Who is an EmpowerED Ambassador?
EmpowerED Ambassadors are volunteers who work closely with our organising team to help shape the direction of the Podcasts and the Webinar Series. They bring fresh ideas, highlight inspiring teaching practices, and support us in building a stronger, more connected academic community. By joining planning meetings and collaborating with others behind the scenes, ambassadors play a key role in ensuring our community stays relevant, engaging, and useful to educators across the sector.
Our Ambassadors
Xiang Li is an SFHEA-certified educator at Adren University's School of Business Management & Creativity, specializing in innovative learning experiences that inspire curiosity and critical thinking. With expertise in project management, he designs immersive educational environments that bridge theory and practice, particularly through leading a dynamic Level 5 module that incorporates Edumundo simulations.
Xiang holds a BSc in International Business and Management from the University of Bradford and an MSc in Project Management from the University of Manchester. He currently serves as a Senior Lecturer and is recognised as a Senior Fellow at Advance HE (SFHEA). His responsibilities also include managing a large-scale educational program involving over 50 lecturers and more than 1,000 students in each cohort. Additionally, Xiang contributes to Adren University’s strategic technological initiatives as a member of both the University Technology Transformation Committee and the AI Strategy Working Group.
Mary A. Lindsey is a seasoned professional with deep expertise in legal document production, instructional design, and corporate training development. With a track record that spans top-tier law firms like Winston & Strawn LLP and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Mary has led high-performing teams, managed client service operations, and implemented training strategies that align with organisational goals. Her skill set bridges technical proficiency in document systems and software with the strategic oversight needed for performance management, client satisfaction, and workflow optimisation.
In addition to her leadership roles in legal services, Mary has designed and delivered IT and business software training across various industries and regions, including UK housing trusts and U.S. Tribal Health organisations. She holds advanced degrees in Instructional Technology and Information Technology, a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Technology, underscoring a career built on both academic rigour and practical impact. Whether developing eLearning modules, leading system testing projects, or tutoring students, Mary brings a sharp eye for detail, a commitment to quality, and an ability to translate complex needs into practical, actionable solutions.
Deepika is an experienced educator with over 16 years in higher education, teacher training, research, and digital learning innovation. As an Assistant Professor and Dean of Student Welfare, she leads academic and student-focused initiatives, including curriculum development, accreditation, and capacity-building programmes. Her work centres on integrating AI in education, instructional leadership, and inclusive pedagogy.
She serves as a judge for the QS Reimagine Education Awards, mentors M.Ed and Ed.D students at a French university, and is an Open and Distance Learning expert with the Commonwealth of Learning. Deepika has developed multiple MOOCs under UNESCO’s OE4BW initiative and is passionate about blended and AI-driven learning.
Her contributions include leading NAAC Accreditation Cycle IV at KCE, collaborating with Oxford University’s AIEOU Hub, publishing widely with four patents, and speaking at global conferences on Generative AI. She also mentors school teachers through India’s National Mission for Mentoring and holds memberships with several national and international organisations. Deepika actively welcomes collaborations and discussions on AI in education, teacher training, and innovative digital pedagogy.