Black Women In Academia: Leveraging International Networks

In partnership with University College London, Chair at the Table Network, and Vanderbilt University, the "Black Women in Academia: Leveraging International Networks" conference was designed to foster a supportive community and explore global collaboration opportunities for Black women in academia. 

The organizers partnered with Leading Routes, as the conference sponsor. Attendees heard from senior Black women in academia from different disciplines, who discussed strategies for advancing in promotion and leadership. Prospective students gained an understanding of the realities of pursuing a PhD and explore various pathways into academia. The conference also addressed the current global landscape of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and offer strategies for enhancing connections between academia, research and practice.

 The conference provided an opportunity for:

• Students considering a doctorate to gain insight on securing funding, staying the course, and finding innovative ways to make research impactful both within and beyond academia.
• Aspiring leaders to develop strategies for navigating leadership roles and progression, both as an academic and within professional services.
•EDI practitioners to discuss how we can acclimatise to the growing global resistance of EDI initiatives, while remaining energised to advancing EDI in our everyday work.
•Exploring how we can build stronger UK-US networks to support, collaborate and produce impactful research together.
•Creating more spaces and opportunities designed for us, by us, to connect and thrive.
• Book signing with the wonderful Carol Henderson: Chief Diversity Officers in Higher Education Today. A timely and important read for those of us working in this space. 

Reclaiming Narratives: Black academics leading the charge for change. 

"In a demonstration of unity and purpose, the 'Black Women in Academia: Leveraging International Networks' (BWIA) conference in partnership with Chair at the Table Network and Vanderbilt University was held on Thursday 5 September, 2024.

The conference did more than just gather Black women from diverse academic disciplines—it became a powerful platform for reasserting their voices and perspectives in spaces where they have long been marginalised. It celebrated their achievements, encouraged international partnerships, and created space for personal and collective growth."