Students and staff at the United Colleges Group have hosted an evening with leading creatives, TikTok Artist Partnership Manager, Parris O’Loughlin-Hoste and Kiss FM presenter and International DJ, Ellie Prohan.
Hosted by Omar Taymani, a Learning Support Assistant at City of Westminster College, and organised by UCG’s Equality Diversity and Inclusion team and UCG’s LGBTQ+ group, Q+, the event was attended by LGBT+ people from across the college community and their allies.
The event, during which the two guests spoke about their experiences and held a question and answer session, was held around the theme of Music, Media, and Life.
Ellie and Parris discussed their inspiring life stories, their success in the media and music business, and their hopes for the future.
Both speakers also took the time to meet and talk with attendees about a range of important subjects around LGBTQ+ equality.
The couple also discussed the cultural factors and other social issues surrounding the discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ people and people of colour when attempting to build careers in the media and creative industries.
The event followed LGBTQ+ history month, which the United Colleges Group was proud to support.
Several students who attended the spoke positively about it, one said:
“I really enjoyed listening to and taking part in the conversation.
“I especially enjoyed how they engaged confidently with the audience and gave good advice on how to feel secure in being yourself when working in the music and media industries”
Another added:
“It felt authentic to hear good, different views from both guests about how culture can have an influence both in a negative and a positive way”
A third attendee remarked:
“It was nice to see different people’s perspective and learn what they think about where they are and how they got there, the journey is different for everyone, so it is nice to see that their journeys were so unique.”
Parris O’Loughlin-Hoste said:
“It was an absolute pleasure to be able to share my journey with so many young people.
“I hope it inspired them and encouraged them to reflect on their own life journey.
“To always remember to make sure they are doing everything in life authentically and living for their purpose.
“Thank you so much for having me and look forward to the next event!”
Alex O’Loughlin, Equality Diversity and Inclusion Administrator at UCG, said: “It was great to invite Parris and Ellie to our college and to hear them talk about their journeys.
“Both Ellie and Parris are wonderful role models for LGBTQ+ people and their successes are genuinely inspiring.
“On behalf of UCG, I look forward to welcoming them back to our campus.”
“My experience at College of Northwest London, has been exciting, it has been thrilling and it has been full of opportunities, and we have the tutors that help us whenever we’re in need. We go on educational trips to get a feel for what university life is like. We have the careers advisors that help us on our path, our university path.”
“The facilities here are brilliant. You have range of courses you can study. My teachers in the Performing Arts department have got history in the industry, which is very useful. You get to ask them for advice and actual knowledge from the industry, and take that into your own work within the college also afterwards. ”
“At City of Westminster College, my experience has been the best of all the other colleges I’ve attended. The reason I like CWC is because the teachers make my journey easier with assessment and exams. I’m a Level Two Science student and I enjoy my lessons because most of them are practical, which are helpful for me. I love studying at CWC because you meet people from other countries – all over the world and from all different communities.”
“My favourite thing about studying here has definitely got to be the teachers. They’re really helpful, kind and in the industry, so it’s good.”
“The technical knowledge and hands-on experience gained during my apprenticeship at College of North West London have been invaluable, particularly in understanding site processes, health and safety requirements and the understanding of electrical systems.”
“My experience studying at City of Westminster College has been amazing. It’s been so welcoming; I enjoy it very much because of the staff members we have here. They’re very approachable and I could come to them with any question, and it will be answered straight away. And if I come early for a class, I can use the Learning Resources Centre, I can use the computers, the books, just to continue all my studies outside the classroom time.”
“The training process was seamless. I had good instructors who were very flexible, supporting people of all learning levels. On the last day after our exams, a security company came and did a presentation. We had the opportunity to have an interview afterwards. I told them about my experiences, and they said I would be a good fit. I formally applied for a role and started with the company soon after. Getting into security has opened doors for me. I hope I will continue to take steps up the career ladder.”
“Coming to study at the City of Westminster College was the best decision that I had ever made. The teachers are very accommodating – they help you learn things in a way that might be easier for you to learn. They are very supportive and I think that’s one of the best things about learning here.”
“I was so grateful to have won Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards 2026, I could not have done it without the support my company Size Group and the College of North West London.”
