This October we celebrate Black History Month in a special event for our colleagues at Certitude.

As well as being an opportunity to celebrate our diverse culture within Certitude, we’re fortunate to have some fantastic speakers who will bring a wealth of knowledge, passion, and inspiration to the evening.

Meet the Speakers:

Onyekachi Wambu – Windrush and the African Atlantic.

Onyekachi, a former journalist, has written widely on Africa and her global diaspora. His publications include “Under the Tree of Talking: Leadership for Change in Africa” (editor), “Empire Windrush Reflections of 75 years, and More of the Black British Experience” (editor).

“Windrush was a defining occasion in British History. it was both a point of departure and a historic transformation, triggering the beginning of Britain’s multicultural society. I am looking forward to reflecting on its deeper meaning with Certitude, alongside the troubled preceding 500 years relationship of slavery, empire, and colonisation.”

Violet Pugh – The power of Intercultural Networks.

Violet is an award-winning housing leader with a dynamic marketing and communications background. She is the Senior Marketing Communications Manager at Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH) and Chair of the ethnicity staff network group. She serves as the Marketing and Communications Director for Unify. She is also a board member at Women in Social Housing. Violet will lead a captivating discussion on the transformative influence of intercultural networks.

Parris Litchmore-Bell – Enabling Courageous Conversations

Parris is the Assistant Director of Transformation at Notting Hill Genesis. She has worked with leaders in the Financial and Housing sectors. Parris excels at crafting powerful initiatives that translate Diversity & Inclusion goals into measurable achievements for leaders. She has a passion for helping organisations to tap into the potential of their people by developing inclusive behaviours in teams and leaders.

“I look forward to lending my time and voice to what is set to be, a progressive and thought-provoking conversation.”

Nicholas Campbell Watts – Finding Purpose

Nicholas is our Director of Strategy and Transformation and a sponsor for the Intercultural Network group. As a Non-Executive Director on the Board of an NHS Foundation Trust, he acts as the lead for EDI. With a strong sense of purpose and social justice, he has spent his career over the last 30 years working with communities experiencing marginalisation and discrimination. Nicholas will explore the journey of discovering purpose.

Dewbien Plummer – Comfortable in my skin, (cosy with who I am)

Dewbien is a seasoned housing professional with over 20 years of experience working with local authorities and housing associations. Currently serving as Housing Solutions Director for Capita Local Public Service, and Co-Chair of HouseProud, a network for LGBTQ+ staff working in social housing, she is a strong advocate for improving standards and diversity and inclusion in the housing sector. Dewbien will share her journey of self-acceptance as she champions a more inclusive future.

Rhys Pert – Black? Cultural Diversity & Growing Up Abroad.

Rhys is the Facilities Coordinator here at Certitude. He’s also a member of the Intercultural Network. Coming from a mixed Caribbean background and having grown up between a few different countries, Rhys has a captivating story to share. He’ll be talking about how his experiences have shaped him as a person and how he believes experiencing other cultures, being fearless and arming yourself with knowledge about who you are and where you come from can benefit your development tremendously and provide you with a feeling of balance.

Lavern Dinah – The rise of Black majority churches: a personal journey.

Lavern is the Organisation Development Consultant and lead for the Intercultural Network at Certitude. She is a qualified coach and NLP practitioner with a passion for empowering others to achieve their potential. Lavern has a strong interest in developing inclusive cultures that value the contribution of all colleagues and where operating in a fair and equitable way becomes the norm. Lavern will share her inspiring personal journey, exploring the remarkable ascent of Black majority churches.

Thelma Ndaula – Integration! Transformation! Community!

Thelma is a human rights activist with first-hand experience as an LGBTQ+ refugee. She is the Operations Manager for the Say It Loud Club, a community of LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. She is dedicated to giving back to the community, particularly by working on projects focused on the integration and resettlement of LGBTQ+ refugees in the UK. Thelma will share her powerful story and insights, embodying the spirit of unity and transformation that Black History Month represents.

Joan Sterling – Journey into Leadership in Adult Social Care

Joan is an experienced Area Manager, with over 30 years of experience in the social care sector. She believes in developing leaders of tomorrow and supporting people to flourish. Beyond her day-to-day duties, she chairs the Skills for Care/Certitude’s Registered Managers meetings and is the registered Domiciliary Care Manager for the Yarrow’s services, these services have been rated “Outstanding” by CQC. Joan will take us on a captivating journey through her path to leadership in adult social care.