Diana recognised for distinguished leadership at awards
Integrated Care Northamptonshire's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Specialist Diana Belfon has been honoured with an award at the Black in the Ivory Conference in Northampton.
The awards were held on 19 October as part of the third annual Black in the Ivory Conference, hosted by the University of Northampton's Global Ethnic Majority (GEM) staff network.
The theme of this year's conference, which took place during Black History Month, was Honouring Phenomenal Women of Colour.
The awards were for women of colour who have helped shape and steer race equality and public service, and recognised success in social enterprise and entrepreneurship, human rights, and women’s advocacy.
Receiving her Phenomenal Woman award, Diana was commended for "distinguished leadership in facilitating and fostering partnerships for EDI networks across various public sector bodies in Northamptonshire".
Dr Marcella Daye, co-chair of the GEM Network, said: “The GEM network is pleased to honour Diana Belfon for distinguished leadership in facilitating partnerships for EDI networks across various public sector bodies in Northamptonshire.
"In her role as the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist at Integrated Care Northamptonshire, Diana brings a wealth of experience having served in numerous roles that have equipped her for her current position.
"She has served as a Workforce Race Equality Standard Expert, Health Service Journal Judge, Health Service Advisory Board Member, National BAME Health and Care Awards Judge and Co-Chair of the Visible Leaders Network for NHS Midlands and Life-Long Learning.
"With her keen sense of social justice, she has a been a member of the Northamptonshire Rights Equality Council Board and the Central and East Northamptonshire Citizens Advice Board. Diana’s winning personality, charm, and genuine warmth has made her a sought-after mentor and coach, who has inspired and nurtured EDI leaders across the county and the region.
"The GEM network salutes Diana, a caring and compassionate exemplar in EDI advocacy, who has been able to transcend barriers of race, age, and class as a Phenomenal Woman of colour."
The 2022 Black in the Ivory Conference featured presentations from three women professors of colour from across the UK and paid tribute to the work of female academics who have championed race equality within and beyond academia.