Growing up in East London, I witnessed the lack of diversity in academia and sports, which fueled my passion for representation. After completing a graduate scheme and gaining experience at an IT company, I sought new opportunities for growth and after being invited to a UK Black Tech event at PwC, I was truly inspired. Their level of diversity stood out to me, making it the ideal place to thrive. I’m now a proud member of the PwC Black Network and actively contribute to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy.
As an experienced professional, I’ve faced the challenge of trying to prove myself in my role while being unsure of my responsibilities and hesitant to ask questions. I found things improved when I had the opportunity to go on secondments which provided me with the experience to give me the confidence boost I needed. For one position, I was interviewed by two Black Senior Managers and it was inspiring to see the representation. Although I was only there for seven months I felt that I was constantly learning and I really found my creativity and drive again.
One of the proudest moments in my career journey has been my involvement in the PwC Black Network. As a representative, I strive to ensure that Black colleagues feel heard and valued as part of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy.
Another proud moment was when I was invited to contribute to a Hackathon event in collaboration with UK Black Tech. This event focused on leveraging AI and Healthcare to address social issues, and as I’m really passionate about making a positive impact, this opportunity allowed me to work with UK Black Tech and help teams find innovative solutions. It was truly a proud and fulfilling experience for me.
For anyone building a career in technology, I would really encourage you to find role models who inspire you and make their achievements your own. Be confident in your tech skills and vocal about the skills you want to learn. If something doesn't align with your aspirations, don't hesitate to stand up for yourself and express your feelings.