Equality, diversity and inclusion
We're committed to providing a fair, flexible and inclusive environment so that every student and member of staff can reach their full potential.
Our Athena Swan Bronze Award demonstrates our commitment to equality and diversity.
Equality Challenge Working Group
We identify and implement effective working practices to build a supportive environment for our diverse members of staff.
We tackle a range of issues such as ethnic diversity, transgender rights and disability issues.
Current staff members are welcome to make suggestions for improving support for equality and diversity.
- Asif Ahmad - Equality and Diversity Champion
- Emma Cooke - Student Services Coordinator
- Yaprak Tavman - Lecturer (Undergraduate Admissions)
- Michelle Barton - Student Services Manager
- Michael Thornton (Chair) - Professor and Head of Department
- Michelle Hickman - Administration Coordinator
- Minna Lehtinen - Head of Faculty Operations
Meet our staff
We aim to provide a working environment for equal participation at all levels. Meet some of our inspirational staff.
Women in economics
Professor Laura Coroneo
Professor and Coordinator of Centre for Applied Macro-Finance
Professor Laura Coroneo's expertise is in applied macro-finance, with a particular focus on econometrics and empirical finance. Her research concentrates on government bonds and understanding their relation to macroeconomic fundamentals.
On this topic, she has been awarded an ESRC Future Research Leaders grant. Laura is the Academic Coordinator for learning technology and the Deputy Chair of the Board of Studies.
Dr Maria Garcia Reyes
Dr Maria Garcia Reyes specialises in economic policy analysis, with a focus on sustainable development, inequality and criminology. Maria was the first teaching and scholarship contract in the Department of Economics and Related studies. Maria is known for her innovative approach, integrating real-world economic issues into the classroom to help students connect theory with practice. She has developed and taught a range of courses with a wide teaching portfolio. Maria holds a fellowship from the Higher Education Academy since 2020.
Maria has been serving as director of the Economics Pre-Sessional Course since 2011. Supervision Coordinator for DERS between 2016-2020 providing guidelines and mentoring for faculty on academic supervision to both undergraduate and graduate students. Overseeing the supervision practice. Former Chair of Department Teaching Committee overseeing teaching practices within the department and currently Chair of Board of Studies.
Maria is also committed to mentoring the next generation of economists, guiding students in their research and helping them to achieve their academic and professional goals.
Inclusive employment
When the time came to return to work, I discussed various part-time options with my line manager, and we agreed that I would reduce my hours to 90 per cent (33.3 hours) over four days. I have the flexibility to be able to work from home if I need, and occasionally I work an extra day during peak times.
Katie Walton, Student Services Manager
Supporting staff and students
At York, we have various sources of support and information about equality, diversity and inclusion. Every department has an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion who acts as a visible and proactive advocate of EDI within their department.
Regular events are held to raise awareness of present-day barriers and highlight ongoing work to remove such challenges across the University.
