Dr Wanda Wyporska becomes the new CEO of Black Equity Organisation

THE BLACK Equity Organisation (BEO) has announced Dr Wanda Wyporska as its new CEO on Thursday (19).

Dr Wyporska will officially start in the role in March 2023.

She comes to BEO from the Society of Genealogists, where she was Chief Executive.

Dr Wyporska said: “The impacts of systemic racism are well-known and so many people and organisations have worked and campaigned against racism. I see the essential role of the Black Equity Organisation as building on this work with partners, grassroots organisations, and allies to improve outcomes for Black people in the UK.

“I’m excited to join at this time to work with a truly excellent team to drive forward the ambitions and plans to ensure that our communities can truly thrive, not just survive.”

She was also the former executive director of The Equality Trust, where she oversaw the organisation’s efforts to improve the quality of life in the UK by eliminating social and economic disparities.

Dame Vivian Hunt, chair of BEO’s board of trustees said: “Wanda has worked on race issues all her life and is in a strong position to span the vast areas of policy, research, and campaigning. She is skilled at developing strategic partnerships and has worked with an impressive array of charities, government departments, corporates, and investors. These broad-ranging relationships will be vital as we embark on the next phase of our development.

“Therefore, we’re delighted to welcome her into the organisation and look forward to the journey we will take together to address the systemic change that is needed in this country to address the underlying inequalities for Black people.”

Dr Wyporska’s expertise is in developing and directing strategic initiatives, managing teams, as well as diversity concerns and has also been part of the organisations such as the Association of Teachers and Lecturers union, the Trades Union Congress’s learning project, as well as serving in a range of diverse advisory roles for The Mayor of London’s Recovery Board, the ONS (Office for National Statistics) Inclusive Data Taskforce, the Rowntree Trusts, the Young Women’s Trust, the NUS Poverty Commission (National Union of Students), and the Sex Education Forum.

She will be responsible for driving forward the charity’s strategic aspirations and strategies at BEO.

Dame Vivian Hunt added: “Finally, the Board and team also want to thank our interim CEOs who have come before Wanda and helped BEO through its initial launch and to this point in our existence”.

The Black Equity Organisation (BEO) is a national civil rights organisation launched last year to tackle systemic racism in the UK.

It has been set up by prominent black leaders in the UK and has been engaging with black community leaders and grassroots groups since its inception to ensure its purpose and aims reflect their needs.