Earlier this year, CASE had an open call for Co-Chair nominations for the CASE Multi-Cultural Network (MCN). We are delighted to announce the appointment of Magda Joshi, Engagement Manager at Birkbeck, University of London, as Network Co-Chair and Laney Wang, International Alumni Officer at Newcastle University, as Vice-Chair.
These volunteer posts support the CASE team and current Co-Chair, Deepthi de Silva-Williams, in shaping an annual plan of events and activities, as well as raising the profile of the network to leverage the benefits of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
Here, Magda and Laney share what Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity and Belonging means to them and provide an update on what to expect from the newly launched CASE Multi-Cultural Network.
Magda Joshi (she/her), Engagement Manager at Birkbeck, University of London shapes Birkbeck's ambitious Alumni Engagement strategy, working to deliver a portfolio of volunteering and engagement opportunities aimed to create meaningful relationships with Birkbeck alumni and friends.
Laney Wang (she/her), International Alumni Officer at Newcastle University started working within the education sector in 2013. In her current role, her primary focus is on international alumni engagement, working closely with alumni from across the globe.
What does diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging mean to you both?
Magda: I have had the good fortune of studying and working alongside many inspirational individuals hailing from diverse countries and backgrounds. I grew up in Poland and was awarded scholarships which enabled me to complete my secondary and tertiary education in five countries across Europe, North America, and Asia. Whilst studying at the United World College of the Adriatic, I boarded with students from 90 countries.
Then, following my undergraduate degree, I carried out a 12-month fellowship research project, where I lived and interacted with communities in locations across the Caribbean, South Pacific and the Indian Ocean, and subsequently gained an EdM in International Education Policy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Those experiences, coupled with my professional engagements in Hong Kong, Nepal, and the United Kingdom, have shaped me both career-wise as well as personally. I believe that involving diverse voices and perspectives is critical to fostering efficient and fruitful collaborations, and to delivering excellent outcomes.
Laney: I have been living and working in an international context for over a decade, having completed my master’s degree in marketing in Australia, and then gone on to work in Australia, China, and the UK. During this time, I have met a wealth of people from different cultures and backgrounds.
I have experienced first-hand the benefits of working with talents from a diverse community and I know the importance of learning things from different perspectives. But I also see the struggles and challenges the community faces, so I am passionate about supporting the Multi-Cultural Network’s community and making a positive impact on our professional development for the sector.
How did you hear about the CASE Multi-Cultural Network?
Magda: I have been actively engaged with CASE for a number of years and have attended conferences such as the Alumni Relations Institute and the Summer Institute in Alumni Relations. Being able to exchange experiences and best practices with Educational Advancement colleagues across continents has been a highlight across all the engagement opportunities offered by CASE. So, when I first found out about the CASE Multi-Cultural Network through the CASE Currents magazine, I was keen to contribute to the community. Given my interests and lived experiences, I thought it was only natural that I could play an active part in this vital initiative.
Laney: I learnt about the MCN through CASE’s Europe member newsletter. I joined last year but as there weren’t any planned activities, I hadn’t had an opportunity to openly engage with its members. That’s why I’m so excited to contribute to its next chapter.
What motivated you to apply for the Co-Chair position?
Magda: Throughout my engagement, events, and marketing work, I have been passionate about cross-cultural dialogue and the power of multi-cultural collaborations. From collaborating with colleagues and conducting academic research to coordinating student ambassadors and celebrating alumni stories, I know the powerful impact that one’s lived experiences can have on others, so I strive to engage diverse voices and perspectives to promote inclusivity and positivity. This is what motivated me to apply for the role of Co-Chair of the CASE Multi-Cultural Network and this is also how I aim to actively contribute to the Network, championing the issues of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in the Education Advancement sector.
Laney: At first, I hadn’t really considered myself for the position, but the director and deputy director of the Advancement Office at Newcastle University suggested it to me. I am very grateful for the encouragement. I then read up on the opportunity and felt that I could contribute to this community.
Why do you believe the work of the CASE Multi-Cultural Network to be important?
Magda: I believe there is more that unites than divides us in this world, and so it is critical to leverage what each of the Education Advancement professionals brings to the table. I am keen to contribute to CASE’s trailblazing commitment to the sector, by helping to create a safe platform for members to connect, exchange ideas and grow professionally. This is important so that professionals at all stages of their career feel engaged and empowered to take the lead in the work that they do.
Laney: I believe in EDI and the good it brings. We benefit from living in a multi-cultural world, and it is important to educate, advocate, and promote these values. By working together, this Network can empower and support its community to create a better world for everyone.
Can you give any insight into what we can expect from the Network over the coming months?
Both: Over the past few months, we have been working together with Network Co-Chair, Deepthi, to evaluate and reimagine the Network’s objectives. Our focus for this and next year is to highlight the theme of Inclusion and Talent Management within the sector. Through a range of in-person and online activities, we hope to bring diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging to the forefront of wider institutional agendas. We will engage interested Education Advancement professionals in brainstorming, discussion, co-creation, and mutually beneficial dialogue. The CASE Multi-Cultural Network is open to all CASE members and we invite you to be active in championing DEIB within your organisation.
We are thrilled that the Network’s first new event will take place on Thursday 22 June, 12:00-13:30 BST. This online interactive workshop will focus on how to understand diversity in your work environment and provide practical approaches to building and enabling an effectively inclusive and diverse team. The free discussion entitled How to Create Effective Diversity in Advancement Teams is open to CASE members of all levels, and we hope to see you there.
Register now for the CASE Multi-Cultural Network Spring Workshop: How to Create Effective Diversity in Advancement Teams.