Each year the MPLS Division recruits a team of ED&I Fellows to help inform and implement their 2020-2023 ED&I action plan. Fellows are appointed based on their experience, knowledge or interest in issues of racial justice, mental health and disability, LGBT+ equality, and/or gender equality – and their intersections. Fellows receive an honorarium of £1000 to be used for personal and professional development.
We are delighted that the 2022-23 ED&I Fellow for the Department of Statistics is Mariagrazia Zottoli. She said,
"I am really honoured and excited to be part of the ED&I fellows for MPLS division in 2022-2023! A few years ago, I underwent emergency spinal operation, which left me with a serious invisible disability for a few months. I feel grateful for this experience because it gave me a whole new perspective on how to help people who find themselves in the same situation, and I would like to use this opportunity to contribute raising awareness and ensuring that everyone has a safe space within each Department of our Division.
In parallel, in the past few years, thanks to the movement “Black lives matter”, I have developed a strong interest in racial justice and anti-colonialism. I am interested in developing a better understanding of these extremely important matters collaborating with the many associations in Oxford who are actively engaged in this field.
To paraphrase the Buddhist mentor, Daisaku Ikeda, I strongly believe that people who have the great fortune to have their voices heard, should take responsibility, and make strenuous efforts to allow everyone to be part of the dialogue.
I am looking forward to collaborating with the amazing MPLS ED&I team and the other fellows to create a positive change in our University!"
As an ED&I fellow, I would like to take an active role in ensuring that nobody is left behind.