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Welcoming our award winning new Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Published

Manjiri Gokhale Joshi, alumna, scholar, and award-winning entrepreneur, has been welcomed as Oxford Saïd's new EDI lead.

A published author and an MSc in Major Programme Management (MMPM) alumna, Manjiri will be shaping and delivering the School's EDI strategy, with a focus on inclusivity that bolsters 'sterling standards'. Manjiri has held several roles at the School since December 2022, most recently as Programme Manager for Oxford Saïd Online (OSO), Rankings and Accreditation, and Faculty Services. Her Head of EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) role is on a 12-month secondment to December 2024.

Manjiri and her husband, Abhay Joshi, are also founders of the organisation Maya CARE, a charity managed by a team of differently abled leaders. The organisation offers free assistance to the elderly in four UK and 74 Indian cities, with plans to open soon in Nepal. Earlier this month she won the ‘Agent of Change’ award at the ‘She Inspires Awards’, which recognises the achievements of women across the world, for leading this charitable work.

 

We welcome Manjiri to this critical role within the School. Her focus will be to work closely with stakeholders across Oxford Saïd to help embed an inclusive culture and contribute to the development of the School's EDI Strategy.

Nichola Gibbons

Director of People and Organisational Development

Nichola Gibbons, Director of People and Organisational Development, commented on the new appointment, saying: ‘We welcome Manjiri to this critical role within the School. Her focus will be to work closely with stakeholders across Oxford Saïd to help embed an inclusive culture and contribute to the development of the School's EDI Strategy, including supporting its Athena Swan reaccreditation process.’  
 
 

 

 

 

There is danger of diversity being traded for dilution of quality. While EDI must champion adaptability and inclusivity, it should also uphold the sterling standards at our historic institution.

Manjiri Gokhale Joshi

Head of EDI

Commenting on her new appointment, Manjiri said: ‘From highlighting the cause of the HIV positive transgender population as a journalist in Mumbai to training underprivileged youth at London’s Prince’s Trust, I feel fulfilled when I can assist anyone labelled "different" to achieve their highest potential. There is danger of diversity being traded for dilution of quality. While EDI must champion adaptability and inclusivity, it also needs to uphold the sterling standards at our historic institution.’

Manjiri was also selected by LinkedIn to assist Virgin Founder Richard Branson to mentor winners for a £1 million entrepreneurship fund. A British High Commission Chevening scholar, Manjiri has also held a number of leadership positions in HR, marketing and as a CEO. Her sixth book titled ‘In the name of…’ is due for release in 2024.

Learn more about the MSc. in Major Programme Management.