REACH Network Conference - Towards Diverse Vibrant Communities through Racial Equity and Inclusion

Come along to the 2nd Annual REACH Network Conference for 2025. The theme this year is Towards Diverse, Vibrant Communities through Racial Equity and Inclusion.

The Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage (REACH) Staff Network used to be Blacks, Asians and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Staff Network. This Conference is designed based on a public engagement model so that the network can interact and share ideas with the immediate University community, Loughborough community, Leicester and Leicestershire community.

Session Overview:

• Keynote Address by Veronica Moore, Executive Director of EDI, Loughborough University and Sponsor of REACH Staff Network
• Exhibitions as a Methodology for exploring Racial Equity and Inclusion in HEIs and wider Society by Dr Kerri Akiwowo, Senior Lecturer, Loughborough University
• BEYOND UNIVERSITY WALLS: Promoting Racial Equity in wider Communities by Dr Iris Lightfoote, CEO, The Race Equality Centre (TREC)
• The Role of Staff Networks in Shaping Policies in Higher Education Institutions by Dr Perpetual Eze-Idehen, Founder and Chair, Carers, Parents and Guardians Staff Network, The University of Manchester
• Conference Group Activity: Culture Canvas by Denise Coles, EDI Manager, Loughborough University
• What really matters in Race Equality Charter in building Vibrant Communities by Dr Teslim Bukoye, Senior Lecturer, University of Bath
• The Chaplaincy's Role in Diverse and Inclusive Campus Communities in supporting wellbeing, faith and spirituality by Safra Razeek, Chaplaincy, Loughborough University
• Vibrant and Inclusive Communities at Loughborough by Professor Emily Keightley, Assoicate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Vibrant and Inclusive Communities, Loughborough University
• Rethinking Community Engagement by Dr Ayodeji Akiwowo, Founder, Black Excellence
• The impact of co-creating with communities by Amanda Hanton, Cultural Participation Team Manager, Culture Leicestershire, Leicestershire County Council
• Goodwill Video Message by Dr Jeevun Sandher, Member of Parliament for Loughborough, Shepshed and the Villages