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EDI Workshop Facilitator & Youth Worker
I’m not afraid of uncomfortable conversations.
As a 10-year-old, I was sitting in a chicken shop, eating my wings and chips when a man began an in-depth conversation with me about Islam and Christianity.
As a child, the first thing I said was, “I don’t talk to strangers.” But pretty quickly, I was thrown into an uncomfortable conversation about identity and heritage.
How did a perceived Asian child with a “Muslim name” come to be wearing a crucifix around his neck?
Fast forward a couple of decades; a Cambridge degree in Theology and thousands of speeches, panel conversations & workshops across numerous countries challenging ideas, assumptions and behaviours in the world, I’m here because I believe in having conversations to really challenge inequality.
What I hope you’ll find here is a flavour of what I do and can deliver as a facilitator, podcaster, and speaker. I truly believe in the power of one’s voice to shed light on new perspectives and to engage in challenging conversations in an experiential way.
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- Bilal.
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I've worked with...
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...and many more.
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About me.
Like what you see?
Contact me!
When I'm not listening to UK Garage music or eating fried plantain, I'm often centre stage, hosting or facilitating groups
My original background in Youth Engagement and interactive workshop design has enabled me to design and deliver hundreds of speeches and workshops in schools and youth settings across the country on behalf of partners such as KPMG, Virgin Atlantic, Boots, and Barclays.
For change to happen, I believe we must begin by challenging our own assumptions. As someone who's no stranger to conversation, I'm curious about creating experiential spaces where that can happen.
​Since 2017, I have moved into delivering workshops and training sessions with adults across the UK and internationally, working through embracing discomfort as a tool for growth.
Notable Engagements.
Radio: talkRADIO, BBC Radio 4, Reprezent, BBC World Service
​Articles: (there are several features, but notably...)
Metro: https://metro.co.uk/2024/08/01/mixed-race-people-sick-asked-choose-one-21344237/
BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-45374443​​
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Facilitator
Helping you have the space to have the conversations you need to be having...
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Train the Trainer: An introduction to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
A CONVERSATION WITH
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
I believe that DEI is a conversation, not a checklist of do’s and don’ts.
For change to truly happen, we need to move beyond the buzzwords. Real growth happens when we reflect, talk, and truly “get it.” Through an experiential approach that encourages engaging with discomfort, I’m available to facilitate bespoke workshops for staff teams to develop meaningful action points and raise awareness around conversations on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion within the workplace.
*This is not your traditional, boring, death-by-PowerPoint, tick-a-box training. Please go somewhere else for that.
For further details, be sure to contact me.
These sessions often cover: privilege, microaggressions, allyship, and equity.
Schools & Youth Groups. ​
Having worked for several years designing leadership and team-building programmes for hundreds of schools and youth groups across the United Kingdom and beyond, I am also available to deliver bespoke sessions for groups.
FOR BESPOKE WORKSHOP COMMISSIONS PLEASE ENQUIRE ALSO
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Over The Bridge Podcast
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As one-third of the British Podcast Awards-winning podcast Over The Bridge, with a cast comprised of three Black and mixed-race University of Cambridge graduates, I am used to having conversations about topics such as race, gender, and other important issues, and how they intersect with our lives. I have also hosted an internal anti-racism podcast for staff at Shakespeare's Globe, and I am open to similar commissions.
Whilst mostly centring around conversations between us as the cast, we have also featured notable guests such as acclaimed spoken word artist George the Poet, New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds, editor and author Nikesh Shukla, and award-winning UK grime artist Stormzy. By exploring these issues through conversation, we have been invited to speak about them at numerous events.
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Host
Bringing some fun and personality to your event, why read off a cue card when you can engage with an audience?
With the largest stage I’ve spoken on being the 12,000-seater OVO Arena Wembley, I am no stranger to the stage. I have hosted everything from small-scale, community-based events to large corporate events and international conferences in Germany, Croatia, and Austria. With an energetic and approachable style, I’m not afraid to bring some unscripted personality to your event!
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Here’s what previous clients have said
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I cannot tell you, how incredibly thankful we are that you MC-ed this year's Pioneers!
It was an absolute pleasure having you with us as you took the event to the next level! You are such a wonderful moderator and facilitator, it's a pleasure to work with you!
— Réka R. Artner, Program Director, Pioneers
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Contact.
As an experienced workshop designer and facilitator, I am happy to create workshops and speeches to suit your needs. You can book me for:
​Bespoke Speeches for Schools
Includes topics such as Finding Your Passion, Overcoming Adversity, and Understanding Identity
Workshops for all ages
Includes topics such as Diversity & Inclusion, Identity, Team Building, and Action Planning.
Hosting & Panel Discussions
As a speaker, I am available to host events and panel discussions, depending on the content.​
​​Contact me using the form below!
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