At Women in the Shade, our vision is unwavering: to foster an environment where the talents, lived experiences, and unique perspectives of Black women are not only acknowledged, but celebrated and valued. We reject the status quo that allows systemic barriers and obstacles to persist, hindering the progress and professional journeys of Black women in uniformed services.
About Us
Women in the Shade is a non-for-profit organisation led by Karen Geddes QPM, and me, Marcia Ore. We are passionate about driving change for Black women working in uniformed services. Our mission centers on the belief that representation matters and every woman deserves equitable opportunities to thrive.
What We Do
Supported by our Advisory Board, operating as a small not-for-profit organisation, we bring lived experience, strategic insight and a strong belief in equity and empowerment—working to ensure Black women are seen, heard, valued and supported.
Join Our Movement
Join us in our mission to drive meaningful change and foster a culture of inclusivity within uniformed services. Together, we can create a future where Black women in uniform services are celebrated, supported and empowered to reach their full potential.
Our Story
A review from LeanIn.Org and McKinsey & Company’s 2021 study highlights concerning disparities faced by Black women:
- More likely to cope with the impact of racism and racial trauma
- Face high barriers in the workplace
- Heavily impacted by bias in hiring, promotion, and retention
- Experience more micro-aggressions than other groups of women
The underrepresentation of Black women in key organizations like the police is a pressing issue. At Women in the Shade, we aim to create an environment where Black women’s talents and perspectives are acknowledged, respected, and valued.
Work With Us
Our mission is to lead inclusively and drive change in uniformed services, ensuring everyone is included by:
- Promoting fair treatment for all, regardless of ethnicity or gender
- Empowering and supporting Black women to thrive in their roles
Let’s create a future where every Black woman in uniformed services feels empowered, respected, and valued.
Our Founders
Marcia Ore
Marcia Ore is a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consultant and Coach, offering services in the UK and North America, including policy reviews, cultural audits, and coaching for EDI committees and employee resource groups.
Her career began as a Police Officer from 1982 to 2012 in two UK police services, where she held several EDI-related roles, such as Vice-chair of the West Midlands Police Black and Asian Police Association and Chair of the National Black Police Association’s Gender & Sexual Orientation subcommittee.
Marcia serves on the Advisory Board of Inclusion and Diversity in Nuclear and is the UK Chair of Equity & Equality for G100. She is also a former Board of Trustees member for a UK charity providing legal advice for parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Karen Geddes
In a world where representation matters, Karen Geddes embodies resilience and change with over three decades in policing. Her journey highlights the challenges faced by women of colour in male-dominated fields.
Karen describes her career as a roller coaster, with family as her support: “There were times when I could have given up.” Key events like the Stephen Lawrence case and George Floyd’s murder reshaped her view on policing, making her acutely aware of her identity and the impact she could make.
As a founder of ‘The Thin Black Line,’ Karen aims to champion Black engagement within policing. She encourages young women of colour to “be yourself. Do not assimilate. Embrace your individuality.”
Contact Us
Connect With Us:
Marcia Ore Consultancy 