New Academic Champion for Women and Diversity in Entrepreneurship

To support diversity in innovation and entrepreneurship, and to enhance the University’s commitment to these goals, Professor Stevens will work with the IDEA (Increasing Diversity in Enterprising Activities) programme and EnSpire Oxford, the University’s entrepreneurship hub.  

Professor Stevens’ focus will be on inspiring and nurturing underrepresented people within the University who have an interest in entrepreneurship; advocating at a senior level and collaborating with researchers, Professional Services, Divisions, Departments, and the Equality and Diversity Unit to further this goal. Additionally, she will provide academic leadership in the development of a Women and Diversity in Entrepreneurship Strategy, aligning with the entrepreneurship objectives outlined  in the University's Strategic Plan and Knowledge Exchange Strategy

Professor Chas Bountra, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Innovation, said:

‘I am delighted to announce Professor Stevens’ appointment as the new Academic Champion for Women and Diversity in Entrepreneurship. Molly brings a wealth of experience in entrepreneurship, including business governance, research commercialisation and patent application; and as a female founder herself is an active advocate for women and diversity in academia.’ 

IDEA aims to address challenges and disparities encountered by groups that are significantly underrepresented in enterprise and industry globally. With a specific emphasis on empowering, motivating and upskilling more diverse leaders, founders and innovators, IDEA offers various entrepreneurial initiatives. These include a Peer Mentoring programme and the forthcoming ‘Entrepreneurship for All: Data, Delivery, and Diversity’ conference.  

The University gives thanks to Professor Kylie Vincent for her time and dedication and the success she achieved in her three-year term as the inaugural Academic Champion. Professor Kylie Vincent said:

‘The Academic Champion role has been incredibly valuable and has given me the pleasure of seeing the growing excitement about innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly amongst the University’s early career researchers. I am very grateful to have met and learnt from many amazing innovators, and to have had the opportunity to throw myself into diversity in entrepreneurship and contribute towards this exciting journey for Oxford.’