This online panel event is hosted by the antiracism and learning technology special interest group (ARLT SIG) as part of a series on ‘antiracism in learning technology and design’. The panel will explore how learning design can be antiracist and address other diverse needs at the same time, followed by a series of questions exploring critical approaches to design for antiracism. Subsequently, questions and comments will be welcomed from the audience.
Meet our Panellists:
Esther Akinlabi
Esther Akinlabi is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering, she is currently serving as the Deputy Faculty Pro Vice Chancellor (DFPVC) for Research and Knowledge Exchange, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK. In her role as the DFPVC, she is the custodian of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in the Faculty and also serves as the Deputy Chair of the Northumbria University Gender Steering Committee. In her most recent role, she served as the Director of the African Union Commission - Pan African University for Life and Earth Sciences Institute (PAULESI), Ibadan, Nigeria. Prior to joining PAULESI, she had a decade of meritorious service at the Department of Mechanical Engineering Science, University of Johannesburg (UJ), South Africa. At UJ, she served as the Head of Department of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Science and as the Vice Dean for Teaching and Learning of the Faculty. She has filed four patents, edited four books, published seven books, and authored/co-authored many peer reviewed publications.
Melissa Holt-Brewster
Melissa is a seasoned Organisational Development practitioner. She has over 20 years’ experience of working across Local Authorities and the NHS, where most recently she engaged in anti-racism work on a personal and organisational level, supporting the organisation to deliver on a public commitment to becoming an anti-racist organisation. She is a skilled consultant, facilitator, coach, coach supervisor and workplace mediator. She brings energy, empathy, passion for workplace equalities and practical experience of supporting and developing teams in complex services. She currently works as a Senior Teaching Fellow at Liverpool John Moores University and is the Programme Manager for the NHS Leadership Academy ‘Elizabeth Garrett Anderson’ Healthcare Leadership Masters programme. She is also a studying for a Doctorate in Business Administration- Thesis topic Anti-Racism, Allyship and Psychological Safety in the NHS.
