Tell us about yourself and your career aspirations growing up?
From a child I was attracted to a career in the health sector. I am a people person and wanted a career where I could make a difference to people’s lives. Growing up I always wanted to be a nurse. I migrated to this country in the 80s and found a job as a healthcare assistant in one of the large teaching hospitals in London working in theatres at the time. My boss encouraged me to do nursing but I came across OT when I was sent to the Rehabilitation ward on an errand. I was hooked and never looked back since.
What was your career route to the role you have today?
I started working as a Health Care Assistant before going on to train to become an OT. My first OT role was as a Basic Grade OT in a rotational post at Hillingdon Hospital once I qualified. I knew early on that I wanted to work in Social Services but also wanted to get my foundation skills developed hence the rotational post. Following my rotation I went to work for Harrow Social Services for a few years before moving onto Brent Social Services. Whilst at Brent I was appointed as Duty Team Lead. I left Brent and came to Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals as Head of Service for Occupational Therapy. I have been appointed Chair of Council for the Royal College of Occupational Therapists / British Association of Occupational Therapy. This is a national role with responsibility for Occupational Therapies across all four countries in the UK. Whilst navigating my career journey, I volunteered in a number of areas which gave me additional skills and insights that I transfer into my current roles today. For example, I volunteer with Northumbria Police as part of their Strategic Independent Advisory Group. I’m also a chair of the Board of Trustees at The Angelou Centre which is a charity in the North East that supports women and girls suffering from domestic violence and abuse.
How has your heritage influenced your career?
My mother always told me “to whom much is given, much is expected” She also taught me that if I could do something to make someone’s world a little brighter then I should do so, expecting nothing in return. These values have been instilled in me at an early age and I consistently live by these. I was also told that I would have to work twice as hard to get recognition for my contribution. These have spurred me on to be the best version of myself. I continually seek to improve by focusing on my own development. I was also taught to be resilient from a young age and these have helped me to bounce back quickly from setbacks and to use them as a springboard for improvement. These are all traits and tools that I have used to develop my career.
Is there a person from your cultural group or background who has inspired you?
One of my inspirational role models is Maya Angelou, after whom The Angelou Centre is named. She always seems to find the right words for any given situation and her ability to rise above situations has been a source of inspiration for me. I quote her a lot in my day to day work.
What changes would you like to see to make our organisation more inclusive?
Walk the walk and talk the talk. No use just saying you are inclusive as an organisation if that is not backed up by actions.
Have visible role models.
Treat your staff well and they will be adverts for you.
Provide equal opportunities for staff to progress and to flourish.
Do you have a message for Black History Month?
“I’m hopeful for the day we don’t have Black History Month, when Black people will be treated the same equity as our white counterparts. Until then, I will continue to advocate for those who are less heard. Black History Month is about shouting about what we do and all the wonderful achievements that Black people have contributed to this country over the decades, and making sure this country is more equitable so everyone can thrive.” We can be loud and proud twelve months of the year, not just during black history month.
What does this year's theme, "Reclaiming Narratives", mean to you?
Over the years, the narrative about black people has been diluted and stereotypes have become negative. The valuable contributions that black people have made has become eroded and replaced with negative connotations about the black race. Reclaiming our narratives gives us an opportunity to correct some of the misconceptions that are being spread about us. Promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity requires ongoing work and focus. Part of this work requires us to reclaim our narratives.
The black history of slavery and colonisation is filled with stories of resilience, bravery, trauma and triumph. Glimpses of these legacies can be found across towns and cities across the UK. Stories of the Windrush generation and the continued injustice and challenges they continue to face makes it imperative for us to reclaim our narratives. In reclaiming our narratives we can focus on deconstructing the systemic barriers that we face each day. A vital part of this is addressing the generational trauma that will allow us to heal. The resilience shown by our fore-parents are powerful narratives that we can draw upon for inspiration. We can use these to channel our energies and focus on reducing the harmful and damaging stereotypes that remain. I embrace this theme as tool to support us on our journey to dismantle the structural and systemic injustices that remain.
