Dr Miranda Brawn, former vice-chair and patron of Brixton’s Black Cultural Archives and Lambeth equality commissioner, is bidding to become an alderman of the City of London.
She is the only person of colour in the election for a seat on the City’s Court of Aldermen.
The Court of Aldermen has 25 members. At present four of them are women. They are elected at least every six years and not all at once. Only an alderman can become Lord Mayor of London.
Dr Brawn, who is a non-practising barrister, non-executive director and philanthropist. is running with her “ICHANGES” vision for greater inclusion and sustainability in the City of London and has highlighted 10 reasons to vote for her.
She is contesting the Cordwainer ward election on 26 May. The seat is vacant following the death of Sir Roger Gifford, who had been alderman of the ward since 2004.
The election is taking place after years of intense scrutiny for the City’s elected body over its lack of gender and ethnic diversity.
Should she win, she would be the second woman of colour in more than 900 years to hold the coveted role of Alderman if the City of London.
The Rt Hon the Baroness Patricia Scotland of Asthal, QC, became the first Black female alderman when she won her seat in 2014.
London born and raised, Dr Brawn has worked in the City for decades and is a former investment banker, hedge fund sales trader and senior banking lawyer. She is currently non-executive director and strategic board advisor for global corporate boards in and out of the City of London.
She is ranked as one of the leading women in finance and business, and was one of the first women of colour on the City’s trading floor.
She was named in the Women in Finance Award’s Woman of the Year and Ambassador of the Year categories.
Dr Brawn said she was “humbled” by the support and encouragement from both inside and outside the City, including from former Lord Mayors of London, to put her name forward for the Aldermanic elections.
The City of London has 25 wards. Each elects one alderman and a number of members to the Court of Common Council.
Aldermen represent their wards in the Court of Aldermen and represent the City of London globally at senior levels to encourage international business.
ANOTHER IMPRESSIVE title for the activist and champion of diversity, inclusion and sustainability as she joins the world’s number one ranking university.
The University of Oxford’s Keble College has elected Professor Miranda K Brawn as their new Senior Visiting Fellow on 1st September 2022. Exceptional and distinguished individuals join the University of Oxford’s Keble College as Visiting Fellows and Professor Miranda Brawn is no exception. She is set to launch ‘The Brawn Review’ and will be lecturing and leading the research for it. This is an independent research report on boardroom sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and corporate governance intended for publication alongside her upcoming book in 2023. This will also include her “iCHANGES” model which she created during her City of London’s Aldermanic candidacy elections for more inclusion and sustainability.
The prestigious and senior academic role will see Professor Brawn participate in University life by sharing her expertise on the research topic with Keble College and other University of Oxford college students, faculty, professors and fellows in seminars, lectures, workshops, study groups, and meetings. She will contribute to the goals of advancing the critical importance of these topics facing society today. In this role, she also partners with global organisations and leaders to advance boardroom inclusion, sustainability and governance efforts.
Professor Miranda K. Brawn said: “I am delighted and humbled to be joining our wonderful community of students, professors, fellows and staff to contribute to the success of Keble College and the University of Oxford overall. It is an honour to be elected as a senior visiting fellow at the world’s number one university. I am looking forward to working with the students, professors and fellows alongside global organisations and top leaders to produce ‘The Brawn Review’ while sharing my expertise and experience.”
She is the Founder, President and CEO of award-winning registered Charity ‘The Miranda Brawn Diversity Leadership Foundation’. In 2021, the Foundation partnered with the University of Oxford for an initial five years to offer the Dr ‘Miranda Brawn Award’ to UK Black, Bangladeshi, Pakistani and mixed heritage undergraduates from low-income households. The Foundation has been making UK history since 2016, when it launched the first diversity leadership lecture of its kind, alongside offering innovative leading education and career scholarships to diverse students while also launching the UK’s first Black Women on Boards initiative.
Her inaugural lecture in her new role will also be The Miranda Brawn Diversity Leadership Foundation’s 7th annual lecture event. It is an occasion for the University of Oxford and its associations to celebrate UK Black History Month in October 2022. Students and professionals from across the UK and globally will be attending. Global organisations like Goldman Sachs, Hogan Lovells, KPMG and Reed Smith are supporting Professor Brawn’s research work and Foundation. Students from across the UK are encouraged to apply for registration. Further details: https://www.keble.ox.ac.uk/events/7th-annual-lecture-of-the-miranda-brawn-diversity-leadership-foundation/
Visiting Fellowships are offered to people of distinction for their outstanding achievements beyond normal academic circles. They include eminent figures in law, politics, culture, the arts and media, business and public service. They have made an outstanding contribution to their respective fields. In Professor Brawn’s case, this is within banking, finance, law, business, STEAM, public service, charity and of course education. Life in an Oxford University College offers a wide range of social, intellectual, cultural, and artistic experiences; people are sought out who would embrace and enhance life at the University of Oxford. A bevy of celebrities have been invited over the years including screen stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Emma Watson to share meals with students as visiting fellows. The University of Oxford’s Keble college alumni list includes politicians, lawyers, bishops, poets, and academics. The majority of this list are male; from its foundation in 1870 until 1979 Keble only admitted male students. Keble College Alumni include Imran Khan, 22nd Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Pakistani politician, former cricketer, James Hunt, barrister and High Court judge, Ed Balls, Labour politician, MP for Morley and Outwood 2010-2015, previous Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer and Katy Brand, actress, comedian and writer.
Professor Miranda Brawn, former vice chair of the board and patron of the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton and Lambeth equality commissioner, is to launch a boardroom governance, inclusion and sustainability initiative in her inaugural lecture as a senior visiting fellow at the University of Oxford during UK Black History Month.
Professor Brawn’s charitable foundation last year partnered with the university to offer the Dr Miranda Brawn Award to Black, Bangladeshi, Pakistani and mixed heritage undergraduates from low-income households in the UK.
Her inaugural lecture will also be the seventh annual lecture of The Miranda Brawn Diversity Leadership Foundation (TMBDLF). She will announce “The Brawn Review” as she takes on a new senior academic role at the university.
The review will be an independent research report on sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and corporate governance in boardrooms.
It is intended for publication next year alongside her new book which will both be completed at Oxford incorporating her “iCHANGES” model for more inclusion and sustainability that she created during her candidacy in City of London aldermanic elections.
Professor Brawn a long-standing and award-winning activist and champion of diversity, inclusion and sustainability, has gained another important role.
Earlier this month, Oxford University’s Keble College elected her as its new senior visiting fellow, a post reserved for exceptional and distinguished individuals. While in the post, she will be lecturing and leading research for The Brawn Review.
She will share her expertise on boardroom diversity, inclusion, sustainability and corporate governance with Keble College and other University of Oxford students, lecturers, professors and fellows in seminars, lectures, workshops, study groups, and meetings.
Professor Brawn will also partner global organisations and leaders to advance boardroom diversity, inclusion, sustainability and governance efforts.
“I am delighted and humbled to be joining our wonderful community of students, professors, fellows and staff to contribute to the success of Keble College and the University of Oxford overall,” she said.
“It is an honour to be elected as a senior visiting fellow at the world’s number one university. I am looking forward to working with the students, professors and fellows alongside global organisations and top leaders.”
Professor Brawn is the founder, president and CEO of TMBDLF, an award-winning registered charity.
The foundation has been making history in the UK since 2016, when it launched the first diversity leadership lecture of its kind, alongside offering innovative leading education and career scholarships to diverse students, while also launching the country’s first Black Women on Boards initiative.
Professor Brawn’s inaugural lecture in her new role will also be the TMBDLF’s seventh annual lecture.
It will be an occasion for the University of Oxford and its associations to celebrate UK Black History Month in October this year.
Students and senior leading professionals from across the UK and globally will be attending. Global organisations like Hogan Lovells, Goldman Sachs, KPMG and Reed Smith are supporting Professor Brawn’s research work and foundation.
As a senior visiting fellow, Professor Brawn joins other eminent figures in law, politics, culture, the arts and media, business and public service who have made outstanding contributions to their respective fields.
In her case, this includes banking, finance, law, business, public service, charity and education.
Other visiting fellows who have shared university life include screen stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Emma Watson.
Keble College alumni include politicians, lawyers, bishops, poets, and academics.
Most on this list are men; from its foundation in 1870 until 1979, Keble only admitted male students.
Among them are former cricketer Imran Khan, 22nd Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan; Sir James Hunt, barrister and High Court judge; Labour politician Ed Balls; and Katy Brand, actor, comedian and writer.
Dr Miranda Brawn Award seen as one of the most important investments that can be made right now to help our next generation, our economy and our future.
DR MIRANDA BRAWN and the University of Oxford have teamed up to design a new innovative award called the ‘Dr Miranda Brawn Award’ launching in the Trinity Term on March 31.
This is designed to support and help talented Black (African and Caribbean), Bangladeshi, Pakistani and mixed heritage students enhance their Oxford experience. The award, which will be open to UK undergraduates from low-income households, will support excellence and ambition among these talented future leaders by giving these students the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
Oxford is committed to widening participation in higher education and to building an inclusive and diverse university environment. However, despite significant progress in recent years, Black, Bangladeshi, Pakistani and mixed heritage undergraduate students from the UK are underrepresented at the University of Oxford.
The award will further advance the University’s commitment to encourage more applications by empowering these gifted students to thrive during their studies at Oxford, as well as build networks and self-confidence that will enhance their future careers. This will ensure the most impact and be most effective in combatting underrepresentation and disadvantage.
The award will consist of funding and mentoring while being administered annually over a period of five years by the Oxford University Careers Service. In order to prioritise funds for those from low-income households, it will be open to students who are Crankstart Scholars or Oxford Bursary recipients.
Students can apply by completing a funding application form (and then send it to the Finance Officer) by Friday, May 6. Receipt of this award will not affect eligibility for an Oxford Bursary. The application and judging processes are being managed by the University of Oxford including all related queries.
The ‘Dr Miranda Brawn Award’ will enable recipients to undertake career development projects during the summer vacation. Students who receive the award will have the chance to enjoy activities or experiences that are not covered through other colleges or University financial support programmes. This could include, for example, making a short film, starting a new business or social enterprise to compliment and support their education.
Recipients of the award will also have access to the resources of The Miranda Brawn Diversity Leadership Foundation, including one-to-one mentoring sessions with founder and president, multi award-winning businesswoman, lawyer, philanthropist, international public speaker, educator, success coach, investor, board director and diversity advocate Dr Brawn.
Dr Brawn said: “I was honoured to be approached by the University of Oxford last year to launch the Dr Miranda Brawn Award. We have agreed to include The Miranda Brawn Diversity Leadership Foundation to help to support, educate and empower our next generation of diverse leaders to become a success.
“The positive change for true equality starts with each of us and there is true power in this. I have been a diversity, equity and inclusion leader for over two decades, working across many different sectors. This has ranged from the student and graduate levels all the way up to the c-suite and boardroom, and includes launching the UK’s first ‘Black Women on Boards’ initiative through The Miranda Brawn Diversity Leadership Foundation.
“The new award at the University of Oxford aims to inspire, educate and empower our next generation of diverse leaders from the Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Black African, Caribbean and mixed heritage communities by supporting them to study at the number one university in the world.
“The end goal is to support their education and career dreams in order to have more c-suite leaders, CEOs, board directors and successful business owners from these specific communities. This is one of the most important investments that can be made right now to help our next generation, our economy and our future.”
Dr Fiona Whitehouse, Head of the Internship Office at the Careers Service, added: “Taking part in extra-curricular activities can be so valuable to students during their time at university, helping them to grow in confidence and develop new skills alongside their studies. I’m therefore delighted that Dr Miranda Brawn has chosen to establish this award at Oxford, and give talented students here access to opportunities they might not otherwise have had.
“I can’t wait to see what those selected for the award decide to use it for and the positive impact it will no doubt have on their Oxford experience.’
Professor Martin Williams, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Education at Oxford, said: “At the University of Oxford we are committed to accelerating the pace at which we diversify our student body and are united in our efforts to remove the barriers that students face.’
Dr Miranda Brawn, added: “Recent research has highlighted that Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Black African and Caribbean students of both sexes, are less likely to achieve success through the traditional gold-standard, higher value government benchmark than white British peers.
“Hence, the importance of this award to help to bring true equality, diversity, equity and inclusion to the workplace.
“The award is in loving memory of the great women in my family. My late great-granny Philomena and late granny Victoria, both born in Dominica, and my late grandmother Maryam, born in India, who all stressed the importance of a great education which was re-emphasised by my parents while growing up.
“This award is very personal to me as it represents part of my own mixed heritage. I am looking forward to meeting and personally mentoring the winners over the years and have them be part of The Miranda Brawn Diversity Leadership Foundation family.
For more information and to support The Miranda Brawn Diversity Leadership Foundation, you can visit www.tmbdlf.com, email info@tmbdlf.com and watch their first short film on TMBDLF’s You Tube Channel.
ELECTION VOTE FOR ALDERMAN CANDIDATE MIRANDA K. BRAWN
“I am ready to be an engaged and active Alderman representing the people working and living in the Ward of Cordwainer and the City of London nationally and internationally. If elected, I will work towards an “iCHANGES” modernised future – “Innovative/Inclusive”, “Cleaner”, “Healthier”, “Action-led”, “Net-zero”, “Goal/Growth” and “Equality/Equitable” focused on “Sustainability” with first-class transformative solutions including transport, climate change, diversity and technology led approaches. ” – Dr Miranda Brawn
Note: The City of London is the oldest continuously-running local democracy in the world. The Square Mile is run by 100 Common Councillors and 25 Aldermen, elected by workers and residents across the City.
Dr Miranda Brawn in the City of London during her election campaigning (May 2022)
Ten reasons to vote for Miranda:
1.Business success where Miranda has nearly 30 years of industry experience in the City as a respected senior executive with gravitas and interpersonal skills, evidencing her vast experience to promote the City in the UK and abroad. Her executive and non-executive experience covers a range of sectors (finance, law, engineering, technology, arts, academia, consumer, charity, retail and government) driving refreshed visions and supporting businesses to thrive.
2. Wider leadershipwhere Miranda has the capacity to communicate with decision-makers at the highest levels in the UK and abroad with a proven track record across all continents alongside Global Business and Political Leaders such as CEO’s, Regulators, Ministers, Prime Ministers, City Mayors, other Global Leaders and members of the Royal Family through her industry, consulting, charity and public speaking work.
3. Effective, persuasive communicator and negotiator in the UK and internationally with vast experience in international business having been a senior banking lawyer (focus on negotiations, regulations and governance), hedge fund sales trader and investment banker working on international financial trades at top global investment banks such as JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, HSBC etc covering 100+ countries having been one of the first women of colour on the City’s trading floor.
4. Alongside her career, she has a strong track record of senior board experience having served on 30+ boards and committees across private, public and third sectors as an Advisor, Non-Executive Director, CEO, Trustee, Equality Commissioner, Patron, UK Global Poverty Ambassador, Chair/Vice Chair. With a highly personable, authentic, supportive and warm charm that is important for the Alderman role. She is also a Bloomberg News ‘New Voices’ expert business media contributor for London and New York and a future Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford.
5. A philanthropist supporting numerous charities and non-profit organisations, including launching her own registered Charity to help educate and empower our next generation of diverse leaders across all workplace sectors. Being a Trustee, Chair, Strategic Board Advisor, Supporter and Fundraiser for various charities will enable her to bring her fund and awareness-raising experience.
6. A lifelong member of the City, Miranda is a committed member of the community serving in voluntary positions from Ward Club to Livery Companies driving excellence and opportunities in the economic heart of the UK. She is also passionate about the City’s unique history and bringing back its life.
7. Miranda’s work has helped to build global businesses and increase diversity in the City earning her both awards and recognition from her peers including “Woman of the Year” and “Ambassador of the Year” at the Women in Finance Awards for ‘extraordinary and sustained achievement…within Finance’ and ‘voice for change’.
8. She is well connected and of the calibre that would be a great asset to the Court of Aldermen in its ongoing work to rebuild, diversify and promote the City, post Brexit and post pandemic as a driving force for good.
9. Her candidacy has the full support of former Lord Mayor of London Dame Fiona Woolf and manyothers in and out of the City of London. Dame Fiona calls Miranda “a complete inspiration where her energy and enthusiasm will be infectious” in the Court of Aldermen.
10. Proven track record of delivering and championing diversity, inclusion and ESG/Sustainability solutions, Miranda is a top quality candidate with a unique mixed heritage (Asian/Caribbean/English/European), including her natural empathy for others and respectful approach to different communities, ethnicities, religions and cultures gains support where others often struggle to relate. She is a multi-award winning Diversity, Inclusion and Sustainability Champion and plans to actively help the Corporation to reflect the growing diverse make-up of the City and overall global society.
Almost everyone accepts that we need greater diversity, inclusion and sustainable solutions in the City and public office alike. For Miranda, delivering her “iCHANGE” vision is not about slogans but about substance; not about lip service but about public service, not about words but about deeds and action with integrity and transparency.
It is very important that as many of the voters turn up and vote for Miranda K. Brawn on Thursday, 26th May 2022 from 8am to 8pm at St. Mary Le Bow Church, Cheapside, EC2V 6AU or via Post / Proxy. For further voting informationhttps://www.speakforthecity.com/voting
15th May 2022: Dr Miranda Brawn is on the BBC Radio Derby Show at 9pm (UK time) talking about the upcoming Aldermanic elections. The recorded version will be available for one month. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0c3gjlq From 1 hour and 12 minutes Miranda explains what an Alderman’s role is and the difference between the Lord Mayor of London and the Mayor of London including what she plans to bring to the table of the City of London Corporation with inclusion and sustainability.
20th May 2022 to 26th May 2022: Panjab Times – Europe’s largest Panjabi’s news publication across UK, Europe, India and Pakistan showing their support on page 47 in a special English translated article. http://panjabtimes.uk/epaper.aspx?eid=474
Panjab Times – Europe’s largest Asia news publication shows their support for Miranda Brawn to win on 26th May 2022 Dr Miranda K. Brawn at the Bloomberg Television Studios (in the Ward of Cordwainer) following one of her radio and television appearances in her role as an ‘Expert Business Media Contributor’. This is part of Bloomberg’s “New Voices” programme in London and New York to help diversify the media platform.
Remember to vote for Miranda K. Brawn on 26th May 2022
Definition of an Alderman
The City of London Alderman is one of the oldest elected roles in the UK. Each of the twenty-five wards elects one Alderman for a term of up to six years and several will see elections in 2022. Together, they form the Court of Aldermen, one of the three governing Courts of the City of London. Their role is to encourage trade, champion standards, build skills in the workforce and promote the City as an attractive place to live and do business.
Aldermen also sit on the Court of Common Council which is responsible for the overall policies and resources of the City Corporation, and sets its multi-year strategy and plans. They are also appointed to the boards of a range of charities, as well as the governing bodies of the City’s academy schools in neighbouring boroughs. Many Aldermen have a financial or professional services background and are well-placed to develop further the City’s relations with this key sector.
Each year, the Lord Mayor is elected from amongst the Aldermen – and those looking to stand for the mayoralty will first need to be elected as an Alderman.
Great support from the locals on Bow Lane, Queen Victoria Street and surrounding roads where many have displayed posters showing their support in their shop windows for Miranda Brawn to win on 26th May 2022
There are at least 12 scholarships available to young people up to ages of 30 years from diverse backgrounds. Set up on the 4th January 2016, this is The Miranda Brawn Diversity Leadership Foundation (TMBDLF)’s seventh year.
Applicants must be at school, college or university on a full-time basis and achieving good grades with an interest in diversity. Applications close on 30th June 2022 at 5pm (London time).
The scholarship award includes £500 to £1,000 in funding, mentoring and reverse mentoring with leaders in their field, work experience (if available and pending COVID restrictions) with leading UK organisations, etiquette educational training, networking, graduation group mentoring lunch and VIP ticket to the annual diversity leadership lectures. More information on the scholarship programme is available via TMBDLF’s website https://www.tmbdlf.com/scholarship-programme.
The categories include Finance and Business, Hogan Lovells ‘Law’, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), Multi-Sector, Medical, Automotive (for women), Charity, BWOB (Black Women on Boards), LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer etc), Disability and Neurodiversity, From Care (foster and government care systems), ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) with the University of Bath.
Each year we launch new innovative scholarships. This year has included a scholarship called ‘Automotive (for women)’ to celebrate International Women’s Month 2022 and our ESG scholarship has re-launched this year with a University of Bath partnership as part of the One Young World Bath Caucus. Other new innovative scholarships this year include Charity, From Care and Neurodiversity.
A full list of categories and eligibility are also available online. To apply visit the Charity’s website www.tmbdlf.com
The winners will be announced at The Miranda Brawn Diversity Leadership Annual Lecture Event 2022 which will take place later this year in the UK. The date and venue will be confirmed in due course. Further details will be shared on the website by summer 2022. https://www.tmbdlf.com/annual-lecture-and-events
For more information, to support and/or apply for a scholarship, please email TMBDLF’s team directly via info@tmbdlf.com.
Founder Dr Miranda K. Brawn with the Miranda Brawn Diversity Leadership Winners for 2021 at TMBDLF Graduation Group Mentoring Lunch and Etiquette Programme Launch Event held in September 2021 at the Bluebird Restaurant in Chelsea, London UK.
