Change is in the air: London launch of the new book “Building Inclusion” by Marsha Ramroop
How do we ensure equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the built environment sector? Where do we begin?
Although there is no simple answer to these questions, implementing policies, procedures, and practices can help drive progress. Marsha Ramroop, author and Founder of Unheard Voice, explores these key issues in her new book Building Inclusion. The book includes case studies from successful organisations and testimonials highlighting the importance of addressing discrimination to create inclusive environments across all areas, from recruitment to external stakeholders.
The London book launch event was held on October 10th at The London School of Architecture. It is safe to say that it was a resounding success with around 250-300 attendees.
In the lead-up to the launch, Concept Culture collaborated closely with Marsha, helping to promote her book across her social media platforms.
In this blog, we will share key takeaways from the launch and keep the conservation alive around inclusion, diversity and equity.
BBC presenter sets the stage for the evening
BBC Radio presenter for the show VIBE and Creative Director Aminata Kamara kicked off the evening with an inspiring speech on the importance of inclusion, highlighting how figures like Marsha Ramroop motivate others to pursue their passions and build confidence. After her speech, Aminata introduced a video created by Communication Practice, featuring testimonial excerpts from the book.
Following the video, Marsha took the stage. The room was buzzing, as Marsha went on stage in a stunning dress by designer Eleni Kyriacou to the sound of John Farnham’s powerful song “You’re the Voice”.
Marsha Ramroop delivered a compelling keynote, urging the audience to take action to ‘deliver on our motivations to find a different future for the built environment sector’.
She emphasised that simply purchasing the book would not create change. She instead offered strategic, actionable insights, empowering attendees to implement commitments within their organisations and drive the transformative change needed.
A panel of industry experts
Next on the programme was a panel discussion, featuring Marsha alongside four industry experts:
Neal Shasore, Chief Executive and Head of School at the London School of Architecture
Arthur Mamou-Mani, Director of Mamou-Mani
Pareisse Wilson, Inclusive Design Strategy and Change Leader and Consultant
Russell Curtis, Founding Director, RCKa
All five panellists answered thought-provoking audience questions, sparking insightful discussions around the core pillars of the book: Attract, Retain, Create, and Engage.
Each of these pillars explores different aspects of inclusion. Attract explores the challenges of attracting diverse talent and addressing underrepresentation. Retain focuses on creating cultures of inclusion. Create concentrates on the importance of delivering inclusive design, products, and services. Engage delves into the need to create inclusive relationships with users, customers, clients, and communities.
Watch a recording of the live stream for all their inputs.
An audience ready for change
“Did you know that the UK Equality Act 2010 is more than 200 pages long and there’s only three mentions of the word diversity?”
To conclude the event, Marsha captivated the audience with a powerful reading from her book. The audience listened as she addressed global inequalities, emphasising that much work remains to be done to achieve equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The conversation continued throughout the evening and during the networking session afterwards. Within the Inclusion Marketplace were 40 organisations/networks that amplified the underrepresented in the Built Environment. It was open to all attendees, giving the audience the chance to meet and connect with these fantastic networks.
Turning ideas into action
Marsha ended with a powerful call to action. She encouraged the audience to leave with a clear, actionable commitment to change, reminding us that transforming our own environments can lead to broader change.
“Inclusion isn’t about other people and their identities, it’s about us and our behaviours.”
As we reflect on Marsha’s impactful words, we pose this question to you: What actionable commitment have you made to help build an inclusive world?
If you are finding it difficult to answer this question and want to explore more ways to build inclusive environments, do not miss this book. Click here to purchase her book and learn how to turn ideas into action.
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