNHCR in Malaysia, where I provided support and counselling to asylum-seekers and refugees, in addition to fostering inclusivity as a member of the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Working Group.
Moving to the UK, I joined the University of Nottingham as a senior administrator in the Assessments Team, while helping to promote EDI efforts within the RAA Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Working Group.
Currently, as a residential experience officer, I co-ordinate events, offer pastoral care, and help amplify LGBTQIA+ voices as one of the Co-Chairs of the University's LGBTQIA+ Staff Network. By working in tandem with the community, as well as applying my lived experiences as a trans woman from Southeast Asia, I aim to create a university where our LGBTQIA+ community can thrive.
Areas of interest:
- Transgender inclusion in the workplace
- Immigrant, refugee and asylum seeker-specific needs and support
- Embedding care and wellbeing into the workplace
- Building and preserving an inclusive culture at work
Meredith Coney, Faculty Head of Education and Student Experience at University of Nottingham - LGBT+, women and neurodiversity
I am Meredith Coney, Head of Education and Student Experience in the Faculty of Engineering, leading a team that supports the student journey from admissions to graduate employment. I joined the University of Nottingham in December 2023 after 17 years at Loughborough University.
I studied a BA and MSc in Archaeology at the University of Leicester, while studying I had a part-time job in the Distance Learning unit of my department and enjoyed supporting people from all over the world to undertake their studies.
When I graduated, I didn't have a clear plan on what I wanted to do, but loved working at the University and applied for a temporary role at Loughborough University while I worked out what I wanted to do. A temporary role quickly became the start of a career in higher education management, not a field I had ever considered before but which I love!
Areas of interest:
I am passionate about equity, diversity and inclusion, in making our university accessible to all, to ensure that our students all feel like they can make the most of their university time and go on to a successful career they are passionate about.
Daryl Giffts-Walker, Environmental Compliance Advisor, Valpak Ltd - EDI in the workplace
I've worked a variety of jobs, from a 5-star golf course waiting tables for celebrities like Chris Hemsworth and Len Goodman, to switchboard work for Audi and health and safety in automotive engineering.
My role at Valpak means I interact with all members of a business all the way up to directors. I work with businesses to ensure they›re compliant with UK environmental regulations and suggest other services that can keep their business compliant. Valpak is the UK's largest compliance scheme, working with over 4000 businesses since 1997 including household names such as Coca-Cola and Tesco. I want to see more black talent in leadership positions and further education.
Areas of interest:
I'm passionate about many areas of EDI, from race and religion to disability and sexual orientation.
Emma Maraio - LGBT+, Women and Neurodiversity at work
I am a Business Psychologist that currently works as a Global Performance Consultant within the Tech Industry. I have worked in different businesses, but my roles have always been focused around how we can use Psychology to get the most from and for our people - from construction to casinos, people are what make a business what it is.
Areas of interest:
LGBT+, Women and Neurodiversity at work.