Join us for an inspiring evening as we launch our presence in West Yorkshire during Leeds Digital Festival 2025. This special event highlights our commitment to inclusive, people-led innovation and sustainable growth in the North. 

CGI is a Premier sponsor of Leeds Digital Festival 2025, which is the open-platform celebration of all things tech and digital in the Leeds City Region. 

What to expect 

At CGI, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) are not just values—they’re key drivers for creativity, resilience, and economic growth. We believe inclusive growth starts with everyday behaviours—from active allyship to building safe environments for everyone— extending to the relationships with our clients.     

Join us at our Leeds office on Tuesday, 23 September, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., where we will explore what it means to be a true upstander for diversity. 

The event marks a new chapter in CGI’s journey in the region while continuing our ongoing commitment to DE&I. 

three women leaning against table

Connect

with fellow business and community leaders who share a passion for building a diverse and thriving economy.

diverse group of people talking around a table

Contribute

to a bold conversation on how unconditional inclusion fuels innovation and growth across industries and the local communities benefiting all.

two women fist bump across a conference table

Celebrate

CGI’s new Leeds presence, reinforcing our deep commitment to the region and its people.

Conversations that drive change

We’ll begin with a short opening panel featuring leaders from CGI and our client and partner community. Each speaker will introduce themselves, share what drives their passion for DE&I, and reflect on personal experiences that shaped their journey.

From there, the conversation opens up. In smaller breakout groups, speakers will help facilitate candid discussion, encouraging everyone to share perspectives and ensuring every voice is heard. Together, we will explore:

  • The value of diversity of thought
  • How your credentials and lived experience can inspire change
  • The importance of creating environments where people feel they have a voice

This format blends insight with action, creating space for authentic dialogue and practical takeaways.

Agenda

17:30–18:00: Arrival, sign-in, welcome drinks

18:00–18:10: Speaker introductions

18:10–18:30: Tabletop breakouts

18:30–18:40: Regroup

18:40–18:45: closing remarks

18:45 – 19:00 Food, drinks and networking

  • Tara McGeehan
    President, CGI UK & Australia
  • Christina Geary
    Senior Vice President & Business Unit Lead Yorkshire, CGI
  • Shagufta Sharif
    Head of Diversity & Inclusion, Skipton Building Society
  • Cleveland Henry
    Group Delivery & Deployment Director, Optum; Chair & Trustee, Leeds Community Foundation
  • Megan Lipp
    Head of Growth, Ahead Partnership
  • Nimmi Patel
    Head of Skills, Talent and Diversity, techUK

Turning words into action 

The evening will close with each attendee making a personal commitment by completing a pledge card, ensuring that tomorrow, everyone will do something differently to advance inclusion. 

Enjoy drinks, food and networking in a welcoming setting, while building stronger connections, hearing personal stories and leaving with renewed energy to be an active upstander for DE&I.

 

Register here