The UK’s professional and creative spaces are experiencing a Black renaissance. An increasing amount of talent is finding its way into previously restricted areas by shattering glass ceilings and putting their abilities on display. We’ve rounded up some of the most talented Black trailblazers across different industries. Explore some of Britain’s most prominent movers and shakers below.
Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon
Our Leadership Conference keynote panel speaker Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE is a tech giant. Named the UK’s 2020 ‘Most Influential Woman,’ the world-renowned prodigy started making her mark at age 11 as the youngest girl to pass A-level computing. She earned a master’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Oxford when she was just 20 years old.
Imafidon’s passion is increasing girls’ representation in STEM education, leading her to write ‘She’s in CTRL – How Women Can Take Back Tech’, which we were able to give out to attendees at the conference. She is also the CEO of Stemettes, an award-winning social enterprise working to inspire and support young women and non-binary people in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Jacky Wright
Microsoft’s Chief Digital Officer Jacky Wright has an impressive resume. Her experiences are with some of the world’s top corporations, including General Electric and BP. She is renowned for her contributions to diversity and technology, becoming one of the National Diversity Council’s 50 Most Powerful Women in Technology in 2020.
Wright is refreshingly forward-thinking regarding Black representation in high-powered positions and the tech industry. “Each of us has a responsibility to ensure that we not only showcase role models but, more importantly, we need to make monumental shifts to create a more equitable society.”
Silika Shellie
Silika Shellie participated in BYP’s LC conference during the ‘Rising to the Top’ Whilst Keeping it Real’ session. As the Director of Product Innovation at Sainsbury’s, she is no stranger to working in highly diverse spaces, from the office to consumers. Her contribution to the professional diaspora is helping people fight imposter syndrome and demonstrating how they can show up as their genuine selves with no reservations.
Anne Mensah
The Vice President of Content position at Netflix is no small feat. Anne Mensah, a broadcast media veteran with over 20 years of experience in global productions, handles her duties with fortitude. She received her big break in 2001 as the Head of Independent Drama at BBC.
Nineteen years later, she landed at Netflix and is the creative behind sourcing hit shows like “The Crown” and “Top Boy.” Mensah’s position allows her to act upon her dedication to spotlighting diverse talent from her hometown. She can utilise her environmental knowledge to champion new voices and provide opportunities.
Ize Idemudia
Ize Idemudia stole the show during our recent Leadership Conference. She is the Managing Director in Legal and Compliance and the Co-Chair of Morgan Stanley’s African and Caribbean Business Alliance. An advocate for diversity and inclusion, she is powering the next generation of Black talent by leading Morgan Stanley’s Diversity Steering Committee.
Managing people is difficult, but Idemudia finds fulfillment in helping create spaces for Black talent to recognise their full potential. Her goals align with recruiting diverse talent and retaining them using actionable strategies.
Here is what you can do
With more than 150K members, BYP provides exclusive access to talented Black professionals worldwide. Our CPD-accredited and research-based Black Experience Course is a step in the right direction to help you stand with Black professional leaders of the future. You can also take a look at our Jobs Board to kick-start or upgrade your career.
