The National Diverse Student Network (NDSN) is a new student-led Network that has been co-founded by academics and lawyers. The NDSN will be a free online community for students from diverse ethnic backgrounds who are currently studying at either undergraduate or postgraduate level at UK universities. We recently caught up with second year Law student, Gabriel, who is also the NDSN Chair, to find out more about the Network.
1. What is the National Diverse Student Network?
The National Diverse Student Network (NDSN) is a new student-led Network that has been co-founded by academics and lawyers. The NDSN will be a free online community for students from diverse ethnic backgrounds who are currently studying at either undergraduate or postgraduate level at UK universities. The aim is to bring ethnically diverse students together on one ‘digital platform of empowerment’ towards social mobility where they can collaborate and share ideas on professional and self-development, as well as receiving support and guidance from professionals and career advisors. Whilst the Network is starting off with the legal industry as a focus, we hope to expand to other industries as the Network develops.
2. Who is involved in the National Diverse Student Network?
The Network is made by students, for students. The NDSN’s student committee consists of students from across the country who work together to generate content for the website and organise a variety of events, such as roundtable webinars. The NDSN has also been endorsed by academics from various institutions. In addition, Influential figures in the legal industry have also been involved in the NDSN. The Network will provide members with ‘Talking Heads’ who are influential individuals such as judges, barristers and other professionals. These Talking Heads will provide crucial advice and insight into the legal world through exclusive videos, podcasts, and webinars.
3. When was the National Diverse Student Network created?
The National Diverse Student Network was created in 2020, founded by senior lecturers; Dr Rita D'Alton Harrison and Nicola Antoniou, and a group of Royal Holloway students chaired by Gabriel Washington. As the National Diverse Student Network grew, solicitor Michael Herford and barrister Sailesh Mehta joined the organisation as founders. The student committee has also expanded with the current members ranging from six universities.
4. How can I be a part of or support the National Diverse Student Network?
You can become a part of the National Diverse Student Network by going to our website and clicking the ‘Join’ section and filling out your details. Becoming a member of the NDSN allows you to access all our content and enable you to join our future events! If you want to support further, you can follow us on our social media platforms and spread the word!
5. Where can I find out more?
You can find out more from our website, which will have all the information that you would need! You can find our website here: https://ndsn.co.uk/