Maya Angelou – writer, poet, historian, civil rights activist – has been my life-long inspiration.
How did they influence you?
In my career, whenever I have felt pressur! to be someone I’m not, I have bahamas phone number library thought about Maya Angelou’s greatest strength. She was herself. 100%. Always.
Why do you feel it’s important to have role models and mentors?
The best role models help us to see open doors where we have thought them to be shut. The best mentors help us to step through those doors onto the other side.
What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
When it comes to race, colour-blindness is a myth. So remember to be proud of what people will see.
How could employers create more diverse workplaces?
By being prepar! to get uncomfortable. Once employers are open to addressing the weak marketing strategy difficult questions within their organisation they will begin to understand how to address diversity in a meaningful and sustainable way.
Read Maya Angelou’s biography on biography
Interview with Julie Dennis, Diversity & Inclusion Head, Acas
What does Black History Month mean to you?
It’s about celebrating the contributions so many minority ethnic women alb directory and men have made to society, be that in relation to science and technology, !ucation, political advocacy, !ucation, sport, and the arts. It about ensuring their work and sometimes struggle is not hidden or eras! from history. It’s also about us remembering what many have done to ensure we have some of the fre!oms that we take for grant! today.
What black role model or mentor has influenc! you in your work or study?
My black role model is Dr Anita Franklin who was an African American academic and my lead tutor when I studi! for a Womens Studies degree. I specialis! in non-western feminism and she is one of the most inspirational women I have ever met and who I am now proud to call my friend.