Emma Stephen 

(she/her)

Job/background

I began my role as the EDI Exchange Officer earlier this year. I had been at the university for 2 years previously as a member of the Access and Outreach team. Prior to this, I was a secondary school English teacher in a comprehensive in Rotherham with extra responsibilities as the wellbeing coordinator. 

What does EDI mean to you? Why is it important to you?

Being of mixed-race heritage means that equity, diversity and inclusion have always been a part of my life, even before I truly understood what it meant. I have faced discrimination, not only for my ethnicity but also for my socioeconomic background and my gender. Studying sociology as my undergraduate helped me to understand on a greater level how valuable it is for all individuals to succeed, celebrate and challenge situations where there are problems. I can’t imagine my life (professional and personal) without championing EDI. 

How are you involved in EDI activity at York?

In my day-to-day role for the EDI Exchange, as well as being a member of the Staff Race Equality Forum Operations Group. 

Name someone who inspires you in relation to equality?

Akala (Kingslee James McLean Daley)

Do you have any advice on how to engage with EDI activity in York?

Start off by attending social events to being finding like-minded people and create your support network.  

You can talk to me about…

Anything! But particularly being an active ally, standing up for those that need support and navigating the complexities of mixed-race identity.