Dr Victoria Showunmi (University College London)

Dr Victoria Showunmi (University College London) 

Election address  

Dr Victoria Showunmi is an Associate Professor, Vice Dean EDI at UCL.  She has held a range of national roles in UCU including NEC Women's Seat, Black Members Seat, Acting Chair of HEC, Vice HEC, Chair of Women's Committee, Chair of Black members Committee and Chair of Equalities Committee which has been an exciting and a humbling experience.  Locally, I have been Equality Officer and sit on the executive for UCL UCU. Having the opportunity to represent the voices of Black Members across a range of committees is crucial as we strive towards a union that is pushing towards equality. Everyday racism(s) and racial trauma is real and is the lived experience of many of our members. This year has been a difficult and challenging year for Black people as we grapple with the recent and ongoing issues regarding racial harassment across our working lives.   

In my day job I am an academic who is interested in race, gender and leadership and the experience of Black people in British education.  Equal pay for Black Members and their experience of the workplace is something frequently discussed across UCU.  The double detriment faced by Black Members particularly Black women, is shown in the data. Our Black members are disproportionately lower paid, and lower status roles across the economy.    

Standing for NEC Black Members Seat would enable me to continue to give voice to all Black Members including the most vulnerable and marginalized people in the workplace.    

If elected I would be honoured to work as the NEC Black Member.