Sonia Brown's Page

Where do you live?

United Kingdom

About Me:

I am the founder and director of the National Black Women’s Network (NBWN).

In 1999, the National Black Women’s Network (NBWN) was launched to promote networking opportunities on behalf of ethnic minority women within the wider professional and business environment. I have worked with ITN, BBC, Lloyds TSB Bank, Business Links, London and American Express to name a few.

The NBWN has organised a range of events featuring a wide range of speakers from prominent organisations including GlaxoSmithKline Research & Development, PriceWaterhouse Coopers, broadcasters the BBC and ITV, the Inland Revenue, American Express, Lloyds TSB Bank Plc, Business Link for London, HSBC Bank Plc, BERR, Enterprise Insight, Greater London Enterprise / oneLondon, IMAN Cosmetics and the Pacific Institute to name a few.

I have broad experience in business communication and event management as well as developing the business case of more innovative and forward thinking programmes for organisational transformation in diversity issues. I am currently working with a number of private, public and statutory sector organisations to support and develop initiatives, which promote career and business opportunities for black women.

I have over 15 year’s experience of event and project management. I designed, implemented and facilitated a number of very successful meetings under the “Let’s Talk Business” banner on behalf of the National Black Women’s Network since 2002, which has provided the business community with an opportunity to discuss a diverse range of issues on how to successfully run and manage their businesses. I work closely with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (formerly the Department of Trade & Industry with the Small Business Bureau) around women and ethnic minorities in business. I sit on the loan panel for Greater London Enterprise/one London which gives out business loans to the London business community.

‘Let’s Talk Business’ events are designed to increase the number of ethnic minorities and women wishing to grow and start businesses in the UK and is endorsed by government departments and ministers, leading banks and financial institutions including top FTSE companies
I have worked with the Women’s Equality Unit (now Department of Communities and Local Government) to deliver the Single Equalities Consultation and the launch of their Diversity & Difference: Minority Ethnic Mothers and Childcare research; and the Department of Culture, Media and Sports around encouraging BAME Women in Public Appointments. I am a partner in the campaign to get more black women involved in public life which is a direct priority of the Rt. Hon Harriet Harman MP (Deputy Prime Minister, Chair of the Labour Party, Leader of the House of Commons, Secretary of State for Equalities, Minister for Women and Lord Privy Seal)

I currently sit on the Ministry of Defense’s ‘Diversity Champions Panel’. I am a partner with the Women’s National Council who work at the highest government level to improve the quality of life for all; especially women. I work closely with the Fawcitt Society who actively campaign for equality between women and men in the UK on pay, pensions, poverty, justice and politics.
Qualifications:

• NLP Practitioner
• BA Business & Communication
• MA Marketing & Communications
• Currently studying for my PhD

I recently launched the social networking forums www.sistatalk.co.uk and www.brothatalk.co.uk in order for business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals can connect, share and showcase their talent.

I am a sought after speaker on women’s issues and enterprise. I write the weekly business page for the New Nation Newspaper – Britain’s leading black newspaper and a regular contributor for features.

My mission is that the NBWN acts as a catalyst for women (and men) to communicate and relate with respect and dignity and connect with people to make a difference in their lives.

How long have you been in business?

A long time...

Why did you go into Business?

Ability to flex my creative juices, take responsbility for MY vision and legacy and network with like minded people

Why did you join the Network?

Recommendation

Name of Business?

National Black Women's Network

Website:

http://nbwn.org

How did you find out about us?

Recommendation