BHM Showcase: Heritage, Tech & Future Leaders

Join us for an inspiring evening of live performance, keynote talks, and panel discussions designed to celebrate Black culture, amplify student voices, and explore how heritage intersects with innovation and entrepreneurship.

Delivered in partnership with South Yorkshire Black Tech Expo, this story-driven event creates a platform for students from underrepresented backgrounds to connect, build confidence, and see themselves in future leadership roles.

Whether you're interested in digital transformation, starting your own business, or using your voice to drive social change, this event will show you how your unique perspectives, lived experiences, and creativity can shape the future of Sheffield and beyond.

What to expect

• Spoken word & live music: Opening and mid-session cultural performances from spoken-word artist LJ Scribble and award-winning vocalist (and former Hallam SU President) Jeremiah Abiola.
• Keynote addresses: Insights on identity, leadership, innovation, and ethics from former Master Cutler Phil Rodrigo and Associate Professor in Ethical AI Professor Márjory Da Costa-Abreu.
• Two dynamic panels: Deep-dive discussions featuring student leaders, entrepreneurs, and academic champions, each followed by an audience Q&A.

Panel focus areas

Panel 1: Student Voice & Future Leaders

A platform for young creators, founders, and students.

This panel explores the barriers and opportunities facing young people today, representation in the digital future, and how student voices can directly shape both Sheffield Hallam University and the wider South Yorkshire region. Featuring:

• Adewale Musediq (Financial market analyst and former Financial Management student at Hallam)
• Ashley Ma Nchong (Public Health student at Hallam)
• Blessing Ojo (Public Health student at Hallam with a background in microbiology and industrial biotechnology)

Panel 2: Celebrating Heritage, Identity, and Shaping Futures

Featuring senior leaders, scholars, and industry innovators.

Discover how to turn lived experience into action and legacy. Featuring:

• Dr Patience Amos (Founder & CEO of MyLurah, FemTech entrepreneur)
• Dr Ifedapo Francis Awolowo (Founder of the award-winning ASPIRE programme)
• Dr Blaine Robin (Public health scholar and community advocate)
• Phil Rodrigo (Global manufacturing executive & Honorary Professor)
• Professor Márjory Da Costa-Abreu (Associate Professor in Ethical AI)
• Michael Ekpechue (Founder of Black Tech Expo, Founder of the Black Tech Expo Hall of Fame and Africa Caribbean Tech Summit)