We are delighted to announce that our three speakers to join this panel event are: 

Dr Hanna Akalu - Participatory Action Research (PAR) Training and Development Manager, University of Reading 

Hanna is a community psychologist and her research employs creative, decolonial, and visual methods to explore identity, inequalities, and self-definition among British Muslim women. With expertise in psychology and participatory approaches, her work focuses on co-producing knowledge that challenges dominant narratives and contributes to promoting psychological empowerment and social justice. Hanna is also co-convenor of the African Diaspora Postgraduate Seminar Series at Leading Routes.  

Vinifer Karbhari - Paid Media Manager, Hybrid (Advertising Agency) 

A University of Bristol graduate (in MSc Digital Marketing), and Bristol Plus awardee, Vinifer is a marketing enthusiast with over 4 years of Marketing experience in branding and digital. 

Dr Usman Sikander - Advanced Manufacturing Technologist, Leonardo 

Usman Sikander is a Global Talent visa recipient, endorsed by the Royal Academy of Engineering, and a Member (MIMMM) of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IoM3). With over seven years of experience in academia and industry, he works as an Advanced Manufacturing Technologist at Leonardo Helicopters. Passionate about sustainability, Dr Sikander also hosts the People’s Planet Podcast, which aims to make sustainability accessible.