Voices, Visibility, and Impact: A Journey with Diversity Trust by Zoey Lambe-Hommel
They say it only takes one person to create meaningful change; in this case, that person is Julie Cheung. Passionate, engaging, and exceptionally knowledgeable, Julie delivers her work with both expertise and authenticity. My name is Zoey. I am a study abroad student from California, and I had the privilege of attending her in-person anti-racism training at a London-based university, as well as working with Diversity Trust during my time here.
While the prospect of spending three hours exploring racism and proactive responses may initially seem daunting, Julie transformed the session into an experience that was both energising and deeply impactful. As a professional with The Diversity Trust CIC – a UK-based non-profit organization specializing in equality, diversity, equity, and inclusion training, including racial and ethnic awareness, LGBTQ+ education, and youth and community engagement—she brings a thoughtful and tailored approach to every session. She emphasised that each training is carefully adapted to its audience, fostering an environment that feels both safe and personal.
Throughout the session, her passion was evident in every interaction. She demonstrated a remarkable ability to connect with participants, ensuring that each individual felt seen, heard, and respected. Attendees gradually opened up, sharing experiences ranging from subtle microaggressions to more overt instances of racism. Julie responded with empathy and insight, validating people’s experiences while guiding constructive and respectful dialogue.
Her approach centred on meaningful discussion, allowing the session to feel highly personal despite the group’s diversity. She also incorporated case studies that encouraged critical thinking and active participation, prompting attendees to consider multiple perspectives and engage in deeper reflection. By thoughtfully challenging responses and introducing “what-if” scenarios, she cultivated a dynamic and intellectually engaging learning environment.
Importantly, Julie reframed racism not as an insurmountable issue, but as a complex system that can be addressed through intentional actions, informed dialogue, and collective effort. Her training left me not only inspired but also equipped with the tools and understanding needed to contribute to meaningful change.
Julie Cheung attending the “The Workplace Event” conference in Birmingham, April 2025
On 28 March 2026, I had the privilege of attending one of Bristol’s most iconic events, Trans Pride Day. During the event, I also had the opportunity to meet colleagues, including Tim Birbeck, who leads much of the organisation’s in-person community and LGBTQIA+ adult engagement work, and Harriet Rose, who plays a key role in public-facing initiatives and community outreach, as Volunteer Coordinator.
I represented the Diversity Trust stall, which was jointly hosted with South Gloucestershire Council, for part of the event. This collaboration highlighted a substantial research project commissioned by the Council and delivered by Diversity Trust. Our side of the stall featured a range of engagement materials, including stickers, a bespoke colouring book developed by the organisation, and informational goodie bags containing resources and small giveaways.
Approximately 100 individuals engaged with our stall throughout the day—an encouraging level of interest that was both rewarding and, at times, fast-paced. The event also provided a valuable opportunity to observe colleagues in action. Tim demonstrated exceptional skill in engaging a diverse range of attendees, responding thoughtfully and professionally to a wide variety of questions. Harriet was equally impressive, communicating with clarity and warmth, and creating an inviting and inclusive atmosphere for visitors.
Beyond the stall, the event itself was vibrant and inspiring. It was a pleasure to see local businesses and charities showcasing their work, families enjoying the day, and individuals expressing themselves freely in a safe and supportive environment. The experience reinforced the importance of such inclusive spaces within the community.
Additionally, I gained a deeper understanding of Diversity Trust’s organisational structure and impact. In addition to its training and consultancy work with private sector organisations and charities, DT has a strong focus on youth engagement and LGBTQIA+ advocacy. This includes its Alphabets programme, which provides safe spaces and wellbeing services for LGBTQIA+ young people and adults across the South West, including Yate, Bristol, Bath, and North East Somerset.
Overall, my time with Diversity Trust has been both a privilege and an unforgettable part of my experience abroad. I am deeply grateful for the connections, learning opportunities, and meaningful experiences I have gained. Despite being a relatively small organisation, Diversity Trust continues to make a significant contribution toward building a more equitable and inclusive society. It was an honour to represent DT at Trans Pride Day in Bristol, and especially rewarding to hear attendees recognise and appreciate the organisation’s impactful work.
Trans Pride Bristol (March 2026): Tim Birkbeck, Dan Wood, Harriet Lord, Zoey Lambe-Hommel, Bob and Harriet Rose
Zoey Lambe-Hommel was on student placement, from the American Institute for Foreign Studies (AIFS), with The Diversity Trust from January to April 2026.