Looking for an EDI Chair that BRINGS THE VIBES? Vote for me, Ifza Shakoor, and let's create a university community that's inclusive, diverse, and full of good energy! I aim to drive transformative change forward!
Hi everyone, I'm Ifza Shakoor, a PhD research student exploring diversification of the pipeline in the Career Development workforce with the International Centre of Guidance Studies (iCeGS) at the University of Derby. I currently work as the very first Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Associate with the Career Development Institute (CDI) and the first Muslim Director at YMCA Derbyshire, supporting all aspects of the YMCA’s EDI work. I am also a member of the Multi Faith Centre’s Interfaith Buddies Group. I am running for the position of the University of Derby's EDI Chair. If elected, I am committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. I have lived experience others may not possess, which drives forward my motivations for creating positive change which ultimately benefits everyone.
As the EDI Chair, I will chair the EDI Council, which is a meeting of all the EDI Officers held once per semester and take feedback to the University's EDI Committee, which meets four times a year. I will cover all aspects of EDI and run events for the officers that sit on the EDI Council. I will also run at least two university-wide campaigns to encourage students to speak to EDI Officers about specific ideas/feedback and create collaborative change.
If elected, I aim to:
• Work with the EDI Officers and the University's EDI Committee to make recommendations for new policies and initiatives that promote EDI at the University of Derby. This will be collaborative, transformative and create real change!
• Promote EDI events and initiatives that are inclusive and diverse and that engage with students, faculty, and staff. Exciting events will be in the pipeline!
• Encourage feedback and dialogue with students and staff to ensure that everyone's views and perspectives are heard. Everyone has a voice, but not everyone has a platform to be heard. I aim to give everyone a platform to be heard and your voices counted.
• Foster relationships with external organisations and community groups to create partnerships that further promote EDI within the university and the wider community. I have the links and the drive! I also possess fantastic networking skills, which will further these partnerships.
• Collaborate with external companies on EDI initiatives. I have experience as a career-related coordinator working across 34 Derby schools in the most deprived areas, have excellent links with employers, and can work on collaborating with external companies, both on a local level and nationally, on EDI initiatives.
My education, skills, and experience make me the ideal candidate for the position of EDI Chair. I possess an enhanced skill set, including being an excellent communicator, listener, and motivational worker, well placed in managing my own time, working remotely, or within an organisation. I have a positive attitude, can adapt to most roles, and engage others. I am an adept planner and organiser with a strong work ethic. My work in EDI has allowed me to use an intersectional lens and holistically explore issues.
I am committed to providing an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. I have a track record of championing diversity and inclusion initiatives, and my experiences make me uniquely qualified to be the EDI Chair for the University of Derby. With me as the EDI Chair, the University of Derby will be at the forefront of championing diversity and inclusion initiatives. If you believe in my vision and goals, please vote for me!
If you have any questions or would like this information in an alternative format, feel free to email me at i.shakoor@derby.ac.uk.