DEIB Progress: March 2026
What's been going on in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging space at QBS in early 2026?
SistersIN Mentoring
is a leadership programme dedicated to empowering and equipping Year 13 and 14 girls across Northern Ireland with the confidence, skills, and connections to thrive in their future careers, through mentoring.
Each participating girl is matched with an inspiring female leader, providing a valuable opportunity to learn, grow, and explore future career pathways. Launched in 2022 with just 10 schools, the programme has experienced rapid growth — now working with over 50 schools and connecting nearly 700 girls with more than 600 professional female mentors from across the business and public sectors.
QUB has been involved with the programme since its inception as a Founding Partner and contributes with an annual SistersINSPIRE event as well as providing training.
On 25 February 2026, Â鶹Íø hosted SistersIN mentees for a work shadowing day and QBS colleagues ran a thematic workshop on Business and Entrepreneurship for young women interested in pursuing this career path. A big thanks to Lisa Messina, Stuart McLure and Chris Baird, and final year student Zoe Madeley, who all contributed their time, insights and expertise to this session.
In 2026, five of our staff members are giving their time to be mentors:
When asked what motivated her to become a mentor, QBS Operations Manager Fiona Gaffney explained:
'I became a mentor for the SistersIN programme because I think giving back is a responsibility. Empowering young people is an investment in the future, and staying connected to their world (slang and TikToks included) keeps the impact real and relevant.'
Lisa Bradley's mentee, Jessica from Ballymena Academy, said:
'The mentorship programme has made SistersIN more personal. Having a mentor matched to the area I am interested in has helped to create rapport. I appreciate the time and experience of my mentor who gives me guidance and opportunities during my SistersIN experience.'
For any QBS staff interested in joining as a mentor next year, we will issue a call in September 2026.
Sponsorship of Diversity & Inclusion Award
At the 2026 Women In Business Awards, QBS sponsored the 'Advancing Diversity & Inclusion' award, going to Diane Davis of Minority Recognition Awards (individual award) and HSC Business Services (organisation award).
The ongoing sponsorship of this award by the School is an external recognition of our commitment to developing and championing women in the workplace.
2026 Women In Business winners pictured above.
Academic progression opportunities
In January, colleagues from across Queen’s came together for the Joint iRISE-REC Academic Progression Workshop, a practical session designed to support colleagues from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International backgrounds who are considering applying for academic progression, now or in the future.
Hangfei Guo, Reader in Supply Chain Management participated on the panel, representing QBS, alongside colleagues from Biological Sciences and EEECS. Reflecting on her achievement and desire to ‘pay it forward’, Hangfei commented:
'Both formal and informal mentoring have played a significant role in my recent progression. The support I received within my School, as well as from senior colleagues across the University, has been invaluable.'
Stay up-to-date with DEIB progress by reading the blog and following