My story is one shaped by the Windrush generation. My parents, immigrants from the small island of Grenada in the Caribbean, instilled in me a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the opportunities they pursued here in the UK. As the first in my family to go to university, my love for mathematics and finance fuelled my ambitions.
However, navigating career paths wasn’t always straightforward. Early guidance often steered me towards traditional roles, like nursing or secretarial work, rather than the world of finance I craved. Instead, this discouragement became my fuel. I was determined to prove them wrong and pursue my dreams.
For much of my career as a fund manager for over 25 years, I found myself as the “first and only” – the sole Black professional in the room. While this presented challenges, it also ignited a passion within me to change the narrative for future generations.
My work as Chair of the CFA UK Black Professionals Working Group is a direct reflection of this commitment. We strive to create a more inclusive space for Black professionals, fostering collaboration and empowering young minds to pursue their dreams in the investment management industry.