Student EDI Team

Student Services Student EDI Staff

The Student EDI team partner with students and staff to advance EDI literacy of our university community and promote an inclusive campus culture for students. The team is joined by EDI Student Ambassadors to promote an inclusive campus culture. Student EDI also run the Birmingham Scholar programme which provides targeted initiatives for over 3000 students from underrepresented backgrounds in higher education.

 

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.

 

Photo of Dr. Sammy Li - Assistant Director of Student Affairs (Postgraduate and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion)

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. 

Leyha

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. 

 

Photo of Peter Colins - Partnership and Engagement Manager

Emma Melling

Graduate Management Trainee

Emma is a Graduate Management Trainee who joined the EDI team in September 2024 as part of her year-long placement in Student Services. Emma will be primarily focussing on contributing to the University's Race Equality Charter renewal application, working closely with students to gather feedback from them via surveys and focus groups. Emma graduated from the University of Leicester in 2021 after completing an Undergraduate and Postgraduate Masters degree in English. Whilst at university she was very involved in student life as a Student EDI Ambassador and Course Rep, and has always been passionate about student support and uplifting the student voice. 

Emma Melling

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.

 

Photo of Alex Ferranti - Student Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer

Student EDI Ambassadors

The University of Birmingham's Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Student Ambassadors (EDISA) and Project Assitants are a sector-leading scheme of student recruits who are employed to support institutional EDI initiatives. EDISAs work to promote knowledge and understanding of EDI, help implement best practices and work closely wiht the University's Colleges and professional services departments to advance equality improvements across the institution. 

Anwesa Manna 

EDISA for the College of Life and Environmental Sciences 

As your LES Student EDI Ambassador, I am committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives drive scientific breakthroughs, utilising our multidisciplinary strengths across environmental science, geography, microbiology, biochemistry, psychology, and beyond. My goal is to transform EDI principles into actionable initiatives through:

  •   Organising inclusive events
  •   Implementing student feedback
  •   Collaborating with staff to address institutional challenges

Together, we can create lasting change that extends beyond the classroom. By integrating inclusivity into our scientific pursuits, we'll build a department where every voice contributes meaningfully to the future of life and environmental sciences. 

Join us in shaping a more diverse, equitable, and innovative LES community.”

 

AnwesaAnwesa Manna

 

 

Andeep Ghataure 

EDISA for the College of Medical and Health

“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 Medical and Health, University and beyond can be a more inclusive and welcoming environment.”

 

Photo of Andeep Ghataure - EDISA for the College of Medical and Dental Sciences.

Andeep Ghataure

 

 

Charity Agwu

EDISA for the Birmingham Scholar Programme

"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."  

 

Photo of Charity Agwu - EDISA for Birmingham ScholarCharity Agwu

 

 

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."

Photo of Clem Atking - EDISA for the College of Arts and Law.Clem Atkins 

 

 

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.”

 

Photo of Inês Mendes - EDISA for the College of Social Sciences.
Inês Mendes 
 
 
 
 

Momina Baig 

EDISA for Sport and Fitnes

I have always been enthusiastic about EDI, and believe this role will enable me to implement the initiatives needed to achieve this at university, specifically within sport and fitness! I want to ensure people from underrepresented backgrounds can access these opportunities comfortably, to create an inclusive and welcoming environment.

 

MominaMomina Baig

 

 

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."

Photo of Olivia Bailey - EDISA for Accessibility.Olivia Bailey

 

 

Semmer Singh

EDISA for the College of Social Sciences

"I am dedicated to advancing EDI within the College of Social Sciences and beyond. Using past experiences, my goal is to ensure every student feels valued and supported, helping to create a campus where diversity is celebrated, and everyone can thrive."

 

SemmerSemmer Singh

 

 

Tamasha Mboya

EDISA for the Careers Network Team

"As an EDI Student Ambassador with the University’s Careers Network, I am committed to championing equality, diversity, and inclusion across the student experience. The Careers network offers a range of services where all should feel supported. I am passionate about fostering a supportive and accessible environment where every student can thrive. Through this role, I aim to drive impactful initiatives that promote inclusive career opportunities and help students from all backgrounds achieve their professional aspirations."

 

Tamasha MboyaTamasha Mboya

Tianjie Liu (Alice)

EDISA for the Student EDI Team

"Tianjie Liu (Alice) is a PhD student in Birmingham Business School. As an international student, she speaks Mandarin, English and Portuguese and is passionate about promoting EDI on campus, especially linguistic EDI and international student experience. Having completed her Masters in International Business, she is also the Portuguese editor for UoB Linguist Magazine."

Alice LiuTianjie Liu (Alice)

 

 

Colleges

Professional Services