Women+ of Colour in Leadership: Free Coaching & Industry Brief

Illustration by Nia Hefe Filiogianni

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Instructions on how to apply can be found at the bottom of this page.

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About:

In this exciting 11-week programme (delivered by UAL's Creative Shift), you'll develop your leadership skills by collaborating in teams, forging connections, and uncovering your inner leader alongside like-minded peers.

This transformative journey is enriched by interactive workshops led by a professional Leadership Coach, ensuring you gain valuable insights and confidence to excel in your leadership journey.

You’ll also get to work in a small team with other students for our industry partner - Marketing Agency, IRIS, on a brief for the famous water filter company, BRITA.

*If you're feeling unsure about taking part in new things and with new people, get in touch - many past students have surprised themselves, and you could too! *

Watch our short film featuring a past participant interviewing three alumni as they share their experiences and the programme's lasting impact.

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What last year's participants said about the programme:

🌟“This has been the most valuable and healing experience for me as a women of colour . The support and skills I have gained from the experience has helped me flourish. I would recommend this to everyone”

🌟“A truly empowering and inspiring experience, every week you leave uplifted and motivated to apply your skills!"

🌟"Don’t be afraid, you aren’t alone and remember to enjoy the process not just the outcome!"

🌟"Life changing! I’ve grown so much in 10 weeks!"

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Deadline to apply: Thursday, 4 December 2025 by 9am

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What’s the Brief?

⭐ You will collaborate with a team of 5-6 students to develop a creative solution for the water filter company, BRITA.

⭐ You will function as if you are working for the marketing agency, IRIS, designing an innovative solution for their client.

⭐ You will receive guidance from professionals at IRIS, ensuring you fully understand the requirements to excel in this brief.

🎯 Other Opportunities and Benefits 🎯

⭐ Build your industry networks and get a foot into the creative industries.

⭐ Pitch your ideas and get industry feedback on your designs.

⭐ Work with likeminded peers from different creative disciplines.

⭐ Free leadership coaching to help you realise all your amazing qualities!

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About the Leadership Coach

Jannett Morgan

Director, JM Learning & Skills

Jannett Morgan has been an invaluable coach in our Women+ of Colour in Leadership (W+CinL) programme for six years, now entering her seventh season on the programme.

With over 20 years of coaching experience and a special focus on neurodiversity, Jannett has consistently united our W+CinL students, helping them build confidence and trust in their own abilities. Her passion for empowering individuals from marginalised and underrepresented groups shines through in every aspect of her work, leaving a lasting impact on this programme.

www.jmlearningskills.co.uk

About our Industry Partners

IRIS

Iris is an integrated micro-network driving brands to show up and participate in people’s lives. Iris wasn’t born in the ad industry. We grew up in the real world. Iris creates real-world ideas that move people.

www.iris-worldwide.com

BRITA

Founded over 50 years ago in Germany, BRITA is a pioneer in water filtration solutions. Committed to sustainability, BRITA enhances drinking water quality while reducing plastic waste. The brand is dedicated to innovation and environmental responsibility, ensuring a positive impact on consumers and the planet.

www.brita.co.uk

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Programme information:

• 11-week programme (sessions once a week).

• 15 places available.

• A small financial bursary will be available to successful applicants.

• This programme is about supporting women+ of colour in the creative industries (see eligiblity criteria).

I f you have any questions please contact creativeshift@arts.ac.uk.

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Key Session Dates:

Sessions will be every Wednesday for 11 weeks;

From: Wednesday 14 Jan 2026

To: Wednesday 25 March 2026

Times: 2.00pm – 4.00pm

The following sessions will have a later finishing time.

• 14th January (2:00 - 4:30pm)
• 18th March (1:45 - 4:30)

Location:

In person sessions will be held at London College of Communication (LCC).

Some sessions will take place at IRIS studios.

The location is subject to change within central London.

Commitment:

You will be required to attend all weekly sessions plus additional time to meet with your team outside the weekly sessions (either in-person or online).

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet all of the following requirements;

1. You are enrolled as a Home (UK) student.

AND

1. Currently studying on an undergraduate (BA/BSc) course at UAL - OR - graduated from a BA/BSc course in 2025.

AND

1. Identify as a woman of colour, including;

• Born female and identify as female of colour
• Born male and identify as female of colour (Trans woman)
• Born female and identify as non-binary of colour

In line with UAL's Access and Participation Plan, our programme prioritises students from underrepresented backgrounds in higher education and in the creative industries.

Find out more about who Creative Shift support.

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Application deadline : 9am on Thursday, 4 December 2025

APPLY HERE

DO NOT BOOK AN EVENTBRITE TICKET.

Please note that late applications will not be accepted.

It is our aim to make the scheme accessible to all. If you require materials in alternative formats or would like other adjustments or arrangements at any stage of the process, please contact us at creativeshift@arts.ac.uk.

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FAQs:

Who can I contact about my access requirements? If you believe there are any barriers to your participation in this event, please contact us in advance by emailing - creativeshift@arts.ac.uk.

Can I participate in this opportunity as part of my DPS?

We welcome any students who are on their DPS gap year and believe this is a great opportunity for your DPS work experience.

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Why are we doing this?

This programme is brought to you by Creative Shift; UAL’s programme of extra-curricular events and activities that aims to help shape diversity in the creative industries.

The creative industries are a UK success story, but inequalities and under-representation exist for certain groups. Only 17% of creative directors are Women and only 3% of CEOs are BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) (Creative Equals, 2020).

We want to inspire and empower women+ of colour in the creative industries (inclusive of non-binary, agender and assigned female at birth) to break through the glass ceiling and become the creative leaders of the future.

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Find out more about what happened on the previous Women+ of Colour in Leadership live briefs

“I walked in with little confidence in my own skill set but walked out shrugging off that imposter syndrome by the end of it and am so grateful for that!”

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Contact us at creativeshift@arts.ac.uk if you have any questions about this opportunity.

Who Can Participate?

• No experience needed! Whether you have a background in design, marketing, business, or another discipline, there’s a role for everyone.

• This opportunity is open to students from all disciplines, and the brief will require a mix of skills, so your team will benefit from a range of perspectives.

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Please do not book an Eventbrite Ticket - APPLY HERE

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