Sonia Hazel
19 May 2026
From National Staff Networks Day to Black Inclusion Week
"Last week was exceptionally busy but an important week for me to reflect as it encompasses so many areas that I am linked to.
#NationalStaffNetworksDay (13th) gave me the opportunity to reflect on my personal journey in the EDI world. The previous week I was lucky enough to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace with some amazing railway colleagues Apeksha, Carter and Raye due to making the King’s New Year’s Honours list, bumping into Fatima and Krupa. I saw HM Lord Lieutenant Susan Lousada The Office of the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire who'd conducted my investiture, such a down to earth person that does so much for our community with her team. Another highlight was meeting Dr A-Marie I. doing amazing Stem work.
Earlier I'd supported an event with industry network leads discussing the vital part networks play on our railway and what that looks like in the future as we transition to GBR.
I was invited to attend #UKRail conference at NEC and be on a panel discussing Diversity in the Workplace – I pushed aside my imposter syndrome and joined Noel Travers, Jo Field OBE and my Rail Unites for Inclusion colleague Odis for an interesting conversation the only downside being the lower numbers attending, we can make excuses about timings but is it that or is it that colleagues just don’t feel as connected to diversity as they do about sustainability?
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek (11-17) an important week for normalising conversations about our mental health, highlighting the charities that support us through tough times. As a Samaritans volunteer and a Mental Health First Aider, I believe it’s important to keep those conversations going, reflect where you can do better to support both yourself setting boundaries to protect yourself so you can support others, whether through signposting or listening. It was great to end the week on Saturday supporting an event for Bedford Samaritans.
IDAHOBIT day (17th) makes me think about the journey that still needs to happen for so many people when we know there are hate crimes still happening. I was surprised to read that Black Pride is taking a pause this year coming back next year, keep supporting them please. If you are part of Old Oak – have you read Shane's blog and signed up to our Teams channel yet?
Finally last week was also Black Inclusion Week (11-17) – an annual UK event that highlights culture, achievements, but also challenges workplace inequalities and systemic racism. Given this is where I started my journey before advocating across other protected characteristics – it’s good for me to celebrate my achievements rather than being embarrassed.
Thanks to the legends (see the comments) who have consistently supported me actively across the rail industry, enabled my voice and championed sometimes without me knowing in a world where we don’t all feel that we can belong think about how you can give back to your own or other communities, it’s more powerful than you know."