Donna Ali

Activist, Business adviser, Business mentor, Concerned citizen, Consultant, Educator/Teacher, Entrepreneur, Event planner, Idea generator, Inventor, Journalist, Parent, Project manager, Social entrepreneur, Writer/Editor

Donna Ali is the founder of BE.Xcellence a Community Interest Company. Which aims to raise the representation of Black, Asian and minority ethnic people, in positions of power. On April 7th 2022, Donna received an award for ‘Outstanding Achievement’ from the Social of Entrepreneurship at Cardiff Metropolitan University. As a recent graduate of Cardiff Met, receiving a 2:1 BSc in Health and Social Care, she embarked on a mission to provide affirmative action, in positions that improve the social mobility of the target groups. Moved by her own lived experience and the global events of 2020, Donna has created a series of projects to address the disproportionate outcomes of opportunities using a collaborative multi-layered approach. BE.Xcellence is unique in providing integrated programmes to become a catalyst in galvanising inclusion and social mobility through knowledge acquisition and intellectual self-realisation. After a successful, 20-year career as a pioneer in business, Donna is using her organisational project management skills, proficiency in networking and passion for racial equality to create a social enterprise that will ensure people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities are seen, heard and have greater opportunities.

I am passionate about social justice and critical race theory. I work towards, creating a nation that is infused with seeing the beauty in diversity. I feel I have a purpose in educating and empowering young people to understand and embrace their rights and responsibilities as citizens. I want to see the Welsh governments Anti- Racism action plan, actualised, so that ALL citizens are celebrated, included and treated with equity.

The lack of diversity of marginalised groups defined by race and class and other protected characteristics, in senior and leadership roles is reflective of the persistent inequalities within society. Greater representation of marginalised groups in positions of power would help create more opportunities and improve social mobility for young people and families. Research, led by RARE has over 90 years of experience in recruitment and is cited as one of the world’s leading in the industry, claims, that social mobility in recruitment is not about “doing good” it is about “Best Practice” as there are huge, benefits to businesses that reflect its members. The benefits that can be drawn from different cultures and experiences mean their businesses, can create products and services to suit the needs of their customers, which increases demand. This example is advantageous of all professions both private and public, to create a fairer society, organisations that reflect the people they work with, will demand equality and eventually, eradicate institutionalised bias. Eradicating institutional bias of both race and class and other protected characteristics, will help meet the needs of both today’s society and the society of the future. This TEDx conversation is food for thought, aims to support the aspirations of the Welsh Governments Future Generations Act 2015, which hopes to deliver a fairer, equal, and more just society by 2050. To achieve the government's objectives, a diverse range of voices and a broader scope of perspectives are required. Therefore, exploring ways in which professional and public bodies can be more inclusive in both policy and practise is vital in creating a more resilient Wales.

Anti-racism, Citizenship Educator, Diversity, Editor in Chief, Media, Public Speaker, Radio Host, Sociology

I am new to TEDx, but so excited to secure a licence. The name is representative of the area of Cardiff, I hope this powerful conversation will uplift. I have organised a great team of people to help organise and currently looking for sponsorship. This is my first TEDx, and very excited to be able to share this opportunity with twelve speakers who are from a broad range of professions but either live, work or have connections to the Butetown area of Cardiff. We believe positive representation matters, and all twelve, represent their area of expertise in an excellent form.

I am good at generating ideas. I am a pioneer and think out side of the box.