Role Models and Allies
Within the University there is a programme of role models and allies who are made up of staff and students from the University community.
Our role models represent the diverse communities within the University of Derby. They identify as a member of these communities and have courageously stepped up to be visible.
Our allies are the supporters of these diverse communities; They stand by role models and work hard to communicate and normalise language and behaviours that are inclusive and affirming of how anyone identifies.
Role models and allies are people who recognise and visibly demonstrate every day that everyone has an important contribution to make at the University. They believe everyone has the right to feel valued and respected, everyone has the right to feel safe and that it's OK to be the person they know the really are.
The impact of role models and allies can be huge. They can make a difference in peoples' lives by just being visible. They create a sense of inspiration and motivation by representing identities that are not mainstream and showing they are part of our everyday lives. They create a sense of engagement by being noticeable throughout the University.
Becoming a Role Model or Ally
Visibility is hugely important for people who identify as being in a minority in society, as through greater visibility we can create safer spaces for everyone because we clearly celebrate who they are, however they self-identify. Through visibility, we can also work to normalise that which huge sections of our country and world still see as abhorrent and abnormal. We do this, however, knowing that through greater visibility can also come greater discrimination and this is why we need Allies and Role Models.
Students who would like to take part and put themselves forward simply need to complete the application form.
Apply for a role View Staff A&RM
Our Student Role Models and Allies
Arvin Johal
As the winner for the Volunteering strand of the Derby Youth Awards, I am a proud advocate for creating positive change within society. I volunteer to support Midlands Langar Seva Society which is a Sikh based charity who prepare and serve free hot meals for those who are less fortunate than us. I also work in various roles at the University of Derby as an Academic Representative, Marketing Representative, Student Ambassador and Punjabi Society Secretary. I also regularly feature live on BBC Radio Derby. As a young British Indian, it is important for me to represent my Sikh faith by positively impacting society through charitable causes.
Race and Faith and Belief Role Model
Charlotte Pearson
Hi, I’m Charlotte, I chose to be a role model and represent anyone with a disability because I feel it is important for us all to communicate and open up to one another. I want to share my experience and steps the University put in place for myself, as a student with epilepsy when I started uni. I am here to listen and support anyone who feels like they need advise or release.
Disability Role Model
Le Thi Thu Huyen
We change the world when we change our thoughts. Let’s be a family as we actually are.
Race, Disability, Gender, and Sexuality Role Model
Annaline Jones
Having personally supported student mental health in roles such as summer school mentor, peer support facilitator with positive minds and as the University mental health awareness representative, due to this I am already known around the University and would like to continue supporting students and staff where I can. I have worked collaboratively with #derbyuni and I am also proud to have been part of the new charter. I studied my BSc in counselling and psychotherapy here at Derby and I am currently studying a masters.
Disability Role Model
Sukhjeen Randhawa
Being a disabled student as well as ethnic minority, can be difficult. You may feel like you have to choose your race or your disability but can never identify with both. Having dealt with both racism and ableism, I was tired of feeling like an outcast. I started to speak up about my experiences being disabled and brown, which improved my mental and physical health to say the least. I hope others can see what I have achieved after being ostracised for so long and know they can achieve the same. Stay different.
Race, and Disability Role Model
Nathan Addai
Disability Role Model