What does EDI mean to you?

“Growing up I was always the one making sure everyone had a part to play when making stories on the playground, so when I grew into my understanding of how my disability impacted me, and became more passionate about disability rights, it was only natural that my interest in EDI began to grow too.

By the time I finished secondary school, I had my heart set on becoming a teacher. I was less interested in teaching a subject than in being there for students in a pastoral capacity: helping them solve problems, being a mentor and a listening ear, and, of course, using my knowledge of disability to make things easier for students with additional needs. During my university studies, I joined the accessibility network and immediately felt inspired by the opportunity to use my voice to bring issues to light and help other people. It dawned on me that my calling was to use my unique life experience to create positive change. Teaching may have been one way to do this, but it didn’t fire me up as much, especially after I became president of the accessibility network in my final year, which gave me experience of driving policy, something that is now a real motivator for me.”

How did you get into the EDI industry?

“I realised I wanted to pursue a career specifically focused on EDI and drive change every day as part of my work, not just as a passion project! I had already started looking into EDI career pathways in between my second and final years of study, when my family suggested exploring areas that were striving to make change but perhaps needed a helping hand to get there. I then got in touch with Kent Cricket, as I knew cricket as a sport was making a real effort to become more inclusive.

I started volunteering with them in the summer of 2024 and had brilliant opportunities to use my lived experience, such as developing an access guide to the facilities based on what I would look for when visiting a stadium and shaping conversations around inclusive attitudes and language. When a full-time opportunity came up to continue this work, it was a no-brainer to apply, especially as it coincided with the end of my studies. I felt so fulfilled doing meaningful work every time I volunteered, and so I was thrilled at the prospect of feeling that every day!”

What is the biggest thing you have learnt so far?

“I’m now around five months into the role and still enjoying it as much as I did when I first started. I think the crucial thing to know about a career in EDI is that you are learning all the time. My lived experience is obviously a benefit in this role, but I only have my lived experience. I can only advise based on my own experience and therefore shouldn’t be considered an expert in disability by any means. Nor can I be considered an expert in other areas of EDI, such as race or LGBTQ+ rights, but that’s what I love about it. I enjoy being able to build my knowledge and continue learning how to be a good ally to all the communities I interact with, whilst still sharing my perspective.”

What would you recommend to someone looking at a career in EDI?

“For anyone who is thinking about a career in EDI, my advice would be this. Find your passion for advocacy and run with it! Find your niche, whether its improving BSL knowledge or educating people on trans healthcare. Know what knowledge you can bring to an organisation, but don’t pigeonhole yourself; be open to learning about all aspects of EDI – you might find new passions or new opportunities. I have loved working with the LGBTQ+ community and have learned so much through attending Pride Marches and hosting taster events. I can’t wait to see where my own career goes, and to help shape how the sector develops over time.

I’d love to hear from you—where are you at in your EDI journey? Let’s chat in the comments!”          

Where can people find you?

You can check out my Instagram for stand up comedy content: https://www.instagram.com/cerebralrollsy/

Or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriella-rolls-4a86a2278/