Alumni championing inclusion at work

After Essex has recently returned for a three-event series in London, with alumni guest speakers chatting with a host in a small and intimate setting on a set theme. They hope to inspire attendees – fellow graduates, staff and students – and spark further discussion and networking in a safe space. 

It was great to invite Chantel Le Carpentier, History graduate and former Students’ Union president, to speak at this event. Inspired by the work she did whilst at Essex and the journey she’s been on since, Chantel offered candid recollections of her experience at work as an LGBTQI+ person, and the challenges and opportunities it’s given her during her career so far.

Chantel spoke alongside Owen Francis, Director of Higher Education and Non-Profit Practice, and the Lead for Diversity and Inclusion at Alumni Global – an executive search firm partnered with the University. Owen is an openly transgender man and shared personal and professional experiences. 

Only one event remains and there’s still time to book your place. After Essex: Women in Leadership will see British Army major and Essex alumna Zoe Lester-Morris discuss the challenges and opportunities of being a woman in a senior position. Zoe will be in conversation with Vanessa Potter, the Director of Communications and External Relations at the University of Essex.

Thursday 13 June at 6pm in London, book your place here.