Unapologetically Ours: Black Women Leading with Power and Pride

This Black History Month event, hosted by CIPD Manchester, celebrates the theme “Unapologetically Ours: Black Women Leading with Power and Pride.”

The evening begins with registration and networking before a warm welcome and scene-setting introduction. The keynote address will explore leadership, power, and pride, offering attendees practical tools and inspiration. Following this, two lightning talks will spotlight the experiences and insights of Black women leaders from diverse sectors.

A fireside chat with a moderator will dig deeper into crucial themes including sponsorship versus mentorship, wellbeing, and career progression. To close, attendees will engage in interactive table dialogues, identifying barriers, co-creating solutions, and capturing one actionable “policy tweak” and “manager ritual” to take back into their organizations.

What attendees can expect to gain:

• Inspiration and practical strategies from Black women leaders.
• Deeper understanding of the importance of mentorship, wellbeing, and progression.
• A chance to contribute to shaping inclusive workplace practices.
• Actionable takeaways to influence policy and management culture within their organisations.

Speakers:

Paula Watt - Chair GMCA Race equality Panel, SEND Case Manager

Martina Witter - Vice-Chair GMCA Race Equality Panel, CIPD Manchester Committee Member: DEI Lead I BABCP Accredited Cognitive Behaviour Therapist I Health and Wellbeing Consultant I TEDxTrafford Curator

Olajumoke Awosemo, FCIPD
HR Operations Manager | Founder, Black HR Professionals Community | DEI Advocate

Olajumoke Awosemo is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD and HR Operations Manager with a strong track record in people strategy, leadership development, and inclusion. She is the founder of the Black Human Resource Professionals Community, a platform that empowers and connects Black HR practitioners across the UK. Passionate about equity and representation, Olajumoke is committed to creating workplaces where people can thrive and lead with authenticity and pride.

Additional Speaker- Akeisha Brown : Equality Development Lead (Creative Support)

More speakers TBC

Please note:

1. Reminder emails will be sent to you the day before, with a further reminder on the day of the event.

2. Photography and video production may be taking place at the event, and these images may be used in the CIPD newsletters.

3. By attending the event, you are giving your consent for your image to be used on any CIPD promotional materials.

4. As we are supplying refreshments, if you can no longer attend, please cancel your place either on Eventbrite, responding to this email.

5. This event may include an external speaker who has prepared their own presentation. Any views or opinions expressed by the speaker are their own and do not reflect those of the CIPD.

6. If you require any reasonable adjustments to enhance your experience, please get in contact with us by responding to this email and we will do our best to accommodate.

Info: ● Registration, name badges

Info: ● Host welcome (CIPD Manchester)
● Why this theme for BHM

Info: ● Leadership, power, pride; practical tools

Info: ● Voices from Black women leaders across
sectors

Info: ● Sponsorship vs. mentorship, wellbeing,
progression

Info: ● Capture one “policy tweak” and one “manager ritual”

Info: ● Pledge wall/QR survey: 30-day action + ally pledge
● Share resources & partner links

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Midland, 16 Peter Street, Manchester, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Get App