10 UK-Based Diversity and Inclusion Social Media Influencers You Need To Follow
Diversity and inclusion are increasingly at the top of the agenda across a range of industries. Now, more than ever, people are using this crucial time to take to social media to educate employers about the importance of representation in the workplace, and connect with BAME individuals about their shared experiences and challenges.
Here are 12 UK-based influencers that brands and individuals alike can follow to stay informed and find out new strategies to improve the workplace for BAME employees.
1. Adrienne London
Image source: https://www.designmynight.com/london/whats-on/classes/adrienne-london-sweat-to-the-beat-high-energy-workout-630pm
Adrienne is a Global Ambassador for Adidas and also spends time working as a motivational speaker as well as running her own podcast. She’s also the Co-Founder of the network and community platform GetToKNOW.
Her organisation looks to improve accessibility for women in the creative industries by providing them with strategies and resources that will help them to discover new opportunities. It also presents information from other women already building their careers. She has over 67k followers on Instagram and frequently posts about the work she’s doing to improve the workplace for women.
Follow her on Instagram: @adrienne_ldn.
2. Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE
Image Source: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/anne-marie-imafidon-interview-hg03k290n
Dr Anne-Marie is the founder of the social enterprise Stemettes, which works to educate young girls and women up to the age of 22 about opportunities in science, technology, maths and engineering. She started out in the banking sector, working at Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank before making the move towards a career championing female employees in STEM industries.
You can keep up to date with her inspiring work through her Twitter: @aimafidon.
3. Kike Oniwinde
Image source: http://woman.ng/2018/08/here-is-the-laudable-reason-kike-oniwinde-created-byp-network-to-connect-black-professionals-globally/
Kike founded the Black Young Professional Network, which aims to give advice to black people starting their careers to better navigate the world of work.
Having made the Forbes 30 under 30 list, Kike posts about her inspiring story, and also shares information about other black entrepreneurs on her Twitter.
You can follow her via: @KikeOniwinde.
4. Courtney Daniella
Image Source: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/worklife/careers/a10382764/courtney-daniella-cambridge/
After graduating from Cambridge University, Daniella became a beauty entrepreneur and created a successful YouTube channel. On her account, she delves into advice on how to succeed in education and discusses how companies and society can do more to improve equality.
Her work and ongoing association with Cambridge University was linked to a 50% increase in black applicants to the university in 2019. She uses her platform to share invaluable insights into the mindset of young BAME graduates in 2020.
Follow her on Twitter: @cdboateng.
5. Ade Hassan MBE
Image Source: https://images.ctfassets.net/5u2sttmumgqx/2bFYkAs1Whvrzn5TwsJbJv/a26494f65ac42642b407182361f8140c/Ade_20Hassan_20WorldRemit
Founder of Nubian Skin, a lingerie brand specialising in ‘nude’ colours suited to women with darker skin tones, Ade Hassan has been a trailblazer in bringing BAME-focused fashion into the spotlight. Her ad campaign was chosen as the winner of Transport For London’s ad competition that looked to promote brands or campaigns that celebrate BAME identity.
She regularly posts affirming messages about the importance of entrepreneurship in BAME communities on her Instagram account.
Follow her here: @itsadehassan.
6. Asif Sadiq MBE
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Asif works as the Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Adidas and frequently discusses issues around the idea of ‘belonging’ in the workplace.
Asif brings attention to companies that are succeeding in inclusion and points out which brands could do more.
Follow him on Twitter: @AsifSadiq
7. June Sarpong MBE
Image Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-4850490/June-Sarpong-family-tragedy-shook-world.html
June Sarpong is well-known in the UK for her long career in TV. Currently, June works as the Director of Creative Diversity at the BBC and uses her platform on social media to raise awareness about inclusion within the broadcasting and television industry.
Follow her on Twitter: @junesarpong.
8. Dr Funke Abimbola MBE
Image Source: https://www.speakersforschools.org/speakers/dr-funke-abimbola-mbe/
As a powerful advocate for diversity and inclusion, Funke was named as a Champion for Action for Grant Thornton International’s global diversity campaign that looked to put the spotlight on women in business.
She posts about the power of women in business and talks about how companies can do more to make the world of business a more inclusive place for women.
Follow her via @Champ1Diversity.
9. Priscilla Baffour
Image Source: https://aboutus.ft.com/en-gb/announcements/priscilla-baffour-joins-ft-as-head-of-diversity-and-inclusion/
Specialising in increasing diversity in media, Priscilla helped to drive the FT’s Global Diversity and Inclusion strategy. She’s also worked to assist ITN in reducing their Gender and Ethnicity Pay Gap.
She’s active on Twitter and gives insights into how media companies can improve their D&I policies.
Follow her on Twitter: @Cilla4Talent.
10. Genelle Aldred
Image Source: https://www.thejusticeconference.co.uk/speakers-artists
With 13 years of experience in corporate digital strategy for the likes of the BBC and ITV, Genelle uses her knowledge to help brands communicate effectively. Online, she is an advocate for gender diversity and promotes BAME talent in various industries.
Follow her at @GenelleAldred.
