Trustees
Diversity UK is an equality charity, that aims to advance the education of the public in diversity and inclusion in the workplace, in Britain. Trustees provide strategic direction and have oversight of the organisation and its responsibilities as a UK Registered Charity (No: 1155189).
Diversity UK Board Members & Trustees
Lopa Patel MBE DUniv - Chair
Lopa Patel MBE is a digital entrepreneur with significant experience of creating start-ups and transforming businesses through technology. The founder of two ventures in online media and a data-driven marketing consultancy, she is an evangelist for STEM, innovation and bridging the skills gap in business and promoting entrepreneurship. Lopa is also skilled in governance and is the Chair of the National Science & Media Museum (NSMM) Advisory Board and a Trustee of The Science Museum Group (SMG) and a Non-Executive Director of the Intellectual Property Office (IPO).
An inspirational leader, Lopa has been recognised with many accolades including an MBE for services to the creative industries in 2009 and the Lifetime Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion in 2015. She was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate by the OU in 2017 for her efforts in promoting diversity in science and technology, and for her broader contribution to British industry, society and culture.
Ramesh Vala CBE - Deputy Chair
Ramesh Vala CBE is a consultant to Ince and its international brand ambassador. Prior to joining the firm in 2014, he worked for a number of other leading law firms, including as a Partner and Head of Property, where he gained extensive experience in advising clients on property related matters. Graduating from the London School of Economics, Ramesh went on to achieve a distinction in his finals at Lancaster Gate College of Law. He became a partner within eighteen months of qualification and soon became one of very few Asian equity partners in a top UK law firm.
In his personal life, he is dedicated to improving the lives of those less fortunate by fundraising for various charities. In 2001, Ramesh was appointed an OBE for his charitable work and in 2022, he was honoured with a CBE in recognition of his services to the community and to the Covid-19 Response. In addition, Ramesh has been nominated for numerous awards, including the Dadabhai Naoroji Award to honour those who have helped to improve UK/India relationships.
Vimla Appadoo - Trustee
Vimla Appadoo is the Co-Founder and Director of Culture Design at Honey Badger. She is passionate about embedding fearless change across organisations, to design safe workplaces where everyone can thrive. Vimla is a design thinker, international speaker and advocate for changing the way businesses think: using technology, design and culture to align profit and purpose. She works across large scale organisations, small businesses and scaling startups, bridging the gap between the public and private sector.
At 21 she founded her first business with clients including the NHS and has since gone on to lead Northern Collective: Women in Public Space, and SheSaysMCR. She travels the world representing the UK on tech missions and has been featured in The Times on Sunday, BBC Breakfast and Sky News. Vim is a multiple award winner, with a spot on the Northern Power Women Awards Future List, Digital Leaders Young Leader of the Year, WeAreTheCity Rising Star and on the Top 100 Asians in UK Tech list. In her spare time you can find Vimla powerlifting, writing her new book on Culture Design, rapping along to 90’s hip hop and drinking all the tea.
Francesca Jus-Burke - Trustee
Francesca Jus-Burke is a corporate and commercial lawyer at Greenwoods Legal LLP in Cambridge. At her previous firm she founded a CSR Committee and sat on its D&I Steering Committee. Before becoming a lawyer, Francesca worked as a rowing coach for Putney High School and Barn Elms Boat Club, as a tutor & assessor for British Rowing, and as a sports performer coordinator and mentor for the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust. More recently, Francesca has been a trustee of Love Rowing (British Rowing's charitable foundation), a charity that changes lives by increasing diversity in the sport.
Sareeta Vala - Trustee
Sareeta Vala is a qualified NLP (Neurolinguistic Programming) Master Practitioner and Coach. Having received training under esteemed mentors, including the renowned Robert Dilts and Ian McDermott, Sareeta possesses a deep understanding, enabling her to guide others in overcoming challenges and embracing positive change. With a background of 7+ years in fashion retail, product design, and procurement, Sareeta brings valuable insights into the dynamic world of retail management. Her understanding of customer psychology, business intricacies, and product procurement makes her a valuable asset in the industry. By blending NLP techniques with her retail acumen, Sareeta offers personalised solutions that inspire transformation and drive success. Whether it's personal growth or optimising business strategies, she is committed to guiding individuals and organisations on their journey to excellence.