International Women's Day Celebration 2024

Kali Davidson

My present position is Head of Department for the College of Food (FE) Hospitality and Tourism. In this position my responsibilities involve leading a large team of specialist lecturers, and I take responsibility for the overall performance of the departments.  My role also involves working collaboratively with other academic and professional services teams in the University to maintain a consistent approach to matters of mutual interest. I am responsible for the operational planning in the department ensuring there is excellent enhancement and enrichment opportunities for learners and ensuring that the curriculum is engaging, and industry focused.  

I have been employed at University College of Birmingham for over 20 years and in this time, I have had the opportunity to work closely with many learners in FE and HE. I am passionate about growing and nurturing an inclusive and equitable working environment which allows learners to achieve their goals. 

My years of managing exciting teams of people in the catering industry sector have given me a perspective on many issues that are intrinsically more inclusive, and it is for this reason that I was selected to be an ideal addition to the academic board at UCB as a staff representative this allows me to be active and vocal as Academic decisions affect all UCB staff. As the support staff representative, I ensure that we are a big part of the decision-making process, and that our perspective is not only heard, but that it is understood.  

Samina Amin

Samina is a passionate Brummie and a strong advocate for vulnerable and authentic leadership. By day she is a HR pro at the BBC and by night, leads the CIPD Birmingham Branch Committee and tries to get a little Zumba in too! She is fascinated by people, their motivation and enabling equity of opportunity. Having worked in a variety of HR roles for the BBC over eight years and in HR for over 10 years, Samina is delighted to be able to speak about her journey inspiring inclusion after recently deciding to wear a hijab.

Wendy Stanton

Wendy Stanton joined Clancy Consulting as Divisional Director at thier Birmingham office to lead the civil and structural team. Wendy and her team are currently working on a new entrance and wards at Warwick Hospital. In the education sector, Seven Stars School is a new steel-framed part two-storey, part single-storey primary school providing 10 new classrooms. Whilst in the further education sector she is providing ongoing support at Wolverhampton College for works on their existing sites along with feasibility for new buildings. 

Wendy was interested in studying engineering as she studied A-level maths, physics and chemistry. The basis to do engineering was there, but was told girls didn’t do civil engineering, despite it always coming up as a suitable option. When Wendy looked into it further she knew it was something she would enjoy, with the appeal being that she wouldn’t always be in an office and that each project would be different. Enjoying maths and physics led nicely into structural engineering in particular.