Diversity Mark Annual Summit 2026

Carolyn Stewart is one of Northern Ireland’s best-known broadcasters, award-winning DJs and event hosts, with a career spanning more than 40 years. Beginning as a club DJ in 1985, she was crowned Northern Ireland DJ of the Year in 1988 before becoming one of the defining voices of Cool FM, where she spent 15 years as the station’s most recognisable presenter. Throughout her career, Carolyn has interviewed future global stars including Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys, Usher and Destiny’s Child, while also presenting on UTV, BBC and RTÉ productions. She later enjoyed an 18-year run on U105’s Lunchtime Bistro. Beyond broadcasting, Carolyn is a sought-after conference facilitator and live event compère. She is also the founder of award-winning food business Totally Hot NI, whose Caribbean-inspired products have earned multiple Great Taste and Blas na hÉireann awards. Carolyn continues to entertain audiences across Northern Ireland through broadcasting, live events and her popular retro disco nights.

Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA was appointed Economy Minister on 3 February 2025. Previous to this, Caoimhe served as Finance Minister from February 2024.

Caoimhe grew up in Coleraine.  She attended Loreto College, Coleraine and graduated from Queen’s University, Belfast with a BSc in Molecular Biology and a PhD by research with a Department of Agriculture and Rural Development studentship.  She also completed a Postgraduate diploma in Management & Corporate Governance at Ulster University.

Caoimhe was elected as an MLA for East Derry in May 2016 and re-elected in March 2017 and again in May 2022.

She is formerly Chair of the Assembly’s Economy and Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs committees. 

Prior to being elected in May 2016, Caoimhe had worked for almost a decade in applied horticulture and plant pathology research including on collaborative EU funded projects.

Ben Hurst is a facilitator and DEI consultant with nearly a decade of experience holding space for difficult, emotionally nuanced conversations. Specializing in gendered stereotypes, he helps men deconstruct their relationship to masculinity. Ben also addresses topics like race, class, the climate crisis, and intersectionality. Known for his TEDx talks (“Boys Won’t Be Boys” and “We Need to Talk to Boys About Online Misogyny”), Ben has written for Stylist, Glamour, Marie Claire, and more. He provides insights to help men build emotional literacy and work toward positive change. Ben is also the Co-host of the TEDx Climate Curious Podcast. Instagram, Full Bio, Website

Mary Hannon-Fletcher is a distinguished academic and scientific leader, serving as Dean for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and as an Aurora and Athena Swan Champion at Ulster University. She holds a BSc (1st Hons) and PhD, is a Chartered Scientist (CSci), a Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Science (FIBMS), is HCPC registered, and is recognised as a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (PFHEA).

A passionate advocate for equality and inclusion, she has played a leading role in advancing Athena Swan and other institutional equality initiatives. Under her leadership, Ulster University has strengthened its commitment to creating an inclusive environment for staff and students, contributing to significant recognitions such as the University’s Athena Swan Silver Award and Race Equality Charter Bronze Award.
Among her personal distinctions, Professor Hannon-Fletcher has received a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her exceptional contribution to biomedical science and higher education over a career spanning more than forty years.

Corey Mullan is a Youth Workshop Facilitator with White Ribbon NI whose journey with the organisation began while he was in sixth form. After taking part in the Listen, Learn, Lead programme delivered at his school by a White Ribbon facilitator, Corey was inspired to get involved and began volunteering with the organisation shortly after leaving school.

His passion and commitment to engaging young people led him to become a facilitator, a role he is delighted to hold today. Corey has represented White Ribbon NI on the live BBC Children in Need show in Manchester and is passionate about working with young men, encouraging positive attitudes and healthy behaviours through education and discussion.
Drawing on his own experiences, Corey is dedicated to sharing the messages he wishes he had heard when he was younger, helping to inspire the next generation of young leaders and advocates for positive change.

Christine White joined Diversity Mark during its launch year and has played an important role in the organisation’s development. As Head of Business, she helped shape the accreditation process, build relationships with employers and stakeholders, and support the growth of a strong network of organisations committed to diversity and inclusion.

In November 2023, Christine became Director of Diversity Mark, leading the organisation’s work to support employers in creating workplaces where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive.

Before joining Diversity Mark, Christine built a career spanning more than 20 years in the retail banking and motor trade sectors, gaining extensive experience in management, business development and stakeholder engagement.

Dr Stephen McKeown is Global Vice President at Allstate Corporation and Managing Director of its European Digital Center of Excellence, specializing in digital product development and consumer experience.  He was the company’s first Divisional CIO appointed outside of North America. Prior to this he has been a founder, CEO and investor in a number of high-tech companies. He has acted as a technical advisor to a number of national innovation bodies, the €80B European Horizon Research program and the UK Technology Strategy Board.   

Nazia Latif has extensive experience of working on human rights, equality and diversity in NI and internationally. A highly experienced trainer and researcher, she believes in empowering communities through genuine engagement and collaboration.  She worked for the NI Human Rights Commission for 13 years where she led a number of systemic investigations of international significance, including In Defence of Dignity, an investigation into the human rights of older people in nursing homes. 

Nazia currently runs Right Practice and specialises in providing practical assistance to organisations in the public, private and voluntary sector to initiate and manage change in order to improve service delivery and internal management. Her focus is on helping organisations meet their human rights and equality obligations. Nazia is a Non-Executive Director on the Health and Social Care Board and a member of the NI Committee of the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust.

Jude Copeland is a leading lawyer, specialising in AI and legal technology. He is dual-qualified (E&W and NI) and is a solicitor advocate in Northern Ireland.

Jude has significant, high-value discovery experience and has acted for public authorities, inquiries and businesses including global and listed companies and SMEs.

Jude was elected to the Council of the Law Society of Northern Ireland. He chairs the Emerging Tech Sub-Group and is a member of the Future of the Profession, Human Rights and Contentious Business Committees. Jude mentors junior lawyers and has delivered lectures on legal technology at a range of conferences and at Ulster University and the Institute of Professional Legal Studies, in Belfast.

Jude is involved in LGBTQIA+ rights and ending gender based abuse. He was a founding trustee of the White Ribbon NI, served as a trustee of PIPS Suicide Prevention. He is a trustee of Forward South Partnership and serves on the advisory board to Women In Media, Belfast. In 2021, he was appointed to the Protection & Justice Working Group of the Belfast Area Domestic & Sexual Violence and Abuse Partnership.

There’s a lot of uncertainty in life. One constant you can count on: Allstate’s good hands. For nearly a century, we’ve helped customers get back on their feet when things don’t go as planned.

We’re constantly looking for ways to do more and do it better. To make our products and services easier and more affordable. To better understand customer needs and turn it into personalized solutions. To create opportunities for our team and economic value for our shareholders. To be the best at what we do, not just in our industry, but beyond. Including investing in stronger, more resilient communities to create lasting, positive change where hopes and dreams can thrive.

Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE Networks) owns and operates Northern Ireland’s electricity transmission and distribution network, delivering power to more than 932,000 homes, businesses and farms. With around 1,600 employees, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. As a Diversity Charter Mark Silver Accredited organisation and the only organisation in the UK to hold Investors in People Triple Platinum accreditation, we place our people at the heart of everything we do. Through our focus on wellbeing, inclusion, leadership and talent development, we are building a diverse workforce equipped to deliver a sustainable energy future for Northern Ireland.

The CIPD has been championing better work and working lives for over 100 years. It helps organisations thrive by focusing on their people, supporting our economies and societies. It’s the professional body for HR, L&D, OD and all people professionals – experts in people, work and change. With over 160,000 members globally – and a growing community using its research, insights and learning –it gives trusted advice and offers independent thought leadership. It’s a leading voice in the call for good work that creates value for
everyone.

Deloitte UK is one of the country’s leading professional services firms, helping businesses, governments, and organizations solve complex challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth. The firm provides expertise across consulting, audit and assurance, tax, financial advisory, risk management, and technology transformation. As part of Deloitte’s global network, Deloitte UK combines deep industry knowledge with innovative thinking to support clients in areas such as digital transformation, sustainability, and business strategy. With a strong collaborative culture and focus on creating long-term impact, Deloitte UK helps organizations adapt, innovate, and thrive in an evolving global environment.

Encirc, part of the Vidrala group, is a market leader in glass container design, manufacturing, bottling and logistics solutions for the UK, Irish and European food and beverages industries.  

With almost 2,000 employees, it operates from its three purpose-built sites: Derrylin, Co Fermanagh; Elton, Cheshire and Bristol. The company produces around 3 billion glass bottles and other containers annually and can fill up to 500 million litres of bulk shipped beverages every year.  

The integrated group offering means customers benefit from a unique supply chain approach, which includes access to Europe’s largest bonded warehouse, significantly shortening the supply chain and delivering considerable cost and environmental savings to customers.

Ulster University (UU) is recognised for its academic excellence and commitment to social impact operating across campuses, Belfast, Coleraine, Jordanstown and Derry~Londonderry, each offering a distinctive learning environment supported by modern facilities and industry-relevant resources.  It serves a diverse student population of over 30,000 learners, providing a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and professional programmes. 

UU is known for its emphasis on employability, innovation and applied research and strong commitment to inclusion and diversity. UU also plays a significant role in regional development, contributing to the economic, social and cultural life of NI through partnerships, knowledge exchange and community engagement.