RSS Future Leaders
With the aim of promoting strong leadership and mentors in the statistics and data professions in all of their diversity, in 2023 we secured funding from the Academy of Social Sciences for a programme that would welcome 15 career-young professionals from ethnic minority backgrounds into the RSS fold. We were inspired by the phrase ‘you cannot be what you cannot see’ and are excited to be able to support our Future Leaders in advocating for more diverse visibility and mentorship from within the structures of the Society.
Our Future Leaders are Somayeh Rostamian, Tej Nathwani, Dhru Shah, Bridget Azubuike, Oluwole Oyebamiji, Nee Norteye Barnor, Zara Ghodsi, Selina So, Srshti Putcha, Andrea Aparicio Castro, Edith Bridget Milanzi, Travis Newton, Kenneth Lim, Dilum Dissanayake and Kaustubh Adhikari.
With experience ranging from medical research and computer science to biostatistics and consumer finance, the group are committed to advancing knowledge and understanding of statistics and data while maximising representation in the field.
‘
I see great value in ensuring data-driven decisions reflect the society they're meant to serve, and this programme offers a space for young leaders to share innovative ideas towards achieving this goal.’—Edith Bridget Milanzi, RSS Future Leader
Over the past 12 months, we have been providing training, career progression and networking opportunities, with the aim to support these individuals in their advancement into leadership roles, with each of them bringing their own philosophies of leadership and what supportive and inclusive collaboration and mentorship looks like.
‘
It's about inspiring trust, fostering growth, and empowering others to achieve their full potential.’—Somayeh Rostamian, RSS Future Leader
‘
Leadership isn't about being the loudest person in a room. It's about taking accountability, having a vision, and knowing how to leverage the talents of the people who work with you’—Srshti Putcha, RSS Future Leader
What our Future Leaders have been up to: