I Can Represent

About I Can Represent

Black women are still underrepresented - not visible in so many sectors and in key positions that can influence and make the changes that are necessary to create a more equitable playing field. ICR, is a platform showcasing some of those women. In their own words you hear about their journey, understand their motivation/ inspiration and how they have overcome any obstacles. It is a demonstration of what is possible. You can see it, you can be it.

Publisher

Sandra Gordon

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

31 Jan 2024

Latest episode

19 Sept 2025

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   19 Sept 2025

   Ruth Badru - Associate Professor

   Ruth Badru is an Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Bristol. Her research focuses on macroeconomic policy, structural inequality, gender and care, and the political economy of knowledge. Working across both theoretical and empirical traditions, she draws on culturally grounded economic perspectives to examine how models and policies respond to equity, distributional, and developmental concerns. She currently leads the Research England-funded Bristol Transport Project, co-producing policy solutions with policymakers, transport providers, and community organisations to improve access and inclusion for under-served communities. Ruth contributes to national policy through the UK Women’s Budget Group’s Policy Advisory Group and has previously advised the Australian Government’s Office for Women on women’s economic participation. She is also the founding lead of the Rethinking Economics for Africa project and has collaborated with partners across the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Nigeria, and other West African countries on research, teaching, and public policy. Her work bridges academic, policy, and civic spaces with a sustained commitment to inclusive policies and the public role of economics.

2. 

   23 Jul 2025

   Zakiyah Shani - Professional make-up artist

   Zakiyah is a globally experienced professional makeup artist with nearly a decade in the industry. Her work has taken her around the world, collaborating with well-known names and respected publications. Through following her passion and consistently honing her craft, Zakiyah has not only built a successful career but also found purpose and personal growth along the way. She’s passionate about inspiring young girls to believe in themselves, embrace their individuality, and pursue what lights them. Website: www.zakiyahshani.co.uk Email: bookings@zakiyahshani.co.uk Socials: @zakiyahshani

3. 

   27 May 2025

   Ayesha Giles - Detective Chief Inspector

   Detective Chief Inspector Ayesha Giles discusses her career progression in Avon and Somerset Police, highlighting her work in tackling disproportionality and leading change programs focused on trust and confidence in this interview.

4. 

   7 May 2025

   Ngaio - Singer, producer, songwriter, DJ

   Ngaio has many different strings to her bow. A lover of new people, collaborations and minds, her works is embedded in building community out of individuality. Her colourful portfolio career is based on values of authenticity, identity, compassion and honesty. Ngaio, the versatile artist renowned for her vocals, songwriting, and DJing prowess, seamlessly blends these talents to craft electrifying live performances. Debutsher first self-produced EP 'Four Quarters' and accompanyinglive show. As a mixed-race woman, Ngaio infuses her artistry with personal experiences, enriching her music withpoignant storytelling told through spoken word and jazz-infused vocals delivered with passion. As an inclusion and diversity consultant specialising in working with cultural organisations and festivals, Ngaio run's various pieces of training in understanding differences, unconscious bias, multicultural marketing and how tocreate diverse workforces as well as power structures within organisations. She consults on a freelance basis and run workshops as part of a collective named Insight Into Action. Previous clients have included Boomtown Festival, Shambala Festival, Artspace Lifespace, Bristol City Council and more. As well as performing, Ngaio founded Booty Bass as a space for women and non binary folk to come together and play big, bad, unapologetic bangers. Since its conception in 2018it’s become a space that promotes an appreciation of different cultures and sounds from across the world where dancing and laughing is key.

5. 

   7 Apr 2025

   Keri Andriana - Chief executive & founder of Amschela

   Keri Andriana chief executive & founder of Amschela Originating from Bristol, Keri is a multi-award winning self-taught handbag designer, entrepreneur and founding CEO of Amschela, a global vegan handbag company headquartered in England. Prior to founding the brand, she was a lawyer for 15 years,specialising in Prison Law & Reform. The brand also operates a social mobility programme providing opportunities for young people wishing to pursue careers in the fashion industry who face barriers to access. Keri has a keen interest in expanding the opportunities inbusiness entrepreneurship for others, and is; ·      A student mentor for the University of Bristol, UK ·      A business mentor for budding Entreprenuer's on the Rise Mentorship Programme ·      A business skills apprentice tutor for the following apprenticeship schemes assessing learners on the following apprenticeships; L3 Business Administration L3 Customer Service L2 Customer Service. Keri is also an Author: A Fashion CEO’s Journal For TheAspiring Entreprenuer : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Style-StrategyFashion-Aspiring-Entreprenuer (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Style-StrategyFashion-Aspiring-Entreprenuer) Awards /nominations/Appearances ·      Fashion Award 2020 - Nominee SW Luxury Retailer of Year 2020 - Winner ·      MTM Business of Year 2019 - Winner ·      Great British Entreprenuer of Year 2018 - Finalist ·      Small British Business of Year 2018 - Finalist ·      Rise Entreprenuer of Year 2018 - Winner ·      Power of A Woman Award 2022 – Winner ·      Style & Apparel Award 2023 - Social Mobility - Winner ·       5 x London Fashion Week selected brand ·      2023 London Fashion Awards selected celebrity goodie bag brand

6. 

   23 Nov 2024

   Muneera Pilgrim - Poet/Writer

   Muneera Pilgrim, international Poet and Cultural Producer, shares her methodologies of empowerment for non-centred people and disrupts mainstream narratives through storytelling and art.

7. 

   2 Oct 2024

   Jenny Davis - TV, Stage and Film writer

   This week’s episode will focus on Black women working in the Arts sector, working as a writer for TV, stage and film with Jenny Davis. Jenny writes for TV, stage and film. Jenny’s theatre credits include THE FRONT ROOM (Oval House); WEDDING CHORUS; FIFTEEN MINUTES OF WONDER (Bristol Old Vic); LOOKING FOR MR DARCY. Jenny was also founder-producer of MISSING PIECES a script in hand showcase of Black Theatre, co-produced with Bristol Old Vic. In TV, Jenny was a regular writer on the BBC’s daytime drama series DOCTORS and then following a successful application to the prestigious BBC’s WRITERS ACADEMY she went on to write on EASTENDERS, HOLBY and CASUALTY. Jenny is currently under commission by the BBC to write an original drama series pilot with production company Firebird Pictures.

8. 

   5 Aug 2024

   Joyann Boyce - Marketing/AI

   This week's episode we will be focusing on women who work in the marketing and AT sector with Joyann Boyce. Joyann is the Founder and CEO of InClued.ai, a new platform that helps marketing teams to reduce bias, protect brand reputation and reach wider audiences. Her mission is to establish Inclusive Marketing as an industry standard. She is an award-winning entrepreneur with over six years of consulting experience for brands such as Coke, Social Point, Adobe, and Nationwide. Joyann has successfully combined her master's in Data Science (specialising in bias detection) with her marketing expertise to pinpoint content that can either elevate or harm brand reputation. She is also the host of the Marketing Made Inclusive Podcast, where she shares her insights on the changes needed in the marketing sector with a global audience. Her commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of brand communications is evident in every aspect of her work and has earned her international recognition, including a feature on the BBC.

9. 

   15 Jun 2024

   Aisha Thomas - Education

   This week’s episode will focus on Black women working in the Education sector, with Aisha Thomas. To build a more inclusive education system, the teaching workforce must be representative of the communities they seek to serve– and yet people of colour are considerably underrepresented in the teaching workforce, especially among school leaders. Aisha's career began in law but took a transformative turn towards education, where she quickly became an influential Assistant Principal at a secondary school in East Central Bristol. Now leading Representation Matters Ltd, she focuses on anti-racist practice, equity, and justice in education. As a university guest lecturer and the author of 'Becoming an Anti-Racist Educator' (2022), Aisha is at the forefront of shaping future educators. Her doctoral research explores anti-racist practices in educational leadership, furthering her commitment to systemic change. Aisha's impact extends beyond academia; she's a recognised voice in media, highlighted by her BBC documentary on the scarcity of black teachers in Bristol and her TEDx talk on the importance of representation. Aisha's dedication to social justice is acknowledged through numerous awards: the Positive Role Model at the Bristol Diversity Awards (2020), Special Recognition from Bristol Black History Month magazine (2021), Baton Awards Campaigner of the Year (2021), Rise Awards Entrepreneur of the Year (2022), and an MBE (2022). In 2023, she was honoured as Inspiration Mum of the Year, showcasing her role as a pivotal figure in both her family and the broader community.

10. 

    5 May 2024

    Marti Burgess - Legal

    This week’s episode will focus on Black women working in the Legal sector. I am very excited to introduce my guest today, Marti Burgess a Partner with Knights Since 1999, Marti have practised as a lawyer. She is a partner at Knights, a national law firm with over 23 offices throughout the UK. She is an experienced corporate lawyer. In 1994 before Marti became a lawyer along with her brother, they secured VC finance to acquire a 1200 capacity nightclub. She was one of the key strategists in turning ‘Lakota’ into an internationally renowned music venue specialising in underground music. Lakota is now an established fixture in Bristol’s cultural landscape. She has very limited involvement in the day to day running although helps set strategy and work with the promotions and marketing team to ensure Lakota remains current whilst retaining its underground ethos.  The family business also owns a few properties in and around Stokes Croft. Marti is the chair the Black Southwest Network which is a black-led racial justice charity which supports the development of dynamic, independent, and strong black and minoritised communities, businesses and organisations to flourish whilst challenging system barriers. She is also a trustee and vice-chair for the Bristol Legacy Foundation.  And also sit on the board of Bristol Music Trust (operates the Bristol Beacon) and 91 Ways a social enterprise that brings the different communities of Bristol together using food as a medium.

11. 

    21 Mar 2024

    Trish Uwanogho STEM

    Background to the sector Despite the evidence that shows diverse teams increase innovation, productivity and revenue, there are clearly still vast imbalances in the UK STEM workforce. In technology in particular, the lack of women from black and brown communities is worrying when the use of technology in our everyday lives. When we look at the engineering sector, a 2018 Engineering UK report found that only 8.1% of men and women working in engineering were from Black groups, with Black & Brown women only comprising less than 2% of all engineering professionals. When we look at figures for high-level employees, the representation of Black & brown women is vastly worrying. Within the top tech firms in the UK, over 70% of boards and senior executive teams do not have a Black member; in fact, Black & brown women make up around 2% of boards and senior executive teams. In this episode I am speaking with Trish Uwanogho an inspiring Senior Portfolio Manager working for the Defence Artificial Intelligence Centre which is part of the Ministry of Defence. She currently leads the assurance and delivery of multiple engineering projects. She has gained over 23 years’ experience working across various sectors such as Defence, Aerospace, Infrastructure, Oil & Gas, Manufacturing and Management Consultancy. She is the Intersectionality Co-Lead for the Defence African and Caribbean Network (AfCab), where she helps to improve inclusivity within the workplace and is also implementing the Defence STEM Undergraduate Sponsorship Scheme at the DAIC. Trish graduated top of her class in 2016 with a Distinction Award in MSc Engineering Management from UWE and holds an MBA as well as a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering. With a passion for STEM and promoting diversity, Trish volunteers as a STEM Ambassador to encourage students especially young girls towards becoming the next generation of Project Managers and Engineers. Trish is a non-Executive Director at the Stepping Up CIC after successfully completing the Stepping Leadership Programme in 2021.

12. 

    1 Mar 2024

    Georgia Ramsay - Magistrate

    Georgia Ramsay is a Change & Configuration Management Analyst for the Council. She has an active union background – became chair of Unison Bristol Black members group. Also became an activist within Unison Southwest Region and was Unison Southwest Regional Black Members chair for a number of years. In 2001 she joined Operation Black Vote (OBV).  Its aim was to increase the number of people from black and ethnic minority ethnic groups (BME) who are Magistrates. In order for it to reflect the community they serve. Operation black vote worked with the Ministry of Justice to achieve this aim. Over 600 people showed interest in the scheme and after vetting 50 people from the community were selected, and she was one of the 6 that were successful. Georgia became a magistrate in 2003, in 2011 she became a ‘Presiding Justice’, and in 2020 started a new role in the Judiciary, Diversity and Community Relations Magistrates (DCRM). The main aspects of the role were: to act as a conduit between the magistracy and the community and members of the public and contribute to a range of diversity efforts within the judiciary. Georgia also sits on other committees, Pride of Ruth, Nilaari Drug and Mental Health Agency. You can contact Georgia at Ramsayelaine@sky.com (mailto:Ramsayelaine@sky.com) More information about being a magistrate at www.gov.uk/become-magistrate/can-you-be-a-magistrate (http://www.gov.uk/become-magistrate/can-you-be-a-magistrate)

13. 

    15 Feb 2024

    Sandra Meadows MBE - CEO/Board member

    In this episode, you have Sandra Gordon in conversation with Sandra Meadows MBE a former Chief Executive Officer based in Bristol, Sandra is a Director for the Centre for Mentoring and Coaching, with considerable experience as an advocate, senior manager and non-Executive Director. Sandra works to achieve positive transformation and improvement within individuals and organisations, encouraging creativity and new ways of thinking. With a strong interest in diverse and inclusive leadership development, her approach is empathic and gently challenging - bringing the individual into focus to identify and transcend barriers to progression. Sandra is a confident, lively and engaging coach and mentor with experience of working with people from all backgrounds. Sandra has worked within (and across) the private, public and voluntary/charitable sectors, including Trustee roles for a range of local and national organisations including: The City of Bristol College, Skills Active National Council, NAVCA (Chair), The Bristol Beacon (Vice Chair), BrisDoc, St. Paul’s Carnival and several local statutory Boards and partnership groups. Sandra has also served on the Bristol Mayoral Commission on Race Equality and the Commission for Women and works with the current city administration as a City Partner. In 2019, Sandra was listed amongst the West Women of the Year and in 2022 voted as one of the Most Influential Women in Bristol. She was also honoured with an MBE for Services to the Community of Bristol from HRH King Charles in 2021. A member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts (RSA), she completed the master’s Level course in Coaching and Mentoring at the University of West of England in 2015. The breadth of her experience includes human resources (covering recruitment, employee relations, training and development) within a global FMCG company, business and organisational development, people and performance improvement, contract management, collaboration and partnership development. Sandra's client businesses include Statutory Authorities, national and local Charities (inc. Universities as exempt charities) SME's and voluntary sector agencies, working with C-Suite Executives, Trustee Boards, Managers and individual staff members.

14. 

    1 Feb 2024

    Introduction to ICR and founder Sandra Gordon

    Radio Broadcaster and podcaster Sandra Green interviews the founder of I Can Represent podcast Sandra Gordon. Biography Sandra’s working career started as an admin assistant, and she worked her way up to running her own Call Centres across 3 sites for some trusted brands. She utilised the opportunity of a career break to undertake voluntary work in Africa, job coaching the homeless, and to become an accredited Life Coach. The trip to Africa also reignited her creative side and led her to starting her own creative business where she worked collectively with Artisans in Africa, which helped to supports their sustainability. Sandra’s social involvement includes a few projects and enterprise that focus on supporting the underrepresented in the city to have the same opportunities to move forward in their lives. A chance meeting in the green room of a TV comedy, gave birth to the idea of Rise a social enterprise, which was established after a discussion the lack of visibility of black businesses on the high street. The organisation specialised in providing opportunities for those businesses to promote what they do to a wider audience through organised events, exhibitions and on a weekly local community radio program. Rise also delivered workshops for Black women around personal development and starting their own business. They delivered the annual Rise Awards in the city which recognises and celebrates achievements in Business, Community and entrepreneurship. As well as a presenter and Broadcaster for community radio led me to become Strategic lead partner for the Black and Green Ambassadors program – putting Black voices into Green environmental spaces, where traditionally we have been absent. The work for Women’s equality was supported through my work with Bristol Women’s voice, which is a powerful voice for making women’s equality in Bristol a reality, and as a member of the Mayoral Women’s Commission and Business task group.  I am currently a Director for the Bristol Women in Business Charter, where we believe that businesses cannot reach their full potential if they fail to recruit and retain a gender-balanced workforce. Our purpose is to recognise and support businesses in and around Bristol that are making progress towards gender equality. Our ambition is to help accelerate the pace of change for the benefit of women, the businesses they work in and the communities they live in. I became a Commissioner and Co-Chair for the Mayoral Commission on Race Equality to help work on collective solutions to tackling the race inequalities faced by so many in the city. I am also passionate about inclusion and representation and was honoured to be appointed as a Magistrate and as a governor for City of Bristol College. At the heart of everything Sandra does is about giving everyone a chance to be the best they can be and to bring balance and equality to those groups who are disadvantaged in our society. www.SLGcoachingandconsultancy.com

15. 

    31 Jan 2024

    I Can Represent - trailer

    Black women are still underrepresented - not visible in so many sectors and in key positions that can influence and make the changes that are necessary to create a more equitable playing field. ICR, is a platform showcasing some of those women. In their own words you hear about their journey, understand their motivation/ inspiration and how they have overcome any obstacles. It is a demonstration of what is possible, you can see it, you can be it.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 21 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

18

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

60

Contact I Can Represent

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.