Overview
An integral part of the BVCA's mission is to increase participation and representation within our industry, and as Black History Month approaches this October, we are pleased to be able to support its theme this year, ‘Reclaiming Narratives’, which emphasises the recognition and correction of Black history and culture stories.
Our aim is to create an open and inclusive forum to discuss how we can advance representation within our industry, by allowing people to share their story, their perspectives, and providing networking opportunities with peers.
To register your interest in attending, please use the button below. Please note that availability is limited and subject to confirmation.
Register Interest
Agenda
08:30 - Registration and standing networking breakfast
09:00 - Welcome address
09:05 - Panel discussion
09:45 - Further refreshments and networking
10:30 - Event close
Date and time
Wednesday, 23 October
08:30 - 10:30am
Location
Investec Bank
30 Gresham Street
London EC2V 7QP
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Speakers
Darren Duporte, Talent Acquisition and EDI Lead, BGF
Darren Duporte is passionate about building high performing teams, cultures, and environments through leveraging difference.
He has over 16 years’ experience working across both the public and private sector, including the likes of EY & TfL.
His background spans across recruitment, talent development, internal mobility, leadership capability, engagement, culture change and employer brand.
For the past 2.5 years he has been working for BGF (most active investor in the UK&I), where he is the lead for Talent, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion.
Deborah Okenla, Founder and CEO, Your Startup, Your Story (YSYS)
Deborah Okenla is the Founder and CEO of YSYS, a community focused on supporting founders, talent, and investors. YSYS collaborates with leading companies to create opportunities for diverse individuals, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, through entrepreneurial and employability programmes.
Since 2017, YSYS has provided access to opportunities for over 17,000 people across the UK, playing a crucial role in shaping the next generation of startup leaders. Deborah’s commitment to diversity has earned her recognition on the Financial Times list of the UK’s Top 100 Black and Minority Ethnic Leaders in Technology and Computer Weekly’s Rising Woman in Tech.
Beyond her work at YSYS, Deborah advises organisations like Coders of Colour and serves on several government advisory boards, including the DSIT Digital Council and the Telecoms Supply Chain Diversification Council. She is also an alumna of the Atomico Angel Programme.
Divya Sethi, Manager, Policy and Strategy, British Business Bank
In her capacity as Policy Strategy Manager at the British Business Bank, Divya plays a pivotal role in spearheading the Investing in Women Code and championing the adoption of best practices in fostering diversity and inclusion within both the private capital sector and the broader spectrum of the bank's operations. Divya also supports the bank's agenda, by working to ensure that the best companies can access funding, regardless of who they are or where they are located.
Prior to this, Divya was part of the bank's economics team, contributing to research on the market for funding to diverse founders in the UK. She also worked on research projects within the Indian government, gaining valuable insights into the world of public policy and economic analysis.
Dress code
Business attire
Price
Complimentary and exclusive to BVCA Members
To register your interest in attending, please use the button below. Please note that availability is limited and subject to confirmation.
Register Interest