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Alumni offer expertise to The Black Leadership Programme

The Black Leadership Programme, a collaboration between NTU and Nottingham Trent Students’ Union (NTSU) has launched for 2021.

    Afua Acheampong
    Afua Acheampong
    Diversity Governance Coordinator at NTU

    More than 50 students are taking part this year in the programme which is designed to empower black second year undergraduate students to gain confidence and become resilient leaders. They take part in a series of hands-on events and community-building activities throughout Term Two and Term Three.

    Students are supported throughout the process by staff and alumni mentors who generously volunteer their time though our Alumni and Industry Fellowship Programme. They are also invited to apply for internship opportunities for Summer 2021 to help them stand out to employers post-graduation.

    A virtual opening event was held for the programme at the start of February, welcoming more than 100 guests, including Lord Mayor and Sherriff of Nottingham, representatives from NTU Cultural Partners, Nottingham City Council and members of the University Executive Team. It was a chance to bring participants together virtually to hear the experiences of guest panellists including Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, New York Attorney and Solicitor of England and Wales, Founder and editor of Women in Leadership Publication.

    Speaking after the launch event, Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Edward Peck said, “The Black Leadership Programme launch was one of the most powerful events that I have ever attended online. The event was thought provoking and I have been able to reflect on what I can do better and differently in relation to equality, diversity and inclusion. NTU is fully committed to race equality and we will continue to work to ensure that all of our students are able to reach their full potential.”

    Afua Acheampong, Diversity Governance Coordinator at NTU was also pleased with the success of the launch events and discussed the importance of programmes such as the Black Leadership Programme in tackling racial inequality:

    “I’m extremely proud to have been part of the programme for this year! Colleagues across the institution to have come together to deliver a wide range of powerful activities. A big congratulations to the successful applicants and I look forward to working with these students. The Black Leadership Programme is just one example of NTU’s commitment to tackle racial inequality which is highlighted in our Race Equality Action Plan. This reinforces that addressing systemic racism and structural inequalities means change won’t happen overnight but equally, you can’t do it alone.”

    If you’d like to support with similar initiatives in the future, we’d welcome your involvement in the Alumni and Industry Fellowship Programme. Nottingham Trent University prides itself on being an inclusive community and we particularly welcome applications for the Alumni and Industry Fellowship Programme from alumni who represent the diversity of our local communities and wider society.

    Published on 4 March 2021
    • Category: Alumni