The LSE EmbRace Committee is a dedicated group of volunteers from LSE’s Professional Services and Academic Staff, working together to increase awareness and drive positive change on issues of culture and diversity affecting the entire LSE community.
Our work centers around the principle, “no decision about us without us,” as we believe that decisions impacting Black, Asian, and minority ethnic staff and students should be fully informed by the insights, feedback, and recommendations of these communities.
We are delighted to have Andrew Young, LSE's Chief Operating Officer, as the School Management Committee Sponsor for LSE EmbRace. Together with the entire LSE community, we are dedicated to advancing racial equity and inclusion, embodying the vision of an “LSE for Everyone” as outlined in LSE 2030.
Committee Members
Jennifer Ho
Executive Programmes and Centre Administrator, LSE Cities
Co-Chair of EmbRace
Jennifer manages the overall operations of the LSE Cities research centre, as well as the administration of various taught programmes within LSE Cities, including executive short courses, custom programmes, post grad taught courses and the flagship MSc in Cities programme.
Email: J.Ho8@lse.ac.uk
Yvonne Olusoga
Project Development Officer, Library
Co-Chair of EmbRace
Yvonne manages the co-ordination of the Library's programme of development and innovative projects and process reviews, working with team managers and colleagues across the school. She is also one of the School's Cyber Security Champions.
Highlght of time as part of EmbRace:It is comforting to know I have a community of people that I can connect with. Working with others in the community to support BME students and staff at LSE by contributing to expanding the reach and impact of the staff network has been phenomenal and fantastic. I hope to continue focusing on collaboration and partnership with other departments, staff networks and continue to advocate for the changes that are needed to support the BME community at LSE
Email: Y.Olusoga@lse.ac.uk
Nermin Abdulla
Executive MSc Programme Manager, LSE Cities
Nermin joined LSE in 2022. Prior to that she worked as Learning Programme Manager at the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art, where she managed a range of programmes for young people, Yale undergrads, graduate students, and adults. She has an MA in Classical Art and Archaeology from KCL and has worked on an archaeological project in Jordan with George Washington University.
Paulette Annon
Academic & Pastoral Mentor, Department of Management
Communications Lead for Embrace
Paulette is the Department of Management’s Academic & Pastoral Mentor, supporting first year UG students on the BSc Management degree. She is co-chair of the Department’s EDI Committee and also co-chairs the school-wide EDI Reps Network.
As a committee member of EmbRace since 2021, she volunteers as one of the Marketing & Communications Officers, responsible for newsletter and social media content. A highlight from her time as part of EmbRace was working with other members of the committee to launch the Black 365 lanyard and applying for funding to support the production of the four-episode podcast Embrace the Journey which examines EmbRace’s history.
Originally from Birmingham, Paulette has no affiliations to her home city’s football teams, but if pressed, she would concede to Aston Villa.
Daniel Beckley
Deputy Security Team Leader, Estates
My name is Daniel Beckley. All my friends call me Big D or Big Man. I am a father, husband, and former heavyweight boxer. For the past 15 years I have proudly worked as a security officer within LSE. In 2010, I founded EMBRACE, which became LSE’s first-ever BAME staff network. With the support of many courageous members, our community has grown rapidly and we continue to represent, celebrate and inspire change for all BAME staff throughout LSE. In 2016, I was part of the founding team that launched LSE Rejoice – a praise and worship group formed to connect colleagues through their strong faith in God. Lastly, for the past few years I have been running a skipping fitness class (called Skip Fit) within the school – to share the joy of movement and encourage students and staff to incorporate regular exercise within their daily routine.
With the help of strong and impactful groups like Embrace – I am confident that the school is on track for an even brighter future. One that is equitable, inclusive, and, courageously forward-thinking!
Highlight of time part of the EmbRace: The launch event for EmbRace back in 2010! The energy in the room was palpable. And I'm glad to say this energy and vigor is still alive and flowing throughout the committee today.
Ani Bhagtiani
Head of Programme Management, International Growth Centre
As Head of Programme Management at the International Growth Centre (IGC), Ani leads on various programme management activities across the IGC’s resident country teams in South Asia, Africa and in Jordan, including setting and implementing strategy, facilitating collaboration across country teams and ensuring good practice. In addition to this, Ani is a member of the LSE EmbRace Committee as well as a Fair Recruitment Adviser for the School.
Highlight of time from EmbRace: I’d say generally working with the EmbRace Committee. Everyone is so capable, warm and really cares about what they are doing. I feel privileged working with such amazing people
Tash Dalling
Deputy Department Manager, Department of Health Policy
Tash leads on the delivery of teaching services, collaborates with departmental stakeholders, ensures successful implementation of plans and policies, manage operations, serve as a liaison between the department and other divisions, and act as a deputy for the Department Manager as needed.
Highlight from time at EmbRace: Making long lasting connections and also creating LSE's first BAME Mentoring Scheme.
Melissa Nicholson
Head of International Compliance, International Growth Centre
Melissa partners with key departments across the school with to monitor, manage, and meet international risk, compliance and governance related requirements related to LSE registered overseas entities and IGC activities in its countries of operation. She also provides strategic support for department colleagues across the school to identify, mitigate and manage risks connected with international activities. She leads on risk and security for the IGC programmes and is also a Safe Contact.
Highlight from time as EmbRace Committee member so far: I’m new but look forward to connecting with everyone and supporting the re-launch of the BAME mentoring scheme.