Do you want the sector to change for good?

Join us at the Summit on 10th July 2025

Birmingham City University 

The annual summit is a one-of-a-kind event where we unite as people committed to changing the status quo in higher education. The 100 Black Women Professors NOW programme has been at the forefront of systemic change, reshaping the academic landscape. The annual summit is where we come together—to reconnect, re-energise and reignite our impact, taking systemic change to the next level!

The day will feature:

Keynote Speeches  I  Pecha Kucha  I  Panel Discussions  I  Networking

Are you ready to be inspired by powerful stories of change?

Hosted by The 100 Black Women Professors NOW National Steering Board members:

Professor Dawn Edge

Professor of Mental Health and Inclusivity, University of Manchester

Professor Marcia Wilson

Pro Vice-Chancellor Education, Birmingham City University

 

Dr Jummy Okoya


Dean of the Office of Institutional Equity, University of East London

Dr Ifeoma Dan-Ogosi

Senior Lecturer in Public Health, University of West of England

The summit is for you if you're ready to:

  • Lead the charge in systemic change – Move beyond conversation and take action to reshape the academic landscape.
  • Celebrate progress and amplify impact – Reflect on the milestones of the 100 Black Women Professors NOW programme and harness its momentum for the future.
  • Strategise for long-term transformation – Engage in thought-provoking discussions about sustaining and scaling systemic change across the sector.
  • Strengthen your leadership and influence – Develop the mindset, skills and networks to drive meaningful progress in higher education.
  • Connect with a powerful network of changemakers – Reunite with peers, mentors and allies who are actively dismantling barriers and creating opportunities.
  • Share insights and lived experiences – Contribute to a rich exchange of ideas, challenges and solutions to accelerate change for Black women in academia.
  • Leave re-energised and equipped for action – Gain clarity, motivation and practical strategies to fuel your next steps in driving change.
  • Supercharge impact – As a past or current participant on the 100 Black Women Professors NOW programme, reflect, recharge and make the most of the time for you and your career. Leave inspired and fully uplifted. 

What will happen on the day

Summit Welcome

Steering Board Co-Chairs Dr. Jummy Okoya and Dr. Ifeoma Dan-Ogosi will open the summit with a warm welcome, share key insights and practical tips to help you maximise every opportunity.

Panel Discussions

Gain fresh perspectives from beyond the sector as we explore what it truly takes to challenge the status quo. Together, we’ll explore the power of collaborative change and the critical role of courageous leadership in driving lasting impact.

Pecha Kucha

Be inspired by the voices shaping the future of higher education. Hear dynamic, fast-paced stories from women who are driving change with renewed focus, bold leadership and an unstoppable mindset.

In Conversation

Witness a candid, personal and bold conversation between two influential leaders as they explore the type of leadership needed to drive real change in the sector. Reflect on your own leadership journey and gain insights on leading with impact and purpose.

Networking

Connect with like-minded leaders who are passionate about driving change. Social capital and the power of networking is central to WHEN's approach, so there will be ample opportunities to build meaningful connections during the day.

Meet our speakers

Mavernie Cunningham

Head of Art, London Metropolitan University

Dr Ifeoma Dan-Ogosi

Senior Lecturer in Public Health, University of the West of England

 

Fortune Barnard

Security Operations Director, GSMA

Professor Anne Kayem

Associate Professor in Cyber-Security, University of Exeter

Dr Oghale Ayetuoma

Senior Lecturer of HRM & Work, University of Bristol

Makeda Alleyne

Programme Co-Director, WHEN

Victoria Uka

PhD Researcher, University of Manchester

Ronke Shoderu

Deputy Head of Law, London Metropolitan University

Vicky Williams


CEO, Emerald Publishing

Professor Marcia Wilson

Pro Vice-Chancellor Education, Birmingham City University

Professor David Mba

Vice Chancellor, Birmingham City University

Professor Dawn Edge

Professor of Mental Health and Inclusivity, University of Manchester

Dr. Jummy Okoya

Dean of the Office of Institutional Equity, University of East London

To help you plan your day

 

Timings

10.00 - 11.00: Registration

11.00 - 11.30: Welcome

11.30 - 12.15: Plenary

12.15 - 13.00: Networking Lunch

13.00 - 14.45: Plenary 

14.45 - 15.30: Networking

15.30 - 16.00: Plenary & Close 

 

Location

Birmingham City University, STEAMhouse, Belmont Row, Birmingham B4 7RQ

Maps and travel

With thanks to our Summit sponsors

Join professionals from across the higher education sector keeping up to date with WHEN's latest news and events.

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Access conference recordings 

We are recording the entire conference. So if you weren't able to join us for the live event, you can still access all of the content. Shall we let you know when it's ready?