On Wednesday, 1st October 2025, join us for an in-person meetup with loads of networking opportunities and hear from two brilliant speakers from Accenture and Police Scotland.
We are delighted to be sponsored by CGI and hosted at their funky office space at 180 West George Street, G2 2NR (view on map).
Talk 1: The power of using inclusive language
Language shapes how we connect, include, and empower others. This talk explores how inclusive language fosters respect, belonging, and stronger collaboration, with practical tips for making small word choices that drive big cultural impact.
About the speaker
Rashmi Kakde is a UX strategist and mentor with more than 14 years of experience shaping inclusive digital experiences in healthcare, technology, governments, finance and heritage. She champions user empathy, accessibility, and innovation to deliver solutions that resonate across diverse audiences.
Talk 2: Making your own experience – How I got experience without a Design job.
I want to share a bit about how I created my own job experience and got to the point of confidently interviewing for roles that I had previously felt I wasn’t good enough for. This led up to last September, when I had been offered three jobs all at once.
About the speaker
Skyler East has been journeying into Service Design and Design Research for the last six years, transitioning from education into the third sector and, more recently, into Police Scotland. He is looking forward to meeting you all and helping you in your own journeys.
Info about the event itself
Schedule
- 6:00pm – Doors open, networking & mingling
- 6:15pm – Intro
- 6:20pm – Rashmi Kakde: The power of using inclusive language
- 7:00pm – Comfort break
- 7:20pm – Skyler East: Talk title coming soon
- 8:00pm – end
Accessibility
- The venue has a ramp up from the street to the main entrance, wider doors and level floors throughout.
- The event is on the first floor, which can be reached by lift or stairs.
- We will be using a variety of seating including amphitheatre style benches, moveable chairs and padded booths.
- Toilets – including accessible toilets – are on the same floor as the event.
- A quiet room is available for people to relax or take medicine.
- A fridge is available to store medicine.
- Space can be provided on request for a service animal to rest, feed and have a drink.
- Power outlets are available for assistive technology.
- There is a hearing loop.
- There is no braille signage or visual fire alarm, but building staff will be available to assist as needed.
- The hosts will control the temperature and lighting.