The tragic death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter global protests has caused the events, MICE and hospitality community to recognise we have an issue around the lack of diversity in our industry. It became clear that there wasn’t an organisation for the sector taking ownership of this issue, so in response to this “Diversity Ally” was born.
Diversity Ally is a consultancy service offering solutions to help businesses become more diverse and inclusive.
The core services include assistance writing and implementing D&I policies, bespoke workshops and training for leaders and employees around Anti racism, Inclusivity and Allyship.
Diversity Ally has also created a membership alliance. By becoming a member, organisations can demonstrate they are committed to increasing diversity in their businesses. Membership benefits include access to a resource hub containing anti-racism and allyship training , a monthly newsletter, tools such as training videos, articles, research and access to specialist events. Members will also have access to a diversity jobs board and supplier directory.
Diversity Ally also plan to offer diverse marketing support for businesses so that they are able attract a wider range of users/customers, a recruitment service specialising in candidates from diverse back grounds, and training around inclusive hiring and interviewing practices.
In 2021 there will be the launch of the “Diversity in Events Awards” to recognise and celebrate those making progress and doing good work towards diversity in the industry, the first of its kind for the industry.
The Diversity In Events Alliance committee will be announced shortly- this group will be made up of industry leaders who are committed to increasing diversity in events.
If you would like to find out how to join the membership or are interested in bespoke workshops or training, please contact Diversity Ally here: Team@DiversityAlly.co.uk
Founders:
Gabrielle Austen Browne Is an Events and Sales manager experienced in delivering a wide variety of events, ranging from conferences, meetings and seminars, to wrap parties, fashion shows and charity events.
She is a Diversity Committee member for the Events Apprenticeship programme and an ambassador for the Fast Forward 15 mentorship programme, where she will assist with recruiting future suitable BAME mentors and mentees to join the programme to ensure inclusivity across the industry.
@DiversityAlly
Ashanti Bentil-Dhue is an events entrepreneur, speaker and diversity expert. She heads up the team at EventMind, a virtual event production company, founded the online show and collective ‘The Agenda’ and is co-founder of Black In Events & Diversity Ally. @eventmindpro on all socials.
