Representation tells people: you belong here, your voice matters, your ambition is valid.
I’ll never forget the first time I met a senior Black woman in leadership, something shifted in me. Until then, I hadn’t seen anyone who looked like me in those spaces. Suddenly, the path ahead felt possible. She carried herself with pride and power, but also with generosity – making space for me and others to step forward too. That moment has shaped the way I try to lead today.
Over Black History Month, I find myself reflecting not only on the history and achievements of black people in the UK and beyond but also on what it means for me personally to be a Black woman working in the housing sector – and other industries- that hasn't always been representative at senor levels.
Since joining Southern Housing a year ago, I’ve seen reasons to be hopeful. There’s a stronger balance of women here compared to the wider sector and that matters. But there's still more to do to ensure we reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
This year’s Black History Month theme, standing firm in power and pride, reminds me of the words of Maya Angelou: “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them”. For me, this means embracing who we are, refusing to be diminished, and using our voices and influence to create change. It also means lifting others as we progress, ensuring the doors remain open for others to follow.
I often think about back to the conversations I’ve had with colleagues who’ve said to me: “It makes a difference seeing you in this role – it makes me feel like I can do it too.” Those moments stay with me because they reinforce why representation is so important. Representation inspires confidence in others to believe they belong, that their voices matter and their ambitions are valid.
That's why I'm proud that Southern Housing continues to support the G15 Ethnicity Pledge. It’s about turning words into action such as mentoring programmes to nurture talent, having open conversations where people feel safe to be heard and more inclusive recruitment. Steps like this these are like a ripple effect, helping create a lasting inclusive culture.
Representation in leadership matters but inclusion at every level is what sustains it. Lasting change will only come if each of us plays a role in creating a workplace where everyone feels seen, valued and able to succeed.
Our news
All Articles
