The Black Equity Organisation (BEO), a national civil rights organisation launched last year to tackle systemic racism in the UK, today announces the appointment of Dr Wanda Wyporska as its new Chief Executive Officer. She will officially start in the role in March 2023.
She joins BEO from the Society of Genealogists, where she is the outgoing Chief Executive. She is also the former Executive Director of The Equality Trust where she led the work of the organisation in its mission to improve the quality of life in the UK by reducing social and economic inequalities.
Dr Wyporska brings a wealth of experience leading charitable and social justice organisations. Her expertise lies in shaping and leading strategic campaigns, managing teams and spearheading programmes to raise awareness of economic and social inequalities and diversity issues. At BEO she will drive forward the charity’s strategic ambitions and plans.
Her experience and legacy in the social justice and racial equality fields has spanned decades, working at organisations such as the Association of Teachers and Lecturers and unionlearn, the TUC’s learning project, as well as serving in a range of diverse advisory roles for The Mayor of London’s Recovery Board, the ONS Inclusive Data Taskforce, the Rowntree Trusts, the Young Women’s Trust, the NUS Poverty Commission and the Sex Education Forum.
Dame Vivian Hunt, chair of BEO’s board of trustees said: “Wanda has worked on race issues all her life and is in a strong position to span the vast areas of policy, research, and campaigning. She is skilled at developing strategic partnerships and has worked with an impressive array of charities, government departments, corporates, and investors. These broad-ranging relationships will be vital as we embark on the next phase of our development.
“Therefore, we’re delighted to welcome her into the organisation and look forward to the journey we will take together to address the systemic change that is needed in this country to address the underlying inequalities for Black people.”
Dr Wyporska said: “The impacts of systemic racism are well-known and so many people and organisations have worked and campaigned against racism. I see the essential role of the Black Equity Organisation as building on this work with partners, grassroots organisations and allies to improve outcomes for Black people in the UK.
“I’m excited to join at this time to work with a truly excellent team to drive forward the ambitions and plans to ensure that our communities can truly thrive, not just survive.”
Dame Vivian Hunt added: “Finally, the Board and team also want to thank our interim CEOs who have come before Wanda and helped BEO through its initial launch and to this point in our existence”.
