Single Mums Business Network [SMBN CIC]

Jhumar Johnson
Chief of Staff to the Vice-Chancellor, The Open University

I am delighted to introduce Jhumar Johnson as one of our carefully selected speakers for the 2023 ‘single mums business conference’. Designed to help women, specifically single parents, with work, enterprise and wellbeing.

Here is a little about Jhumar;

‘I am mum to 10-year-old Ryder and his sister, Lucy, our cat. I am passionate about diversity and equity, developing talent and education.  I am a qualified Executive coach, mentor and trainer though more on a voluntary basis now than in a paid capacity.

As Chief of Staff to the Vice-Chancellor, my remit at The Open University is two-fold, acting as aide, adviser and problem-solver to the Vice-Chancellor, focussing on communications, external relationships and special projects; and ensuring our alumni, donors and partners are at the heart of the OU family along with our staff and students. 

I was responsible for delivering the University’s first fundraising campaign, raising £60m, and running a year-long birthday party to celebrate The Open University’s 50^th anniversary in 2019 across the four UK nations and internationally. I have a background in major gifts consulting and practice in the not-for-profit sector, and in advising individuals and families on shaping their philanthropy.  

I serve on the John Lewis Partnership Advisory Board for Happier Futures for care-experienced individuals and on the board of the National Emergencies Trust. I am an alumna of Said Business School, the University of Westminster, the Open University and the University of Mumbai, and a member of the Chief of Staff Association, Chief, CASE and Chartered Institute of Fundraising.’

The Single Mums Business Network exists to showcase positive single parent role models, to reduce stigma and misconceptions that surround our community. We take great pride in showcasing our reality whilst raising awareness of, and working to change, barriers to work, homes, and finance for enterprise.

We will have a panel discussion (or two) on the day, to learn more about the barriers that exist, and crucially how to overcome them, whilst offering support, information, advice, and encouragement to enable you to create the best possible reality for you and your child(ren).

With limited capacity, do not hesitate to secure your seat here, and if you are interested in exhibiting, please contact us to enquire here.