Barrier Breakers Speakers Spotlight

Dispatches from the Old Boys Network

A lively discussion about how to increase diversity in traditionally white male dominated sectors.

Host: Victoria Ijeh, Iconic Steps 

Victoria Ijeh is an award-winning filmmaker who set up Iconic Steps to support young people to reach their potential and enter the creative industry. Iconic Steps has since helped over 300 young people so far. Victoria is also passionate about helping people develop a growth mindset and resilience and is currently on the PwC black entrepreneurs programme.

Panellists:

• Marc Lewis: As the Dean of School of Communication Arts, Marc is himself a former scholarship student at SCA as well as a Sunday Times best seller. After reopening SCA in 2010, Marc committed his career to helping others develop creative careers and as a result, SCA has distributed over £1m of scholarships and bursaries since reforming.
• Nisha Kurian: As a seasoned architect at We Made That, Nisha has led various community-focused design projects, including delivery of an extension to East Street Library – a critical component of the What Walworth Wants strategy – and an improved public events space in Waltham Forest which is accompanied by a programme of activity.
• Oliver Benjamin: Leading the team at A New Direction, Oliver’s role as Director of Employment and Skills sees him create employment opportunities for young people aged 16-24 in the form of industry relevant training, practical and task-based work experience, mentoring, apprenticeships, internships and paid work.

Dear Employers, traditional recruitment methods are no longer working: Mae Yip from ERIC speaks to three young creatives about their career ambitions, applying for jobs, the challenges they have faced and what the future of recruitment should look like.

Host: Mae Yip, ERIC

As a former chartered accountant, Mae was always a creative at heart and she quickly realised she was on the wrong career path. Fighting against stereotypes about Asians’ impeccable mathematical abilities, Mae decided to explore her real passions and interests which led her to co-found ERIC, a platform connecting young creatives to exciting opportunities. Mae wants to empower the next generation to embrace who they are, and realise anything is possible.

Panellists:

• Samaksh Kalra: After completing an MA in Multimedia Journalism from the University of Westminster, Samaksh is now a multimedia content creator who produces content in all its different forms – articles, videos and pictures. Samaksh is Head of Content at ERIC, responsible for making sure that young creatives get everything they need for their personal and professional development in one place.
• Paige Bernard: Social media creator, content creator and blogger/writer, with a focus on fashion, personal development and wellbeing.
• Laura Njoku: A proud North West Londoner, Laura has championed entrepreneurship, motivational speaking and acting. Laura has worked across film, TV & commercial productions including Tomb Raider, Eastenders and TikTok to name a few.