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Professor Victoria Showunmi is a leading academic and thought leader in the fields of gender, race, and identity, widely recognised for her pioneering work on intersectionality and inclusive leadership. As a Professor at the Institute of Education (IOE), she has dedicated her career to challenging systemic inequalities and advancing equity within education and organisational culture. A sought-after keynote speaker and researcher, she is celebrated for her ability to translate complex theories of race and gender into practical insights that inspire institutions to foster inclusion and belonging. Her contributions make her one of the foremost voices in diversity and inclusion today.
Victoria’s academic journey began at the Institute of Education, where she rose through the ranks to become Associate Professor in 2008 and was appointed Professor in 2025. Over the years, she has combined rigorous scholarship with a deep commitment to transformative education. In 2017, she took on the role of Minority Migrant Refugee Co-Module Leader, redesigning the programme to centre on inclusive and interactive learning. Her leadership and research have consistently focused on giving visibility to marginalised experiences while shaping innovative approaches to equality and empowerment across the education sector.
Among her many achievements, Victoria co-authored the book Understanding and Managing Sophisticated and Everyday Racism in 2022, a landmark text exploring how discrimination manifests in subtle and structural forms. In 2023, she was named the inaugural Academic Citizen of the Year by the British Educational Research Association, recognising her outstanding contribution to promoting social justice through education. She also led Working Group 5 on Intersectionality within the VOICES network and has played a key role in initiatives such as the 100 Black Women Professors NOW programme, as well as influencing organisations including WHEN (Women’s Higher Education Network).
Victoria is invited to speak at conferences and events for her ability to combine evidence-based research with heartfelt advocacy for systemic change. Her work bridges academia and practice, offering audiences both intellectual depth and actionable strategies for inclusion. She is hired as a speaker because she brings clarity, courage, and compassion to the conversation on equality, empowering leaders and institutions to rethink how they engage with identity, power, and belonging.
“Professor Showunmi’s talk was transformative. She gave voice to experiences many of us have struggled to articulate. I left feeling empowered and validated.”
“An amazing and engaging speaker, blending deep thought, compelling arguments, and a wicked sense of humour”
“Brings her deep academic credentials to life through amazing energy on stage”
“Her insights on psychological safety and leadership were not only academically rigorous but deeply human. She challenged us to rethink how we lead.”
“A rare combination of deep conviction in her opinions with an open mind and willingness to engage in genuine debate”
“I’ve attended many lectures, but few have stayed with me like this one. Her authenticity and depth of knowledge are unmatched.”
“Victoria’s session on intersectionality was eye-opening. She connected theory with lived experience in a way that resonated across generations.”
“She doesn’t just speak—she inspires. Her work is a call to action for institutions to do better.”
The Diversity and Inclusion Speakers Agency has been one of the UK’s leading bureaus for inspirational figures of different races, genders, sexualities and abilities since 2020. We supply speakers for corporate and public events across the world, and cater to both in-person occasions and online webinars. Our roster includes athletes, psychologists, celebrities and more, to ensure that audiences of all industries receive tailored, impactful advice on diversity and inclusion.
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