Diversity Umbrella

CEO

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Kat Parsons is CEO of Diversity Umbrella Ltd, the organisation behind some of the world’s largest and most prestigious diversity awards, including the British Diversity Awards and European Diversity Awards. An award-winning DEI leader, activist and speaker, Kat is recognised for challenging systems, amplifying underrepresented voices and driving bold, inclusive leadership.

 

Kat is a Fellow of the Society of Leadership Fellows at Windsor Castle, recognised for her leadership and impact in advancing inclusion in business. She has also been recognised through the HIVE Top 75 D&I Leaders in EMEA, featured on the Inspirational d&i leaders list in 2024 and 2025, and The Pride Power List in 2023- 2025, alongside multiple Head of D&I award recognitions.

 

Drawing on extensive experience in cultural transformation, stakeholder engagement and organisational change, Kat works with leaders across industries to share best practice, challenge conventional thinking and accelerate progress on inclusion. Through her role at Diversity Umbrella, she brings together organisations from a wide range of sectors, helping them learn from one another, celebrate success and create workplaces where everyone can thrive.

COO

 

With more than 40 years of experience in the events industry, Fiona has been an integral part of Diversity Umbrella since 2007, contributing significantly to the organisation’s development and ongoing success.

 

Since the launch of the first European Diversity Awards in 2010, Fiona has led the delivery of Diversity Umbrella’s flagship awards ceremonies and major projects. Her extensive background in operations, event management, and project coordination enables her to oversee the organisation’s daily operations while managing the successful planning and execution of large-scale, high-profile events.

 

Fiona’s dedication to the diversity, equity and inclusion sector, together with her wealth of operational expertise, has played a key role in strengthening Diversity Umbrella’s reputation as a leading organisation championing and celebrating inclusion across Europe.

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Operations and Events Manager

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Ali joined Diversity Umbrella in 2021 and brings more than 25 years of experience across operations, marketing and stakeholder management within the Financial Services sector.

 

With a background spanning both the Electricity and Finance industries, Ali has extensive experience supporting projects, managing relationships and helping deliver successful initiatives in fast-paced environments. At Diversity Umbrella, Ali supports the delivery of events and works closely with clients, partners and suppliers across the business.

 

Ali is known for a calm, organised and collaborative approach, with a strong focus on delivering high-quality experiences and building positive working relationships.

 

Passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion, Ali values the opportunity to help deliver events that celebrate achievement, promote representation and create meaningful conversations across industries and communities.

Marketing Manager

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Kat leads social media and marketing activity for major initiatives including the British Diversity Awards, European Diversity Awards, Employee Network Awards, and Rainbow Honours.

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With a career in D&I spanning over a decade, Kat has developed expertise in integrated marketing communications, social media strategy, content development, event management, and community engagement. Prior to joining Diversity Umbrella, she held several marketing roles at zeroheight, where she managed webinars, podcast campaigns, digital content, newsletters, SEO strategy, and whitepaper launches, while also co-leading the company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

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Kat previously spent almost four years at DIVA Magazine as Events & Social Media Manager, overseeing multi-platform campaigns, sponsorship coordination and event delivery. Her background also includes experience in awards administration, event operations, and creative social media production.

Partnership Director

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Kellie has been a core member of the Diversity Umbrella team since 2010. As Partnership Director, she manages corporate partnerships and award nominations across the British Diversity Awards, European Diversity Awards, Employee Network Awards and Rainbow Honours.

 

Working with integrity across all sectors, Kellie draws on her lived experience and strong communication skills to build lasting relationships and connect authentic advocacy with business goals. Her personal approach helps partners identify opportunities to celebrate achievement and champion inclusion. She is committed to ensuring every partnership delivers meaningful value, a strong return on investment and a positive, lasting social impact.

Operations & Partnerships Associate

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Max Trowler is an Operations & Partnerships Associate at Diversity Umbrella, supporting the delivery of the organisation’s flagship awards ceremonies and wider projects. His role spans events administration, client liaison, stakeholder management and partnership development, helping to ensure that guests, sponsors and partners receive a professional and welcoming service.

 

A graduate of the University of Manchester with a degree in Economics and Modern History, Max brings experience in business administration, visitor services and large-scale corporate events. These roles have developed his organisational skills, attention to detail and ability to communicate confidently with people from a wide range of backgrounds.

 

With a calm, personable approach and a strong focus on teamwork, Max supports the smooth planning and delivery of events while helping to build relationships and develop commercial opportunities across Diversity Umbrella’s portfolio.

Strategic Consultant, Content and Programme

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Shelley Bishton is the founder of Think Twice House, a strategic advisory and culture transformation consultancy specialising in inclusive leadership, EDI training and brand partnerships. With more than 20 years of senior experience across News UK, The Telegraph and Cherry London, Shelley brings a rare mix of commercial nous and practical understanding of how inclusion works in practice.

 

Shelley was News UK's first Head of DEI and served as Head of Partnerships for The Times and The Sunday Times. 

 

A trustee of the Black British Initiative and Phoenix Community Trust, Shelley joins Diversity Umbrella as Strategic Consultant, shaping content and programming across its events and communities, and turning big conversations about inclusion and belonging into practical, everyday action.