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Meet the panellists
Kirk Barnett
In 2012 I was married to my college sweetheart, raising two of the cutest kids you have ever seen, and had a great job. There was one problem, I was carrying an immense amount of shame for being a closeted gay man. Thankfully in April of that year some events unfolded that allowed me the chance to step out of the closet. I came out, told everyone that I was gay and was even in serious relationship, and I thought that was it. What I didn't realize is that you don't just tell everyone you are gay and then all is well in your world.
That is when the real work begins.
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Find out more about his coaching >
Katrina Marshall
A founding member of the Public Relations and Communications Association Race Ethnicity and Equity Board and lectures & writes about social justice; diversity & inclusion and the intersect between race, gender and sexuality.
Katrina works in communications for an NHS Community Trust and loves fast horses, hot curries and fine wine.
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Dev Mistry
Born and bred in Leicester, Dev studied PR at Bournemouth University before embarking on a career in the Automotive sector, working for brands such as Honda, Subaru and Isuzu. Whilst at Honda, Dev managed communications between head office and dealership staff in the UK, whilst also managing the European CSR function and implementation. Through his role at Subaru, Dev managed media relations and implemented a new company purpose and rebrand. Following a successful career at Virgin, Dev now works for Dice Events as their Communications Specialist.
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Naomi MG Smith MCIPR
Naomi is an Account Manager within the corporate reputation community at Ketchum. A career changer from HR to PR, she has experience across B2C and B2B in organisations and agencies across corporate, local government, and not for profit. She is the youngest member of the CIPR Council, a committee member of the CIPR Greater London Group leading the charge on equity, diversity and inclusion, and an Accredited PR Practitioner. Last year Naomi was listed as PR Week’s 30 under 30, and as one of the most influential PR agency professionals in the world by Propel.
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Keith Riley
Keith is the Communications Manager at DWF. Keith regularly plays an active part in supporting and communicating our global Diversity and Inclusion strategy. He is a cis gendered gay man, he lives in Chorley Lancashire with his partner Neil.
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