LEADING THE CHARGE FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Natasha Broomfield-Reid, founder and director of Diverse Matters, is a force to be reckoned with in the world of diversity and inclusion (D&I). With a career spanning over two decades, Natasha’s journey has been shaped by her unwavering passion for social justice, her lived experience as a Black woman, and her dedication to creating equitable opportunities for all. Speaking with Natasha is like catching a spark of energy; her enthusiasm and commitment are infectious.

A Legacy In Her Name

Born in Nuneaton, a small town near Coventry, Natasha’s double-barrelled surname, Broomfield-Reid, is a testament to her mother’s feminist values. “It wasn’t common at all when I was growing up,” she explains. “But my mum went to deed poll to ensure her name—and ours—reflected both sides of our heritage.” This fusion of identities symbolises Natasha’s approach to her work: inclusive, intentional, and unapologetically authentic.

Finding Her Path

Natasha’s career began in community work. From mentoring African-Caribbean and mixed-race children in Warwickshire to supporting the unemployed through the government’s New Deal scheme, she has always focused on amplifying underrepresented voices.

Her pivotal role came in 2003 when she joined Victim Support, a national charity. Initially working as an area manager in Birmingham, Natasha quickly saw the need for a dedicated focus on diversity. “Birmingham is incredibly diverse, and I felt strongly that we needed to support all victims—regardless of their language, disability, or background.”

Her efforts led to the creation of a national diversity role, which she held until 2015. It was during this time that the seeds for Diverse Matters were planted. “People kept approaching me for advice or support with D&I work, and I was often using my annual leave to help them,” Natasha recalls. After being made redundant in 2015, she took the leap, launching Diverse Matters officially in January 2016.

What Drives Her Work

Natasha’s passion for D&I stems from her own experiences and her desire to empower others. She has worked tirelessly to address disparities, particularly in Black and mixed-heritage communities.

“I’ve always been passionate about young people,” she says. “The statistics are heartbreaking—Black and mixed-race children often enter primary school ahead of the curve, but systemic issues mean they don’t always achieve their full potential. I’ve seen this happen for decades.”

Even now, Natasha runs a Black girls’ group at her son’s school to provide representation and mentorship. “The school has no Black staff, so I wanted to create a space where the girls could see their potential and feel valued.”

The Importance Of Allyship

For Natasha, allyship is about action. “It’s not enough to say you’re an ally. Are you speaking up? Are you challenging inequities when you see them? Are you educating yourself about others’ lived experiences?

Allyship is about actively dismantling barriers, not just standing by.”

Her work often involves guiding people to confront uncomfortable truths. “Many people have never thought about the Black experience until they’re faced with it. When they learn about systemic racism or the lived realities of Black communities, the reaction is often shock. But education is power— it is about knowing better and doing better.”

The Challenges Of Advocacy

Natasha’s career has not been without its challenges. She has faced racism and bias throughout her journey, from being told she needed to “change” to progress, to having her ideas ignored until someone else repeated them.

“There’s often a double barrier for Black women,” she explains. “You face challenges as a woman, and then you add race to the mix—it’s layers of oppression.”

However, Natasha has remained steadfast. “I’m hard-headed,” she says with a laugh. “I’ll do what I need to do, but always with kindness and integrity.”

SELF-CARE AS RESISTANCE

Amid her demanding work, Natasha prioritises selfcare. “Every two weeks, I have a 90-minute massage. It’s non-negotiable. Once, I cancelled because I was too busy, and I realised that was a mistake. Now, I never miss it.” She has also taken up swimming and enjoys holidays to recharge. “Barbados is next on my list,” she shares with a smile.

Looking Ahead

As a mother to 12-year-old Tyrell, Natasha’s hopes are deeply personal. “I want him to be positive, humble, and hardworking. I want him to believe in himself and reach his potential.”

For Natasha, her work is about legacy—paving the way for the next generation while continuing to challenge the status quo. “I love what I do. It’s about bringing people along, educating them, and creating change. One person at a time, we can make a difference.”

Natasha Broomfield-Reid is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Through her work, she continues to inspire and empower others, leaving an indelible mark on the journey toward equity and inclusion.