We spoke to Alexandra Schmidt and Serena Arthur, co-chairs of Empower, the staff network here at Bonnier Books UK dedicated to inclusion and representation, to find out more about their work in the role and the network’s wider mission.
How long have you been involved in the network?
Alex: I’ve been part of the Network for about three years now. I was introduced to it by Marina Stavropoulou, and some of my first projects were focused on building out the SharePoint site as a central hub for sharing resources. I also help develop the Inclusion and Representation Network Library – a collection of inclusive books, films, articles, and more, designed to inspire people to broaden their interests and perspectives.
Serena: I’m new-ish compared to Alex, having been a member since just after I joined Bonnier in May 2025. One of my first projects for the network, before becoming a Chair, was to start the Invisible Disability newsletters with my colleagues Nicki and Jenn late last year to raise awareness of invisible disabilities and also signpost people to some of the support available for them.
What are your key goals for your time as co-chair?
Both: As the new Co-Chairs of Empower, we want to foster a more inclusive and connected workplace, where open dialogue and diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated. Building on the legacies of the previous chairs of what was previously the I&R Network, we want Empower to be a network that champions inclusivity, sparks meaningful conversations, and brings people across the company together.
How have you been collaborating in the position, and how are you each bringing your experiences in the industry into the role?
Serena: Via lots of video calls and teams messages, either just us or with lots of our amazing colleagues that have been integral to our projects so far this year. We also have a rolling calendar and other admin tools – I think we’re both a fan of having everything planned, organised and minuted which is crucial to both of our non-Empower roles and but also really helps with keeping ourselves on task as Empower. I also love interacting with and learning from others in my role and the network has allowed me to do that even more than usual.
Alex: A big part of effective collaboration is staying organized and being genuinely open to new ideas. Coming from a tech background, I naturally lean into digital tools to help make that happen. Platforms like SharePoint and Teams have been game-changers – they allow us to connect seamlessly with colleagues across the country. That kind of accessibility is key to fostering inclusion, ensuring that it’s not just voices in London being heard, but everyone has a seat at the table, no matter where they’re based.
What does the word “Empower” mean to you?
Alex: For me, Empower is all about being heard. I see it as both a call to action and a promise of support. It means you are empowered to speak your truth, to champion what matters most to you, and to know that your voice will be respected. Within Empower, there’s a commitment to listening – really listening – so that everyone feels seen, valued, and backed every step of the way.
Serena: Similarly to Alex, to me, Empower means encouragement and support, creating the space for people to be more confident and create change whether just within themselves or more widely. We want that to be at the core of what we do and create.
Dream Every Perspective Matters guest?
Serena: Maybe Malorie Blackman as she’s such an inspiration to me and an amazing speaker about diversity in the industry. I’d love to do something like an in conversation with her or hear from other author champions, whether we publish them or not, as it’s always lovely to get to know authors a bit more.
Alex: If we’re dreaming big, then for me it has to be someone like Michelle Obama. Her memoir, Becoming, is honestly one of the most moving and inspiring books I’ve ever read. She’s such a powerhouse – graceful, grounded, and incredibly impactful. The idea of hearing her speak live? That would be a dream come true.
Do you have a book recommendation for us – something that speaks to importance of true representation within publishing?
Alex: Two incredible books I’ve read recently are The Butcher of the Forest by Premee Mohamed and The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff. They’re completely different in tone and style, but both are brilliant. I’ve found that one of the best ways to diversify your reading is to start with genres you already enjoy. You’ll learn so quickly how stories can feel universally human, while also offering perspectives you’d never experience firsthand. It’s a powerful reminder of why diverse voices in publishing matter.
Serena: I have a film, American Fiction (which is based on the 2001 novel Erasure by Percival Everett, so technically also a book, but I still need to read it). If you haven’t seen it, go see it – it’s about race, prejudice, expectation and judgement in publishing and amazing. Then, if I’m allowed to pick one of my own, The Mires by Tina Makereti, which was my first ever acquisitionsm at Bonnier and publishes in September this year. Set in contemporary New Zealand it’s a novel that explores how we respond to difference and how we connect to the world and land around us. It’s a really beautiful story but also one that I think is extremely needed in the world right now.
