How did I get to where I am today?
Ironically, my very first summer job during college was with a construction company—I was the office manager and payroll officer. At the time, I never imagined this would be the industry where I’d want to build a legacy for women and inclusion. But here I am, proving that sometimes life has bigger plans for us than we realize!
What inspired my career path?
My career has been anything but linear! I’ve worked across business administration, teaching in alternative provision, ESOL, beauty and holistic therapy (even owning my own salon), project management, employability, grassroots youth work, learning and development, and retail. But if there’s one common thread, it’s EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion)—every role I’ve taken on has had a strong focus on breaking barriers and creating opportunities. Even when completing my teaching qualification, my chosen module was EDI.
Key milestones, experiences, and challenges that shaped my journey
Every experience has shaped me into the person I am today. My lived experiences have built my resilience and deepened my empathy. Some key moments stand out:
💡 Becoming a business owner and running my own salon
💡 Achieving my Foundation Degree in Teaching without going to university
💡 Leading a successful intergenerational community project, showcased at the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter
Qualifications or experiences that have been particularly valuable?
Absolutely! My CTLLS teaching qualification and beauty qualifications have equipped me with invaluable skills. But beyond formal qualifications, my work across different industries has shown me that transferable skills are powerful—you can excel anywhere when you bring passion, adaptability, and expertise.
Future aspirations & industry changes I’d love to see
I want to continue supporting people and closing the gaps in the industry—particularly for women, individuals with disabilities, the LGBTQ+ community, and those facing homelessness. The construction industry has so much potential, but we need to engage the next generation early and nurture open mindsets from a young age. Industry leaders must do more to showcase the diverse career opportunities in construction and ensure that inclusion isn’t just a conversation but a real commitment. That’s something I want to be an advocate for!
A woman who inspires me
First and foremost, my mum and my grandma. Two incredible women who came to this country illiterate, yet showed me that resilience and strength come from within. My mum, in particular, taught herself English so she could create pathways for herself—ensuring she could work, communicate, and never be excluded or discriminated against. She showed me that no matter how many times you get knocked down, you never, ever give up.
Beyond them, I’ve also been shaped by the powerful, empathetic women in my career—
💜 My Beauty Therapy tutors, who built my confidence and skills.
💜 My Manager from my grassroots organisation, who led by example and made a real impact.
These women taught me the importance of lifting others as we climb, and I carry that lesson with me every day.
