EmpowerUs

EmpowerUs is our professional development programme for staff who face barriers to their career development. This unique programme also includes inclusive leadership development for managers.

The programme's primary aim is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively address the unique challenges they face as they progress as minorities in predominantly non-diverse environments. In addition, we recognise that real change will only happen if we make positive steps to change the system. As such, inclusive leadership sessions for line managers to understand and confront practices and behaviours that can perpetuate inequalities are a key element of this programme.

EmpowerUs is for staff who are disabled, are LGBTQUIA+, are ethnic minority, and/or who have experienced barriers to career progression through experiences such as career beaks or caring responsibilities, at grades 4, 5, and 6, both in Academic and Professional Services.

"I am delighted to be sponsoring EmpowerUs. This programme embodies our values by sharing opportunities for staff and their managers to understand and thrive on difference; creating space for them to think freely and create connections between participants and their managers which will support them as they progress on their respective career journeys. I strongly encourage eligible staff to apply and their managers to engage in the programme."

Rachel Sandby-Thomas, Registrar

About the programme:

Aims

The EmpowerUs programme has been developed to support under-represented staff to develop their careers at the University of Warwick.

The programme is designed around the principle that to deliver meaningful change, we have to include different communities across Warwick, and therefore it engages diverse talent in Academic and Professional Services roles and their managers.

Delivery Partner

The EmpowerUs programme is provided by the Social Inclusion team and delivered by Banke Sotomi.

Banke Sotomi (Delta)

Banke Sotomi is a Senior Consultant, Executive coach and Facilitator at Delta, with over 20 years experience in the corporate world as a qualified commercial lawyer in the UK and in Nigeria. She is a certified Life and Executive Coach by the LCAN (Life Coaches Association ofNigeria) and is a member of the International Coaching Federation (the ICF Nigeria Chapter) and European Mentoring & Coaching Council.

Banke is Delta’s leading consultant on our inclusive ecosystem change programmes, working with key organisational stakeholders (senior sponsors, HR/DEI leads, as well as professionalsfrom underrepresented groups) to progress talent and build inclusive cultures. Banke uses a combination of integrative practices in her coaching including Neuro Linguistic Programming, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Mindfulness to support behavioural change in her coachees. Her coaching includes impactful 1:1 and group coaching sessions that are focused on helping individuals make lasting life and career transformations, as well as corporate executive initiatives with various companies to improve productivity, performance, and profitability.

Banke has significant experience in personal, professional and career development and is experienced in creating and facilitating practical workshops focused on providing tools and strategies to empower and support individuals into leadership capacity. She thrives on helping individuals identify their superpowers and grow in self-confidence so that they can achieve more and make an impact in the world.

Details and Dates

This six-month programme will combine workshops and group coaching.

Each module will cover a core theme, the content is detailed below:

Participant workshops

Programme activities for participants will take place on the following dates:

Workshop	Date	Time	Location
Introduction and opening forum	Wednesday 3 December 2025	10.00 - 10.45	Scarman
Workshop 1: Career Performance.	Wednesday 3 December 2025	10.45am - 4pm	Scarman
Coaching Circle 1	TBC		Online
Workshop 2: Organisational Politics	Wednesday 4 February 2026	10am - 4pm	Scarman
Coaching Circle 2	TBC		Online
Workshop 3: Authentic Leadership.	Wednesday 15 April 2026	10am - 4pm	Scarman
Coaching Circle 3	TBC		Online
Joint workshop and closing forum: Cultivating trust	Wednesday 17 June 2026	10am - 4pm	Scarman

Line manager workshops

Programme activities for participants will take place on the following dates:

Workshop	Date	Time	Location
Introduction and opening forum	Wednesday 3 December 2025	10.00 - 10.45	Scarman
Work shop 1: Inclusion Confidence Exploring inclusion Building psychological safety	Wednesday 3 December 2025	10.45am - 1.00pm	Scarman
Coaching Circle 1	TBC		Online
Workshop 2: Inclusive Management. Inclusive Management Inclusive behaviours Mitigating bias	Wednesday 15 April 2026	10am - 1pm	Scarman
Coaching Circle 2	TBC		Online
Joint workshop and closing forum: Cultivating trust	Wednesday 17 June 2026	10.00 - 4.00	Scarman

Participant coaching sessions

Commitments

To take part in the programme, participants and line managers must be available to attend all sessions.

Participants will need to be available for one group session/month (we will try and accommodate the groups according to your availability.)

Managers who have previously attended EmpowerUs can nominate another leader to attend - this should be someone who works with the team and can act as a sponsor, mentor, or advocate to the staff member during the programme.

Apply

Applications are now closed.

To apply, please complete this form providing how you would you like to develop and progress your career.

Please seek the support of your line manager before applying.

We will be holding a drop in session for questions on the 14 July at 12pm. Use this link to join the drop-in session.

For any questions, get in touch at .

What participants say:

"I am very pleased that I had the opportunity of being part of EmpowerHer. EmpowerHer helps me to reflect on my capabilities and achievements to understand how to manage important factors to be successful in a working environment such as effective communication, navigation of policies and mechanisms to overcome complex situations. After the programme, I do feel, as the name indicates, Empowered! to give a better direction to my professional career using my skills and knowledge."

Martha Littuma Larrea, Finance

"Participating in EmpowerUs was a transformative experience. Banke created a safe, empowering space for us to explore and overcome the unique barriers we face in our careers. Her approach was both compassionate and practical, the sessions were not only informative but deeply inspiring, helping us build confidence, clarify our goals, and develop actionable strategies for career progression. Banke’s insight and encouragement helped me see new possibilities for my future and gave me the tools to pursue them with purpose. I now feel more equipped and motivated to navigate the professional world with authenticity and resilience. I would highly recommend this programme to anyone looking to break through barriers and take the next step in their career journey."

Lorraine Martin, Social Inclusion

"As someone from an ethnic minority, I’ve faced many challenges since starting university. Although I was working hard, I struggled to find my inner voice , the confidence to say what felt right or wrong. Through this programme, I finally found that voice. I’ve learned to speak up for myself and stand by what I believe is right. It’s been a truly empowering experience. I would definitely encourage others to take part in this programme , not just for career progression, but to discover the inner strength that is so essential, especially when you come from an ethnic minority background."

Debasmita Palit, Student Administrative Services

"I would definitely recommend EmpowerUs to other people who feel stuck or underconfident in their current position. The programme has enabled me to grow my network and meet many people I wouldn’t normally meet at the university. I really enjoyed learning about what I can do to boost my career and breakdown barriers. Overall, it was a delight, and the free lunch wasn’t too bad either! 🙂"

Georgia Edwards, Physics

"EmpowerUs has been a transformative experience in my professional journey. One of the most impactful takeaways was learning how to navigate organisational politics with confidence and integrity, skills that are often overlooked but crucial for career progression. The programme also helped me reframe my network as a powerful tool for empowerment, not just connection. I learned how visibility through networks can open doors, amplify my voice, and create meaningful opportunities. Through thoughtful sessions on feedback and imposter syndrome, I gained clarity, courage, and a renewed sense of purpose. EmpowerUs didn’t just teach me strategies, it gave me the confidence to own my space and lead with authenticity."

Anuradha Peramunugamage, Economics

"This has been an extremely good experience. I have enjoyed reflecting on my own good practices and learned new skills and knowledge to better manage my team."

Amy Dowden, Finance (Manager)

"I would recommend this programme to other colleagues across the University. The course has opened my eyes to new perspectives and hidden challenges; most importantly it has helped to identify ways I can support others in overcoming these."

Monica Sounderraj, WMG

"Wonderful opportunity to network with a wider audience of aspiring female leaders. Listening to empowered women share their experiences on overcoming personal and cultural barriers, and thriving in a multi-cultural institution like the University of Warwick, was truly inspiring. Warwick is proud of its diverse community, and initiatives like the EmpowerHer programme are essential in embedding a culture of inclusivity. This is the next step that will help Warwick reach even greater strengths."

Jodie Wallington, EPQ

"A wonderful opportunity to meet and learn from peers in a safe, supportive environment. EmpowerHer provided the opportunity to reflect on ourselves and the environment in which we work and come away with practical tools and new approaches to work along with a network of fantastic women to support."

Adriana Smith Ortiz, WMG

"I find the course really motivating. The course coach, programme and the participative approach were really useful to build confidence and network."

Ameera Jamil

A quick request - please answer the diversity monitoring questions on your personal record.

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and students. To do this, we need your help to understand our community. The University collects a range of diversity monitoring data for staff and students, answering these questions should only take a few minutes.See more on what we ask and why here.