Inspired by the success of ‘Slay in Your Lane’, EDI@LSE host this panel discussion, reflecting on the dynamics and challenges of the modern workplace for black women.

That black women are underrepresented in many sectors, including academic institutions, is widely supported by research today. The critically acclaimed publication ‘Slay in Your Lane’ (@slayinyourlane), explores the opportunities for black women to find success despite the double burden of ‘race’ and gender. Through a conversational discussion, the authors of Slay in Your Lane and the esteemed panel will discuss the nuances of visibility, seeking opportunity and facilitating sustainable, positive institutional and interpersonal change.

Yomi Adegoke (@yomiadegoke), author of Slay in Your Lane, is an award-winning journalist and senior writer at The Pool. She writes about race, feminism, popular culture and how they intersect, as well as class and politics. In 2013 she founded Birthday Magazine, a publication aimed at black teenage girls and this year was listed as one of the 200 Women Redefining the Creative Industry by The Dots. She was also named as a 'frontline pioneer' bringing the fight to 'a new generation' by the Evening Standard. 

Maryane Mwaniki (@maryanemwaniki) is Head of Employer Engagement at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). As partnerships lead for LSE EMBRACE (LSE’s Black and Minority Ethnic network) she champions behaviour and policy change towards workplace diversity and inclusion. Maryane is passionate about organisational behaviour, wellbeing in the workplace, leadership development and influencing equality. She studied MSc Human Resources & Organisations at LSE and is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Coretta Phillips is an Associate Professor (Reader) at the LSE in the Department of Social Policy and she is also a member of the Mannheim Centre for Criminology. Coretta's research interests lie in the field of race, ethnicity, crime and social policy. Her books include: Racism and Justice (2002, with Ben Bowling, Pearson); The Multicultural Prison (2012, OUP, joint winner of the Routledge Criminology Book Prize 2013); and New Directions in Race, Ethnicity and Crime (2014, edited with Colin Webster, Routledge). Coretta has been an academic at LSE for 17 years.

Busayo Twins (@busayo_twins) was elected as the first black General Secretary of LSE's Student Union and then went on to serve on the National Executive Council of the National Union of Students (NUS). She is an all-round education enthusiast with a particular interest in the educational experience of black students, from lower school to higher education. She currently works at ‘The Access Project’ a charity that supports high potential pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to secure places at Britain's top universities. Busayo features on popular media platforms and runs various projects addressing issues that affect the Black British Community.

Elizabeth Uviebinené (@lizuvie), author of ‘Slay in Your Lane’ is an award-winning Marketing Manager from London. A natural in creative storytelling and idea generation, with a passion for brands, Elizabeth creates marketing campaigns that are culturally progressive and commercially impactful. In 2018, Elizabeth was recognised by The Dots as a woman redefining the creative industry, and awarded a Rising Star in the PR, Communications and Marketing industry by WeAreTheCity.

The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office (@EDI_LSE) serves as a leader in promoting and furthering LSE’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion for all members of its community.

Twitter Hashtag for this event: #LSEBlackHistoryMonth