A note from the co-founders
Being in that room and seeing the connections happening reminded us why we started BMPAN. Two years on, we are a community of more than 500 Mortgage professionals and allies and we are building something that supports people and creates opportunities.
From Strength to Strength
Recognition matters, because so much of the work that changes someone's career happens quietly: the introduction that opens a door, the encouragement that builds confidence, the person who champions your potential. Through the BMPAN Standard, we want to help more organisations turn their commitment to racial equity into practical action.
Thank you for raising the standard with us.
A Shared Commitment to Raise The Standard
Two years of BMPAN | Black History Month | Hosted by Lloyds Banking Group
An Important Milestone
Samantha Owo, Senior Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Lead at Lloyds Banking Group, opened the evening and welcomed the BMPAN community back to LBG for a second year. Samantha linked the Group's support for BMPAN to the theme of raising the standard for all. Samantha explained why racial equity still matters and outlined what LBG is doing to strengthen representation, progression and inclusion at every level. The message to the room was clear: sustainable change happens when organisations and leaders commit to it and keep showing up.
From Conversation to Action
The highlight of the evening was the official launch of the BMPAN Standard. It is our framework for encouraging meaningful, sustainable action across the industry. Its goal is workplaces where Black professionals can enter, develop, progress, lead and thrive. The Standard is built on four principles, known as COIL. Organisations and individuals can get involved as Supporters, Partners or Sponsors.
BMPAN is a community
for like-minded Black Mortgage Professionals and Allies.
A Fireside Chat: Why We Raise the Standard
Shane Chawatama of Knowledge Bank invited Atlyn, Aleka and Jeffrey to skip the LinkedIn highlights and talk about who they are beyond their day jobs. The result was an open, honest conversation about community and service. Looking back to 2024, the co-founders talked about why BMPAN needed to exist.
Black professionals needed community, representation and a sense of belonging. They also needed access to senior leaders and career opportunities, and allies who would stand alongside them. The response to the very first event showed how much that space was needed. Atlyn explained why a Standard is the right next step: after two years of conversations, it is time for sustained action. Aleka and Jeffrey described what success would look like. Black professionals would gain more visibility, better access to opportunity and stronger workplace experiences, and more of them would reach senior leadership. Organisations would learn from each other and build on good practice. Jeffrey closed with an invitation to everyone in the room, whether senior leader, organisation, ally, or member, to take one practical step after tonight.
Raising the Standard: Leadership in Practice
Our panel brought together voices from across the industry and at every career stage. They discussed what leadership, opportunity and inclusion look like in practice. The discussion moved from personal career stories to the practical choices that help Black talent progress. - Click a profile square to view their LinkedIn and connect.
Thank you.
Thank you to Lloyds Banking Group for hosting us for a second year. Special thanks to Esther Dijkstra and Nicola Golder for making the evening happen. Thank you to our sponsors, LandBay and Cutting Edge Mortgages, our volunteers and everyone who keeps showing up.
You are BMPAN.
Captured Moments
Photos & videos from 07.10.2027
