Sam Blanckensee is the current Equality Officer at Maynooth University within the Office of the Vice President for Equality and Diversity. Their role is to advance, equality, diversity, inclusion and inter-culturalism (EDI) across the entire University community, students and staff.  Their work includes policy development, giving advice to staff and students on equality issues, training and awareness raising activities. Prior to joining Maynooth University in March 2020, they held roles in the Irish Traveller Movement and Transgender Equality Network Ireland, where they developed policy, provided support and supported organisational development. Outside of their work in Maynooth University, Sam is the Chair of Transgender Equality Network Ireland. Sam Blanckensee uses they or he pronouns.