Leeds Media Centre recently hosted an engaging in-person event aimed at empowering underrepresented ethnic minority women in West Yorkshire to enhance their digital skills.
The event, part of the Leeds Digital Festival 2024, was organized by West Yorkshire Ethnic Minority Women in Tech, in collaboration with Unity Enterprise, the Yorkshire Asian Business Association (YABA), AD, Digital Enterprise, Transition Partners, The Coders Guild, and Trust Leeds. Named ‘EmpowerHer: Digital Confidence,’ the half-day session featured presentations, panel debates, and Q&A sessions to showcase the support available within the region’s dynamic digital sector.
The event kicked off with an introduction from AD’s Marketing and Events Manager, Daneile Moore. It featured six influential female panelists: Olubunmi Fajuyigbe, Jordan Dargue, Paula Grizzard, Dally Kaur, Arifa Chakera, and Rebecca Padgett — who shared their personal experiences in the digital realm with over 30 attendees, sparking lively discussions. Subsequently, Faith Dada and Crispin Reed from The Coders Guild led a presentation on building confidence and leveraging transferable skills. Liza Kellett, Chief Executive of Trust Leeds, also detailed the initiatives her organization is undertaking to support digital inclusivity.
The event wrapped up with a vote of thanks from YABA Director Satvir Meen, followed by a networking lunch that provided attendees the opportunity to connect and engage further. Leeds Media Centre, where the event was held, is one of three business centers managed by Unity Enterprise, a non-profit subsidiary of the BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise.
Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive said:
“Our doors will always be open to initiatives designed to encourage women to fulfil their business potential, particularly those from a BME background who might not otherwise have that opportunity. Earlier this year, we were privileged to host the inaugural West Yorkshire Ethnic Minority Women in Tech roundtable at Leeds Media Centre.
“’EmpowerHer: Digital Confidence’ was an ideal forum for ethnic minority women in West Yorkshire wishing to progress in digital to connect with others and access the support needed to take that vital next step.”
Sharon Jandu OBE, Unity Enterprise Chair said:
“I am proud of the role we play in partnership with so many other organisations regionally and nationally to provide pathways into entrepreneurship. As founder of YABA, I am doubly delighted at the synergies we have been able to create by bringing a diverse mix of people together in the name of enterprise.
“With West Yorkshire Ethnic Minority Women in Tech in the lead, the focus of EmpowerHer: Digital Confidence’ was firmly on assisting BME women across the region into digital. Follow-up events are already being planned as we work to create pathways to flourish in this hugely important sector of the regional economy.”
Daneile Moore said:
“It was a wonderfully inspiring event with lots of interaction throughout the day. Ethnic minority women in Yorkshire, as elsewhere in the UK, face a complex intersection of challenges when it comes to accessing and participating in the tech and digital world. Working with our partners, we are determined to help them overcome these hurdles with the right business support services and professional advice.
“’EmpowerHer: Digital Confidence’ was a real triumph, evidenced by so much positive feedback, connections made, knowledge grown, and discussions had with women who felt confident in sharing their personal barriers in a safe environment.”
Leeds Media Centre, operated by Unity Enterprise: a non-profit subsidiary of BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise — served as the perfect venue for this empowering event. As one of three business centers under Unity Enterprise, it underscores the organization’s commitment to fostering business and professional growth in diverse communities.
‘EmpowerHer: Digital Confidence’ not only enriched participants with new skills and knowledge but also strengthened the community by highlighting the importance of inclusivity in tech. Looking ahead, the initiative promises to be a catalyst for continued growth and diversity in Leeds’ burgeoning digital landscape, ensuring that women from all backgrounds have a seat at the tech table.
Founded in 1987, Unity Housing Association began with the mission to create a strong, BME-led community housing association focused on meeting the housing needs of black and minority ethnic communities in Leeds. Initially centered around Chapeltown, Unity’s efforts have since expanded to other areas of the city including Harehills, Beeston, Holbeck, Chapel Allerton, and Pudsey, as well as launching two schemes in Huddersfield and a new affordable housing development in Cleckheaton.
With a current turnover of £6.8 million and an annual investment of approximately £6.5 million in new and existing homes, Unity now manages over 1,386 properties catering to a diverse tenant base from various communities and ethnic backgrounds. In 2000, to further bolster local entrepreneurial activities, Unity established its not-for-profit subsidiary, Unity Enterprise. This venture now offers 142 affordable business units across three centers in Leeds, supporting more than 80 diverse businesses.
Additionally, Unity Employment Services (UES) was launched in 2011 to assist Unity tenants and their neighboring communities in accessing employment and training opportunities. In the last financial year alone, UES has aided 178 individuals in finding jobs, enhanced the skills and employability of 274 people through training, and helped 22 people to engage in voluntary work. Since its inception, UES has successfully supported a total of 3,131 individuals in their employment and training endeavors.
