Pathways and Opportunities in Tech: A Look Back at the Coding Black Female Event at DMU
Last Wednesday, we had the pleasure of hosting Pathways and Opportunities in Tech at DMU, delivered by the brilliant team at Coding Black Females. The event offered an inspiring glimpse into the tech industry, featuring a dynamic panel of professionals, including a DMU alumna (Seun Komolafe), who shared their journeys, challenges, and successes.
The Event: A Powerful Conversation
The event kicked off with an insightful panel discussion, where we were joined by experts who shared their experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the world of tech. The panel discussion focused on the various pathways available in the tech industry and the opportunities that exist for underrepresented groups, particularly Black women.
Our panellists, including industry leaders and tech professionals, shared their invaluable insights and personal stories. The conversation touched on everything from coding and software development to networking, mentorship, and breaking down barriers in the tech world.
A Platform for Empowerment and Growth
Coding Black Females is an incredible organisation that provides a platform for Black women in tech to connect, grow, and thrive. Their mission to empower and support women of colour in the tech industry is truly inspiring. The event allowed attendees to learn more about Coding Black Females’ initiatives and how they’re creating opportunities for future generations of women in tech. To find out more about their work, visit their website: Coding Black Females.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
If you missed the event, don’t worry, there will be more opportunities to engage with inspiring leaders and learn more about the tech industry. Keep an eye out for future events in CEM, and we hope to see you there! 
Celebrating Disability History Month: Empowering Conversations and Inclusive Events
At DMU, we’re proud to mark Disability History Month with a series of thought-provoking and inspiring events designed to celebrate diversity, foster understanding, and spark conversations about inclusivity. This year’s lineup offers something for everyone, from personal stories to engaging discussions, aimed at students and staff alike.
Here’s what’s happening:
Voices of Ability: Navigating Work and Life with Disabilities (Wed, 20 Nov 2024, 11:00 – 12:30)
This inspiring session features real-life stories of individuals navigating the complexities of work and life with disabilities. It’s an opportunity to hear firsthand experiences, learn from unique perspectives, and engage in meaningful dialogue about creating inclusive spaces.
In Conversation with Author Julie Harris (Wed, 20 Nov 2024, 16:00 – 17:00)
Julie Harris speaks to Dr Meredith Wilkinson about her book ‘Boldly belong: The power of being you in a disabling society’. They discuss experience of disability and the advice Julie gives in her book on self-acceptance and genuine belonging.
The Use of Support Dogs in Therapy for Disability(ies) (Tue, 26 Nov 2024, 13:00 – 14:00)
This talk focuses on the range of support dogs and their potential to be used in practice, with a focus of how healthcare professionals intend to use their own pack in my trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy and why they think a pack is necessary for dog welfare.
Please note a therapy dog in training, a teacup Pomeranain (suspect Chihuhua mix) Anna Nicole will be present, but on a lead with a harness at all times.
The Benefits of Meditation (Thu, 5 Dec, 12:00 – 13:00)
Discover how meditation practices can transform the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in this insightful session. Drawing on over 15 years of meditation experience, this talk delves into the origins of meditation, blending scientific and traditional perspectives.
Learn about various techniques, including mindfulness, compassion meditation, and “Feeding Your Demons,” and their effectiveness in reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep difficulties. The session will also explore research on mindfulness meditation’s positive impact on individuals with learning challenges, ADHD, and severe speech or physical impairments.
This is an opportunity to explore how meditation fosters self-compassion, confidence, and resilience, empowering individuals to navigate challenges with trust in their own capacity and wisdom.
The History of Neurodiversity with Dr. Chris Knifton (Thu, 12 Dec, 10:00 – 11:00)
In this short one hour talk, Dr Chris Knifton compiles a brief potted history of neurodiversity including some interesting early found references and first cases for different types of neurodiversity, including Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, etc., as well as critical discussions on the use and origins of the term and rise of the social model.
Prominent figures with neurodiversity will be highlighted amidst calls for reducing the stigma and social exclusion faced by many neurodivergent people.
As with any history, this talk will conclude with a look to the future and in particular how we see neurodiversity shaping higher education strategy, policy and practice
Get Involved!
We encourage all students and staff to join these events, not only to learn but also to contribute to conversations about disability and inclusivity. Together, we can continue building a community that celebrates diversity and ensures everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Find our more about Disability History Month and sign up for the events here to be part of the conversation!
Coding Black Females: The Road to Tech: Unveiling the Various Pathways and OpportunitiesCoding Black Females:
Wednesday 8 May 2024, 12.30-3pm
Queens Building, De Montfort University
You are invited to an exciting event hosted by Coding Black Females at De Montfort University.
Read More
Celebrating Women at DMU: International Women’s Day 2025
International Women’s Day is just around the corner, and DMU’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Team is organising a series of inspiring events across campus. This year’s celebrations focus on recognising and uplifting women across various fields and experiences, fostering an inclusive environment for all.
Upcoming Events on Campus
Throughout March, the university will host a range of activities designed to celebrate the contributions of women, including mindfulness sessions, career development discussions, health and wellbeing talks, and networking opportunities. These events are open to the entire university community.
Some of the key events include:
- Monday, 3rd March: Mindfulness meditation sessions (Online via Teams, 1pm-1:30pm) – email equality@dmu.ac.uk for registration
- Wednesday, 5th March: International Women’s Day 2025 – #AccelerateAction (Online via Teams, 9am-11:30am) – Join Here
- She Speaks Health – Discussions on general health and wellbeing, periods, and more (Hugh Aston 0.08, 12pm-1pm) – email equality@dmu.ac.uk for registration
- Pathways to Career Progression for Women in HE – A panel discussion and networking lunch (Hugh Aston 5.12/5.13, 12pm-2pm) – Register Here
- Thursday, 6th, 13th & 20th March: DMU Women’s Network Move and Groove Series (PACE Building, Studio 4, 1:05pm-1:50pm) – email equality@dmu.ac.uk for registration
- Thursday, 20th March: Experiences of Taking Parental Leave at DMU (Online via Teams, 11am-12pm) – Join Here
- Wednesday, 26th March: Menopause Café (Online via Teams, 12pm-1pm) – Join Here
- Thursday, 27th March: Group Walk – Ladies of Leicester (Richard III statue, 11am-12:30pm) – Register Here
Click HERE for more details
Coding Black Females x CEM – 19th March
The Faculty of Computing, Engineering, and Media is proud to organise a special event in collaboration with Coding Black Females, the UK’s largest network of Black women in tech. Taking place on Tuesday, 19th March, this event will bring together industry professionals, students, and faculty members to discuss career opportunities, challenges, and success stories in the tech sector. It will be a fantastic opportunity for attendees to engage with role models, gain insights into the industry, and explore pathways into tech careers. Click HERE for more details
Join the Celebration
We encourage all students and staff to participate in these events, whether to gain inspiration, network with like-minded individuals, or simply celebrate the progress being made towards gender equality.
Black History Month: Insights on A.I. for a Changing World
As part of our Black History Month celebrations, we are excited to present a conversation with Dr. Kutoma Wakunuma and Dr. Adebowale Owoseni, two brilliant academics from the Faculty of Computing, Engineering, and Media, whose work in A.I. is helping shape a more inclusive and ethically aware future. In this interview, they share their insights on A.I.’s role in addressing global challenges, the ethical considerations surrounding its use, and how technology can advance societal wellbeing.
About Our Guests
Dr. Wakunuma’s work centers around understanding how modern technology affects communities globally, with particular focus on ethics, gender accessibility, and sustainable development. Dr. Owoseni, meanwhile, explores digital transformation and its potential to promote skill development and societal impact in both higher-income and developing regions.
In This Conversation
During this discussion, Dr. Wakunuma and Dr. Owoseni examine the ways in which A.I. can support inclusion and equity and how universities play a critical role in preparing the next generation of digital leaders. They dive into both the opportunities and challenges A.I. presents for diverse communities and share some unique approaches for ensuring technology serves everyone equitably.
Explore More on This Topic!
Want to learn more? Here are some must-reads:
Dr. Wakunuma
Dr. Owoseni
Watch the Interview
We hope this conversation adds to the important dialogue happening around A.I., inclusion, and the powerful role that technology can play in making our world better for everyone. Thank you for joining us in celebrating Black History Month with this exciting discussion on the future of A.I. and social change!
Celebrate International Women’s Day
To celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) on Friday 8 March, DMU Women are hosting a series of online and in-person events.
Read More
DMU Pride 2025
DMU Pride is returning for an eleventh year, with an exciting month of vibrant events taking place to mark LGBTQ+ History Month. Running from Thursday 30 January to Thursday 6 March, the in-person and online events are designed to raise awareness and celebrate the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community.
This year’s theme is ‘Activism’ and focuses on the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community, and the continued fight for civil rights for all.
“This year we are showcasing events which focus on smaller minorities within the LGBTQ+ rainbow. Being a queer person means living in a world which hasn’t been designed with you in mind.” – Zara Hooley and Amelia Roberts, co-chairs of the LGBTQ+ Staff and Allies network
Check out the full list of exciting events on the DMU Pride Timetable
DMU Pride Events for the Week Commencing 24th February 2025
Asylum Mapping Workshop
- Date: 25 February 2025 (17:45-18:45)
- Location: Trinity Chapel – Register Here
- Description: This workshop will give participants an opportunity to understand step by step the complexities of the UK asylum seeking process.
This is Who I Am – Verbatim play reading followed by Q&A
- Date: 25 February 2025 (19:00-20:30)
- Location: Trinity Chapel – Register Here
- Description: This Is Who I Am shares first-hand accounts from LGBT+ people about their experiences in their own country and on arrival in the UK.
Salsa Workshop (DMU staff and students only)
- Date: 26 February 2025 (12:00-13:00)
- Location: PACE Building Studio 2 – Register Here
- Description: Join us at lunch time to a learn a bit of salsa for DMU Pride.
Supporting trans and non-binary mental health
- Date: 27 February 2025 (12:00-13:00)
- Location: Online via Teams – Register Here
- Description: Join us for an open and relaxed chat about trans mental health.
Walk with Me
- Date: 27 February 2025 (17:30-19:15)
- Location: Campus Centre 2nd floor – Register Here
- Description: Part queer pub crawl and part temporal tour guide, this event is a mapping of cities and memories.
DMU Pride Events for the Week Commencing 17th February 2025
Queer Meditation Online (DMU Staff)
- Date: 17 February 2025 (13:00-13:30)
- Location: Online – Register Here
- Description: Join Diana for a lunchtime body-scan meditation to re-energise and find balance.
The Queen of My Dreams film screening & Q&A 12A
- Date: 18 February 2025 (18:00-20:15)
- Location: The Phoenix Cinema – Register Here
- Description: Queen of My Dreams is a poignant and thought-provoking film that explores themes of identity, family, and self-discovery.
DMU Pride Events for the Week Commencing 10th February 2025
Bollyqueer: Dance Class & Film Screening
- Date: 11 February 2025 (17:30-19:15)
- Location: De Montfort University, The Venue – Register Here
- Description: As part of DMU Pride we invite you to take part in an empowering dance class with a queer dose of Bollywood entertainment.
DMU Pride Bake-Off (DMU Staff only)
- Date: 13 February 2025 (12:00-13:30)
- Location: De Montfort University, Trinity House – Register Here
- Description: Have you always fancied yourself as a bit of a Mary Berry? Do you spend your weekends covered in flour and dreaming of Paul Hollywood?
Rainbow Families Gallery Takeover
- Date: 16 February 2025 (13:00-15:00)
- Location: De Montfort University, Leicester Gallery Vijay Patel Building – Register Here
- Description: To celebrate DMU Pride 2025, Rainbow Families will be taking over Leicester Gallery for an LGBTQ+ family workshop.
DMU Pride Events for the Week Commencing 3rd February 2025
DMU Pride Launch 2025
- Date: 30 January 2025
- Location: Campus Centre Atrium, De Montfort University
- Description: Come and celebrate the launch of DMU Pride!
Pride Fashion Exhibition
- Date: 03 – 28 February 2025 (09:00-17:00)
- Location: De Montfort University, Exhibition space beneath the big screen on the Vijay Patel Building
- Description: This exhibition explores and celebrates the work of DMU Fashion Design students and staff.
Kimberlin Library Pride Display 2025
- Date: 03 – 28 February 2025 (09:00-17:00)
- Location: De Montfort University, Kimberlin Library
- Description: Visit the Kimberlin Library to see a display from our LGBTQ+ collection.
In Their Own Words (DMU & University of Leicester Staff Only)
- Date: 05 February 2025
- Location: Hugh Aston 2.06, Online via Teams – Register Here
- Description: Queerness and Academia – A conversation with Amelia Roberts and Susan Orr.
A Space for ACE/ARO
- Date: 06 February 2025
- Location: Online via Teams – Register Here
- Description: Join us for an online informal chat about life as an asexual (ACE) or aromantic (ARO) person.
Celebrating Ada Lovelace Day 2024
To mark Ada Lovelace Day, we had the opportunity to interview Sue Shelton, an inspirational Technical Skills Instructor in Aeronautical Engineering, and the only female technician in the Faculty of Computing, Engineering, and Media at DMU.
Read More
CEMPower: A Look Back at Our Events
As we step into the festive season, there’s a warm glow of pride across the Faculty of Computing, Engineering, and Media (CEM) as we look back on a vibrant and impactful year. From celebrating diversity to shining a spotlight on innovation and inspirations, 2024 was filled with moments that brought our community together.
Here’s a Christmas stocking of highlights from this year, filled with events that made us smile, reflect, and grow:
DMU Pride – 10th Anniversary (January 2024)
January brought a vibrant celebration as DMU Pride marked its 10th year anniversary. CEM joined in with enthusiasm, hosting a month of events honouring LGBTQ+ History Month. Centred around the theme “Medicine”, the program highlighted LGBTQ+ contributions to healthcare and featured a Pride Day launch event, a film screening with director Q&A, a queer Bollywood dance class, and a play by LGBTQ+ asylum seekers (Read Blog Post).
In Conversation with Charlotte Linford (February 2024)
Our students were inspired by a candid discussion with Charlotte Linford, a trailblazing motorsport engineer. Sharing her experiences and career journey, Charlotte encouraged future engineers and media professionals to think big and chase their dreams (Read Blog Post).
AFBE Career Transitions Event (February 2024)
At the beginning of the year, we partnered with the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE) for their renowned Career Transitions event. This empowering gathering supported students in navigating their career paths within engineering and beyond, offering invaluable insights and networking opportunities (Read Blog Post)
International Women’s Day – Panel Discussion (March 2024)
In March, the DMU Women in STEM Society hosted a panel discussion where members shared their stories and emphasised the importance of breaking barriers and fostering a supportive environment for women in STEM (Read Blog Post).
Ada Lovelace Day – Interview with Technical Instructor, Sue Shelton (October 2024)
October saw us celebrating Ada Lovelace Day with an exclusive interview with Sue Shelton, the only female technical instructor in aeronautical engineering at DMU. Her story of perseverance and innovation serves as a beacon for those pursuing technical careers in STEM (Read Blog Post).
Black History Month – Interview with Dr. Kutoma Wakunuma and Dr. Adebowale Owoseni (October 2024)
To celebrate Black History Month, we interviewed Dr. Kutoma Wakunuma and Dr. Adebowale Owoseni. They explored how A.I. is reshaping our world and emphasised the importance of ethical considerations in technological advancement (Read Blog Post).
Disability History Month – Panel Display (December 2024)
To close the year, we curated a panel display at the Gateway House entrance for Disability History Month, highlighting individuals with disabilities who have made significant contributions to STEM fields. This tribute to inclusion and representation emphasised the importance of diverse perspectives in driving progress (Read Blog Post).
As the twinkling lights brighten our campus and we sip on festive hot chocolate, let’s take a moment to celebrate the achievements of 2024 and look forward to a new year filled with opportunity, inspiration, and community.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
