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 strategically minded leader in executive and non-executive roles; a digital entrepreneur, Non-Executive Chair, NED & Trustee with strengths in governance and risk oversight. The founder of two ventures in online media and a data-driven marketing consultancy, Lopa is also the Chair of equality charity, Diversity UK; a Non-Executive Board Member of The National Archives and an Independent Non-Executive Member (INEM) of the NHS Devon Integrated Care Board.
An inspirational leader with a lifelong love of science and technology, she is an evangelist for STEM, innovation and bridging the skills gap in business. She has been recognised with many accolades including an MBE for services to the creative industries; the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion and an Honorary Doctorate by The Open University, in recognition of her efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in science & technology and 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.
Sherad Dewedi - Trustee
Sherad Dewedi is the Managing Partner of Shenward, a chartered accountancy and business advisory firm with offices in Cleckheaton, Leeds and London. Under his leadership, Shenward continues to grow its national and international presence while maintaining a commitment to high-quality professional services.
In addition to Sherad’s role as a Trustee of Diversity UK, he serves as a Finance Governor at Ghyll Royd School, a board member of Bradford Breakthrough and an Ambassador of the 1662 Committee at Bradford Grammar School.
Alice Huang
Alice Huang is a dedicated working professional venturing into healthcare studies, driven by a passion for tackling health inequalities. She has worked for PwC in the UK for over 6 years and experience in media agencies and professional services, she has leveraged her networks to champion various meaningful initiatives close to her heart, including diversifying the stem cell registry, neurodiversity empowerment and addressing the gender health gap at work. As the organiser for the 2025 TEDx Square Mile Women event, she established a collaboration between Wellbeing of Women and her company’s Gender Balance Network to curate an impactful event for International Women’s Day. She now focuses on creating platforms that amplify the voices of invisible women, ensuring their stories and challenges are heard and addressed.
Alice holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Harbin Institute of Technology, China, and is currently pursuing Master's degree in Healthcare and Design at Imperial College London.
Francesca Jus-Burke - Trustee
Francesca Jus-Burke is a corporate and commercial lawyer at Greenwoods Legal LLP in Cambridge. She advises businesses and individuals based in the UK and internationally with private acquisitions and disposals, joint ventures and shareholder arrangements, as well as contract reviews, general commercial issues and company law matters. 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.