June Sarpong OBE

Former Loose Women Panellist, Author of ‘The Power of Privilege’, Co-Founder of The Wie Network & Creator of the HQ Creative Inclusion Lab

June Sarpong’s Biography:

June Sarpong OBE is one of the UK’s most influential media figures and advocates for inclusion, whose career spans broadcasting, authorship, activism and entrepreneurship. June is sought after as a speaker because she brings authoritative insight on diversity, social justice and leadership, grounded in lived experience and senior-level impact across media and business. Her ability to articulate complex societal issues with clarity, warmth and challenge has positioned her as a trusted voice on national and global platforms.

June’s career began in youth broadcasting, where she rose rapidly through roles at Kiss 100 radio and MTV UK before becoming a household name on Channel 4’s T4. From there, she built a formidable television career, presenting entertainment and factual formats, including Your Face or Mine? with Jimmy Carr, Dirty Laundry and Playing It Straight. In 2015, she joined the Loose Women panel, further cementing her status as a respected commentator on contemporary social and cultural issues.

Alongside broadcasting, June has developed a strong literary and thought-leadership profile. She is the author of ‘Diversify: Six Degrees of Integration’, ‘The Power of Women’, and ‘The Power of Privilege‘, works that explore inequality, representation and systemic change. Her contributions have been formally recognised with both an MBE and an OBE for services to broadcasting and charity, making her one of the youngest recipients of these honours.

Beyond media, June is a committed advocate for equity and opportunity. She co-founded the Women: Inspiration and Enterprise Network and The WIE Network, and launched The HQ Creative Inclusion Lab, a publishing imprint dedicated to championing underrepresented voices. She has also hosted landmark global events, reflecting her enduring influence across culture, politics and social impact.

Why Hire June Sarpong?

June is hired as a speaker for her rare ability to combine mainstream credibility with rigorous insight on inclusion, leadership and social change. She has addressed global audiences through major live events and high-profile forums, such as conducting the TEDx talk ‘We Need Leaders Who Boldly Champion Inclusion‘, translating policy, culture and lived experience into compelling, actionable narratives. Her delivery is confident, authoritative and accessible, making her equally effective for corporate leadership audiences, public institutions and large-scale international conferences.

June Sarpong’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define June Sarpong’s inspirational career in media, broadcasting, and advocacy:

• 2025 – Headlined the Black British Book Festival alongside Lenny Henry
• 2023 – Awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Roehampton London
• 2022 – Delivered TEDx talk ‘We Need Leaders Who Boldly Champion Inclusion’
• 2020 – Appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to broadcasting
• 2019 – Became the BBC’s first Director of Creative Diversity
• 2018 – Published The Power of Women
• 2017 – Published Diversify: Six Degrees of Integration
• 2016 – Co-founded The HQ Creative Inclusion Lab
• 2015 – Joined ITV’s Loose Women as a regular panellist
• 2010 – Co-founded Women: Inspiration and Enterprise (WIE) Network
• 2007 – Hosted the UK leg of Live Earth
• 2007 – Hosted Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday celebrations in London
• 2005 – Hosted Make Poverty History event
• 2004 – 2006 – Regular host of the MOBO Awards for three consecutive years
• 2004 – Regular panellist on Sky News’ The Pledge
• 2004 – Co-hosted Your Face or Mine? with Jimmy Carr
• 1998 – Started as a presenter on Channel 4’s T4
• 1996 – Began broadcasting career on Kiss 100 radio station
• 2007 – Appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to broadcasting and charity