Sonita Alleyne

The First Female Master of Jesus College Cambridge, Founder of the Yes Programme

Sonita Alleyne OBE has built an impressive career as a distinguished executive in both the private and public sectors. Known for her historic achievement as the first Black female Master of Jesus College since its establishment in 1496, and the first Black Master of any Oxbridge College, Sonita has made a significant mark in the academic world. In addition to her role at Jesus College Cambridge, she serves as the Chair of the Committee of Management of the British Board of Film Classification. Her career is marked by her innovative business strategies, which have established her as a compelling keynote speaker. Driven by her passion for enhancing representation and inclusion, Sonita is a sought-after speaker who believes in the power of education to create a fairer future.

In 1991, Sonita launched her prominent career as the Co-Founder and CEO of Somethin’ Else, a key player among the UK's independent production companies. Her leadership over two decades solidified her reputation as a media sector authority. By 2000, Sonita had joined the Department of Culture, Media, and Sport as a Non-Executive Director, followed by her role as Chair for Radio Sector Skills in 2008. Transitioning from her CEO duties in 2009, she became a Non-Executive Director of Somethin’ Else. Her influence continued to grow as she served as a Governor of the University of the Arts London and a Trustee for the BBC Trust. Recognising a gap in career information available to young students, Sonita founded The Yes Programme in 2011 to address this need.

While leading The Yes Programme, Sonita also serves as the Director of The Cultural Capital Fund, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to societal improvement through education. In 2019, she was appointed Chair of the Committee of Management of the BBFC and Master of Jesus College Cambridge, roles in which she actively pursues her vision of a more equitable society. Her dedication extends to her position as a Governor of the Museum of London since 2017 and her role as a Patron of the Red Hen Project, highlighting her dedication to community service and social change.

Sonita Alleyne OBE's profound impact in various sectors makes her a highly desired keynote speaker for international events. A Fellow of The Royal Society of the Arts, her contributions have been recognised with awards such as the Carlton Multicultural Achievement Award for TV and Radio, and her appointment as OBE for Services to Broadcasting. An Honorary Fellow of Fitzwilliam College, Sonita captivates audiences with her inspiring career journey and her commitment to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and equitable future. Her ability to articulate the role of education in shaping future generations makes her an exceptional choice for any event seeking an advocate for societal progress.

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