From SXSW London to Universities UK’s national conference, Sharon Lloyd is helping shape conversations on equity, identity and inclusion, both within higher education and beyond it.
Date: 17 June 2025
Sharon Lloyd, Deputy Director of London Metropolitan University’s Centre for Equity & Inclusion, brought her work on digital dignity, equity, and institutional transformation to two major platforms last month, connecting with public, cultural, and higher education audiences alike.
SXSW London
On 3 June, Sharon spoke at the inaugural South by Southwest (SXSW) London festival, joining the panel Digital Dignity in the Identity Era at Rich Mix. The session explored how identity and agency are expressed in online spaces and featured creative leaders including Vogue 100 Innovator Dr Alex Box and digital artist Sam Chester, moderated by Philip Delamore.
SXSW London marked the European debut of the renowned festival, originally founded in Austin, Texas. Held in East London, Europe’s hub of creativity and technology, it brought together artists, technologists, and global changemakers from across Europe, Africa and Asia to foster cross-cultural innovation and dialogue.
Improving Equality in Higher Education
Later that week, Sharon joined senior leaders at Improving Equality in Higher Education 2025, a national conference hosted by Universities UK. The session, chaired by Professor Charles Egbu, Vice-Chancellor of Leeds Trinity University, focused on accelerating inclusive policy and practice across British universities.
“These events offered a chance to share our approach to equity with both cultural and sector audiences, expanding the reach of our work and London Met’s mission,” said Lloyd. “Progress depends on engaging within higher education and beyond. These were two powerful platforms to do just that.”
Sharon’s recent engagements reflect the Centre’s commitment to connecting institutional strategy with real-world conversations on digital identity, cultural equity, and sector transformation. Work continues on the Centre’s new programme of external engagement and partnerships for 2025–2027.
