About the Founder
My name is Zara Rawlinson, and I am the creator of the Panda Anti-Racism Team (PART). I founded PART out of a deep passion for creating a world where diversity is embraced, inclusion is celebrated, and equality is second nature. This vision comes from my personal experiences with racism and my unwavering belief that systemic change is possible.
Having moved to Kent from South East London in 2013 with the hope of providing my children with a brighter future, I was eager to embrace a new chapter in our lives. As a Black woman with three mixed-race children, I was aware that Kent was less diverse than London, but I hoped that overt racism was a thing of the past. Unfortunately, my family and I have been subjected to various forms of racial abuse, including racist comments, derogatory language, and racially motivated bullying. The ignorance and uneducated views we encountered deeply impacted me, but it also ignited my drive to create change. This was the catalyst for PART.
Through PART, I’ve been able to educate young people inclusively, encouraging open dialogue, promoting diversity, and supporting equality. I work to ensure that young people understand the harmful effects of racism and what influences it, equipping them with the tools to challenge it in their own lives. In addition to empowering those affected by racism, PART focuses on creating allies who are actively engaged in anti-racist work. We provide training, guidance, and practical tools to help young people, educators, and communities understand the importance of allyship, ensuring that they are equipped to stand up for justice and challenge racism whenever it arises.
As PART has expanded, we’ve made it a priority to not only address overt racism but also the more subtle, systemic forms of discrimination that often go unnoticed. We are committed to dismantling all types of racism—whether overt, covert, or institutional—through comprehensive education and collaboration with schools, communities, and young people. PART’s work encourages critical thinking about the structures that perpetuate inequality and provides strategies for creating lasting change. Our programs and workshops aim to equip participants with the tools needed to recognise and confront racism in its many forms, creating an environment where all individuals, regardless of race, feel seen, heard, and valued.
With a background in working with young people to reduce self-harming behaviours and improve resilience and well-being, I am now applying my knowledge to reduce the impact of racism. PART has grown to become a vital resource for schools, communities, and young people, and I am dedicated to nurturing my relationships with educators, professionals, and the youth I work with. Through continuous professional development and a commitment to staying informed on current affairs, I strive to ensure that PART’s vision remains aligned with the needs of the communities we serve and continues to have a lasting impact.
As the creator of PART, I am committed to ensuring that we not only address individual instances of racism but also work towards systemic change in schools and beyond, creating environments where all students, regardless of their race, can thrive.