Andrea Knowles
Specialisms: Intersectionality, Racial justice, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, ableism in healthcare, staff wellbeing, and women’s health inequalities
Andrea Knowles (she/her) is a powerful, unapologetic voice for equity, inclusion and belonging.
A Black, queer, disabled woman with extensive experience in healthcare and social justice, Andrea uses her lived experience to challenge systemic discrimination and inspire transformative change.
With a background as an NHS nurse and EDI Lead, Andrea is now the founder and director of Staff Equality Networks Ltd the UK’s first 100% Black, woman, disabled and LGBTQIA+ owned consultancy dedicated to employee resource groups. She is also a public speaker, campaigner, and published thought leader.
Andrea speaks nationally on intersectionality, racial justice, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, ableism in healthcare, staff wellbeing, and women’s health inequalities, often drawing on her own powerful story of medical misdiagnosis, resilience and advocacy. She has addressed audiences at Pride, Black History Month events, NHS Trusts, and international awards, and was a 2025 judge for the Queer Student Awards.
A proud charity Trustee for Black Beetle Health and All4Inclusion, Andrea brings a unique blend of professional expertise, policy knowledge, and lived experience. Her talks are moving, bold, thought-provoking and always rooted in justice.
