Series 4, Episode 15: Identity and Belonging - Black students’ experiences of racism within higher education

In this episode, Rachael Wilson is joined by Lateesha Osbourne to
discuss her pHD research into black students’ sense of identity
and belonging within higher education.


Lateesha is a psychologist who applies a DEI lens to her work and
in particular has significant expertise in race equality. She has
worked with EW and Challenge since 2015 when she joined our team
as Training and Business Development Officer and, after being
away for a little while studying for her doctorate, is now back
as a consultant working on a range of innovative client
projects. 


Lateesha explains the findings from her research which included
gathering insights through focus groups with Black students on
their experiences of racism. Lateesha analysed how experiences of
racism affected the students’ sense of identity and belonging,
and the strategies that they adopted to navigate the campus
culture. Her findings provide us with a microcosm of other
institutions and workplaces and an insight into the experiences
of minority groups. 


Rachael and Lateesha discuss how these findings can be used to
inform the ways in which we go about breaking down workplace
barriers to inclusion and belonging. They discuss how creating a
culture where employees feel able to speak up is crucial to
employees’ wellbeing, progression and performance.  


Follow Lateesha Osbourne on LinkedIn or Twitter to keep
up-to-date with her latest news and work. 


Follow EW Group and Challenge Consultancy on Twitter and LinkedIn
for the latest news and thinking in diversity and inclusion or
get in touch to find out how we can help you build a more
inclusive workplace.