Ije McDougall has enjoyed a successful career in HR, governmental and legal roles, currently working as a Magistrate for the UK Ministry of Justice. With a long career in everything from employment law to marketing and news correspondence, Ije is now a published author and passionate advocate for racial equality and the Black Lives Matter movement. Booked as a keynote speaker, Ije is well-versed in the challenges that people of minority face in the UK and raises awareness of injustice prevalent in society. Also a passionate speaker on self-doubt, imposter syndrome, identity and self-realisation, book Ije McDougall.
A British Nigerian who originates from North-East Nigeria, Ije knows first hand the importance of inclusion and the realities of extremism. In order to combat such issues, Ije founded The Kairos Initiative, a charity focussed on supporting victims of insurgency in Nigeria. She has also forged a successful career as an HR and Employment Law Expert for the UK Civil Service and an HR Expert Advisor for HM Revenue & Customs, ensuring that the world is more justified one step at a time. In 2021, Ije began acting as a Magistrate for the UK Ministry of Justice, bringing injustice to light.
Having worked a diverse career, Ije also has experience as a Producer for The BBC, an HR Case Manager for the Ministry of Justice, an Employment Law & Early Conciliation Support Officer for ACAS, a Benefits Delivery Officer for the Department of Work and Pensions, a Marketing Officer for Awalah Hotel and a News Correspondent for the Nigerian Television Authority. She has also been featured on national and international broadcasts, sharing her perspectives of moving from a troubled part of the world and creating a charity to help vulnerable people. Ije is also the author of Surviving 0 to 5: #MumofGirls, and has been recognised for her work in inclusion and equity by being shortlisted for the National Diversity Awards Positive Role Model 2020 Award. Most recently, Ije was named The Cheshire Woman of the Year 2023, a testament to her passion for making the world a better place.
Having beaten the odds stacked against her, Ije is now booked as an inspirational speaker to bring awareness to and challenge injustices that face minorities in society. When booked as a speaker, Ije is perfect when looking for a passionate advocate for racial equality, using her public speaking platforms to bring light to topical subjects. Formerly, Ije has spoken for clients including the NHS, Bank of England Youth Forum and HMPSS, demonstrating her prominence as a speaker. With one of her speeches also featured on the Black Lives Matter website, book Ije McDougall today for an informed, engaging and moving speech on everything from injustice to imposter syndrome and the life of an immigrant.
Books
Surviving 0 to 5 Years Old: #MumofGirls
How to hire Ije McDougall
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Ije McDougall for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
Ije's official speaking topics are listed below:
- Identity
- Self Acceptance
- Self-Confidence
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
- Women
- The Life of an Immigrant
- Power of an Idea
- What Do You Know & Who Told You
- I'm a Statistic
- What My Accent Means
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
"Ije's talk was authentic, entertaining and powerful. She captivated the room with her storytelling and metaphors and left people inspired not only to be their true selves but to be proud of who they are. She delivered a hard-hitting message in a subtle way that resonated with everyone and not only those from ethically diverse backgrounds." - Michelle, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Lead, Clarion Housing Group
"I would like to once again thank you for a great talk yesterday. We have received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback about the talk ranging from the Head of our Leeds office who was present, the Head of our Financial Crime Department and the Inclusion Committee. We even had one colleague say that this was the best talk she has ever attended at the firm (she has been at the firm for 10 years) and that you really had her re-assessing some of her behaviour and actions in a way she never thought to before." - Nathalie, Senior Paralegal, Stewarts Law
"October is Black History Month and last week I was lucky enough to attend a talk by Ije McDougall. We all attend talks, webinars, and seminars and we like to think we take something away and learn something new. But in just over an hour of listening to Ije, I was left almost speechless about what I heard and what I learned. It has made me go away and read more, learn more and understand more. Thank you Ije, the most inspirational and thought-provoking talk I've genuinely ever been to." - Claire, Associate Channel Manager, Kohler Mira Ltd
"A huge thank you for arranging Ije to be our speaker and all you did behind the scenes for us, I really appreciate it. The session was a great success yesterday. Please pass on our thanks to Ije for travelling to London and for an absolutely brilliant talk. Ije absolutely delivered. She was thoroughly engaging and built rapport with our audience, what Ije spoke about was impactful and important, thought-provoking and inspiring. So much so, that I've been thinking about Ije and her talk since, and I'm sure I won't be the only one. I had many members of the team send me messages following the event, expressing their positive feedback. I'm so pleased we chose Ije to be part of our IWD series of events, thanks again." - Sophie, People Operations Manager, Mention Me
"Thank you both for your assistance in arranging for Ije to attend our BHM panel event today. It was a great pleasure to meet Ije and we are so grateful for her time and contributions to the panel. Please would you kindly pass our huge thanks on to Ije for truly making the event." - Harri, Trowers & Hamlins LLP
"I really loved her talk! She is a very engaging speaker and left everyone with lots of follow-up questions."
"I thought she was fantastic - a really original presentation which made people sit up and think. Very engaging overall." - Benedetta, Information Lab
"Ije McDougall delivered an inspirational session to our Senior Leadership Network around bias, winning the hearts and minds of the audience, stimulating us to think differently." - Amy, Learning & Development Officer, BCP Council
It was a wonderful session today. I really enjoyed it and thank you for taking effort in Organising an event for Diversity and Inclusion. It was really an insightful session, with Ije McDougall. She was brilliant. I would like to be part of the ‘EMBRACE’ team." - BMW Financial Services
- 2023 - Named Cheshire Woman of the Year 2023
- 2021 - Justice of the Peace Magistrate for the Ministry of UK Justice
- 2020 - Shortlisted for the 2020 National Diversity Award Positive Role Model Award
- 2020 - HR Expert Adviser for HM Revenue & Customs
- 2019 - Founder, Chairperson & CEO of The Kairos Initiative
- 2012 - HR/Employment Law Expert for the UK Civil Service
- 2012 - Producer for The BBC
- 2012 - Employment Law Advisor & Early Conciliation Support Officer for ACAS
- 2009 - Benefit Delivery Officer for the Department of Work and Pensions
- 2005 - Marketing Officer for the Awalah Hotel
- 2004 - News Correspondent/ TV Presenter for the Nigerian Television Authority
