Amanda Ray Epe is a powerful voice in racial equality and women’s empowerment, known for her multifaceted work as a film director, author, and founder of the FLY GIRLS’ UK project. Her lived experiences as a Black British woman inform her passionate advocacy for racial and gender equity. Amanda uses storytelling as a vehicle for change—whether through film, poetry, or public speaking—to engage communities and amplify underrepresented voices. Her speaking engagements explore vital themes such as Women’s Empowerment, International Women’s Day/Month, Diversity and Inclusion, Racial Equality, and Black History Month, always grounded in authenticity and cultural insight.
Amanda’s path to becoming a racial equality speaker began in aviation and travel, being a former British Airways cabin crew member, where she experienced both inspiration and inequality first-hand. She channelled these insights into writing with the launch of the Fly Girls Wellness: Empowering Girls and Women blog in 2015 and publishing her memoir, A Fly Girl in 2014. These works laid the foundation for the creation of FLY GIRLS’ UK project in 2016—a pioneering platform promoting wellbeing, self-belief, and ambition among young women, especially those from marginalised backgrounds. Amanda’s early career also included roles as a Health Trainer for the NHS, Research Assistant for NAW Solutions, and community-based educator, equipping her with the tools to deliver meaningful, culturally relevant education and advocacy.
In recent years, Amanda has achieved national recognition. She was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s Honours List in 2021 and named Best Writer at the 2022 BLAC Awards. She directed the acclaimed short film, Flying for Britain: Johnny Smythe RAF Navigator/Pilot and the Windrush Story, a creative tribute to Black RAF heroes. She has collaborated with prestigious organisations including the BBC, RAF Museum, and University of Southampton’s John Hansard Gallery, where she transformed Windrush oral histories into poetic and dramatic works for community performance. Projects like Brent’s “Women of Renown” further highlight her dedication to honouring diverse legacies through education and heritage.
Amanda is frequently hired for her ability to interweave history, identity, and empowerment across her speaking topics. Whether addressing systemic racism, celebrating Black British history, or encouraging women and girls to “pilot their own pathway”, her presentations are impactful, informed, and inspiring. Her unique blend of creative storytelling, academic insight, and personal experience makes her a standout speaker for organisations committed to inclusion, education, and meaningful change.
