Baroness Lola Young

Baroness Young of Hornsey, best known as Lola Young, is a renowned author, Crossbench Peer of the House of Lords and the Chancellor of the University of Nottingham. Raised in foster care in North London, Lola has since been on a journey of social campaigning driving five decades of crucial conversation on race equality, wealth disparity, gender equality, young people’s rights and anti-slavery. Holding such topics at a deep and personal level, Lola is now a highly popular keynote speaker for a variety of events – spearheading dialogue on important social issues. 

In the 1970s, Lola’s decorated career began, initially working as an actress and presenter. In such roles, she became well known for starring in the Play School children’s series and presenting on Radio 4. She also played Janey in the sitcom Metal Mickey, before moving on to become the Co-Director of the Haringey Arts Council. Lola’s next venture saw her working in academia, appointed as a Lecturer at the Polytechnic of West London in the 90s and later a Professor of Cultural Studies at Middlesex University. Other prominent roles of Lola’s have included being the Project Director of the Archives and Museum of Black Heritage, a Commissioner of the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts and Head of Culture of the Greater London Authority. 

Especially interested in ethical and social issues, Lola has also acted as a Trustee of the Aid by Trade Foundation and Chair of the Arts Council’s Cultural Diversity Panel. She is also renowned for being Co-Chair of the Foundation for the Future of London and a member of the Blue Plaques Committee of British Heritage. Having spearheaded crucial narratives throughout her career, Lola was appointed OBE for Services to Black British History and was made a Life Peer, taking the title of the Baroness Young of Hornsey in the London Borough of Haringey – becoming one of the first Black female members of the House of Lords. In addition to her active work in creating social change, Lola has also authored two books spreading important dialogue – Eight Weeks and Fear of the Dark. She has also been the Chair of the judging panel of the Booker Prize and the Orange Prize for Fiction.

Now hired as a keynote speaker, Baroness Lola Young shares her passions as an active campaigner for modern slavery, anti-slavery, gender and race equity and wealth disparity. Renowned internationally, Lola is a seasoned speaker, previously invited to deliver a TEDx Talk titled “Who Made Your Clothes?” – in which she discussed her interest in the ethics of the garment industry. Striving for a diverse, inclusive and equitable future for all, Lola is also renowned for co-chairing the All-Party Parliamentary Groups on Ethics and Sustainability in Fashion and on Sport, Modern Slavery and Human Rights. If you are searching for a speaker who is committed to active social change, don’t hesitate to hire Baroness Lola Young today.