Across the University there is a tremendous amount of effort being put into advancing equality and diversity, but in an institution as large and devolved as Oxford these efforts can often go unnoticed. The Vice-Chancellor’s Diversity Awards were established in 2018 to make initiatives – and individual commitment – more visible.
We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2020 VC’s Diversity Awards.
Champion or Role Model
Hannah Ravenswood, Organisational Development Advisor, People and Organisational Development (POD)
Hannah has inspired others by her willingness to talk openly about her own experiences as an LGBT+ member of staff and of living with mental illness and Type 1 diabetes and has been the driving force behind establishing the University’s growing network of LBGT+ role models and allies.
Lamis Hamdi, Medical Student, Green Templeton College
Lamis has been committed to equality and diversity from the start of her time at Oxford. She has been Chair of Oxford SU’s Campaign for Racial Awareness and Equality (CRAE), involved in the St Hilda’s Feminist Festival and a peer supporter for BME students through the Peers of Colour scheme.
Inclusive culture
LGBT+ Role Models and LGBT+ Allies Workshops, submitted by Hannah Ravenswood, POD
Through the workshops that Hannah has designed and facilitated, the University’s has built a network of 60 LGBT+ Role Models and 160 LBGT+ Allies, all committed to taking action to build a safe and supportive environment for the University’s LGBT+ community.
Diversifying participation
Multaka-Oxford, submitted by Nicola Bird, Oxford University Museums
A joint project at the History of Science and Pitt Rivers Museums which has created inclusive volunteering opportunities for 64 people who arrived in the city as forced migrants or asylum seekers.
Promoting awareness
Beyond Boundaries, submitted by Daisy Hung, MPLS Division
A science-inspired art competition which has increased the visibility of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) scientists and mathematicians, broken down the perceived division between science and art, and shared exciting research and relatable BME role models with young people.
See a full list and read more about all of the shortlisted individuals and projects at: www.ox.ac.uk/vc-diversity and in the 2020 VC’s Diversity Awards booklet (see right-hand menu).
The VC’s Diversity Awards will next be celebrated in 2022.