Dr Frances Trought is a London-based founder, consultant, speaker and author who has spent nearly two decades advancing equity, employability and inclusion for under-represented students. She is the author of Brilliant Employability Skills and has worked across higher education, employer engagement and strategic skills development to help students bridge the gap between education and industry. Her work includes creating opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds, encouraging wider career thinking and partnering with major employers to improve access to professional networks. Frances founded Everything D&I and has been associated with initiatives such as the I Accelerator work experience scheme, first piloted with Microsoft in 2019. She is recognised for championing practical employability, confidence, visibility and equitable pathways into work, and received an honorary doctorate from London South Bank University.