Student EDI Team

Dr. Sammy Li

Assistant Director of Student Affairs (Postgraduate and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) 

Sammy leads the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) for Students and the University Graduate School (UGS) Teams within Student Services. He has a strategic role in developing partnerships to advance inclusive policy and practice for students across the University. His work emphasises on supporting students from different backgrounds to realise their potential in learning and development during their university life. Sammy is a seasoned traveller with a doctorate in tourism management who enjoys exploring the diversity in different cultures and societies.

s.li.4@bham.ac.uk

Leyha Manampadi

Student EDI Operations Manager

Leyha joined the team in September 2024 as Student EDI Operations Manager. Leyha will be primarily focussing on the student side of the University's Race Equality Charter renewal application, working closely with EDI stakeholders across the institution to monitor progress in various departments.

Leyha graduated from the University in Birmingham in 2021, after studying Political Sciences and International Relations, bringing insightful lived experience to this role. She stayed at the University after graduating, having recently finished the University's Graduate Management Training Scheme. 

 l.s.manampadi@bham.ac.uk

Peter Collins

Partnership and Engagement Manager

As the Partnership and Engagement Manager, Pete coordinates the Birmingham Scholar programme for over 3,500 students in partnership with the Careers Network, the Academic Skills Centre, and College leads. Pete is passionate about Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion and has a background in television, consultancy and autism awareness. 

p.p.collins@bham.ac.uk

Nana Afia Serebour 

Student EDI Assistant Graduate Intern

Afia joined the team in July 2024 as a Student EDI Assistant Graduate Intern. In this role, Afia has been involved in developing engaging marketing materials aimed at encouraging student participation in surveys essential to the university’s Race Equality Charter renewal application. Afia collaborates closely with various departments to highlight their key achievements in advancing race equality.

Afia graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2024 with a degree in Law. She brings a creative approach to marketing and communication, blending her analytical skills with a keen eye for design and storytelling. 

n.a.serebour@bham.ac.uk

Alex Ferranti 

Student Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer

Alex jointed the Team in June 2023 as the Student Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Officer. Alex’s will work closely with the College Co-Ordinators and a team of student assistants to manage the EDI ambassador programme. Alex will also attend EDI meetings within the colleges and look for ways to generate more connections across the University. Alex has strong international background and his periods living, working and studying abroad has helped him to develop cultural awareness and gain practical skills in intercultural communication.

a.ferranti@bham.ac.uk

Andeep Ghataure 

EDISA for the College of Medical and Dental Sciences

“I believe everyone is entitled to equal opportunities to thrive, and we should all work to remove the barriers that exist so the College of MDS, University and beyond can be a more inclusive and welcoming environment.”

Andeep Ghataure

Charity Agwu

EDISA for Birmingham Scholar

"As the EDI student ambassador for Birmingham Scholar, I want to make sure that people from underrepresented backgrounds have access to resources and opportunities that would help them with their studies and career goals. University should be a positive experience for all students and so I want to create a more in depth understanding of EDI and why it is important when it comes to the student experience."  

Charity Agwu

Charity Otote

EDISA for the College of Life and Environmental Sciences

"Within this role, I hope to ensure that people feel like they genuinely belong by creating safe spaces for underrepresented students and opportunities for them to discuss their experiences candidly. I'm especially looking forward to increasing inclusion through organising new and exciting events and I'm dedicated to making an active effort to address problems within the institution."

Ciara Winston

EDISA for the College of Social Sciences

"I am really excited to join the EDISA team this year. I want to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging to campus, that the diversity in our community is acknowledged, appreciated and respected, and that opportunities at the University are accessible to all."

Clem Atkins 

EDISA for the College of Arts and Law

"I am enthusiastic about projects and events that help people to come together from all walks of life. As an autistic person and member of the LGBTQ+ community, I know first-hand how important inclusive practises are to feeling welcome, respected and enabled at University."

Inês Mendes 

EDISA for the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences 

“ I am very passionate about championing equality, diversity and inclusion in STEM at UoB. As an EDI student ambassador, I look forward to amplifying the voices of minority groups and showcasing inspiring role modes. 

Together we can help to create an inclusive STEM community where every student feels values and empowered.”

Jasmeet Kaur

EDISA for Communications

"My passion is to create a campus where our differences are cherished, and we can blossom in the garden of diversity!"

Lydia Cant 

EDISA for Careers Network 

"I am super excited to create meaningful change on campus, by ensuring everyone feels valued, safe and represented. I am determined to ensure all students have the accessibility, knowledge and confidence to grasp opportunities available to them and achieve their goals.” 

Mariam Abadi

EDISA for Sport and Fitness

"I want everybody to experience a sense of belonging and inclusion at university, particularly in our amazing sport and fitness gym! I am going to be working hard to break down barriers and foster an open and safe environment for everyone to feel comfortable in." 

Olivia Bailey

EDISA for Accessibility 

"I am passionate about embedding equality, celebrating diversity and creating an inclusive culture here at UoB. I would like to make university accessible for all and give minority students a voice."