October is jam packed with different things to spotlight and celebrate. This year, our Belonging Network suggested that we pick up the #BlackHistoryMonth theme of “Reclaiming narratives” and give our black team members a platform to share their story with the rest of Bravissimo.
Throughout October we’ve shared different stories from people across Bravissimo on our intranet and through poster displays at our Warehouse, and as promised, we wanted those team members to also have a platform on LinkedIn to share with you all their words.
Today’s story comes from Zainab Muhammad Kande, one of our consultants in Customer Services ❤️
Zainab’s Story:
From the moment I embarked on my journey with Bravissimo on January 8, 2024, I knew I was stepping into something transformative. Growing up in a large, loving family, I was surrounded by warmth and unity.
Yet, there was a prevailing narrative that weighed heavily on the women in my life: the expectation that once we achieved our diplomas, our paths would lead towards marriage or securing financial stability, effectively putting our dreams on hold. I watched as my aunties, strong and capable, deferred their aspirations until after marriage.
As the first grandchild among over 55 relatives, I felt the responsibility to shift this narrative for the younger generations—my sisters, my cousins, and all the girls who came after me. I made a promise to myself: I would be the change.
With unwavering determination, I became the first female in my family to earn a Bachelor of Science degree abroad, breaking a cycle that had persisted for generations. But I didn’t stop there. I embraced love, married, and welcomed my first child into the world, all the while pursuing my first master’s degree. The journey was not without its challenges. Juggling motherhood and studies demanded everything I had, but with the steadfast support of my husband, family, and friends, I pressed on. I wanted to show everyone, especially the young girls in my community, that dreams can coexist with love and family.
Today, as I pursue my second master’s degree, I reflect on the hurdles I've overcome. The road was often rocky and fraught with criticism, yet each challenge became a stepping stone towards my dreams. I stood firm in my beliefs, drawing strength from the very adversity that sought to hold me back.
My story is not just mine; it’s a testament to the #potential within every black girl child. I am proud to be the first girl in my family to hold two master’s degrees, and I aspire to pursue a PhD. More importantly, I aim to create a platform that empowers other black girls to dream bigger and achieve more than I have.
This is not just my journey; it’s a collective call to action for all of us. Together, we can rewrite the narrative, proving that ambition and love can coexist. We can #rise, #inspire, and pave the way for future generations.
An amazing story – thank you so much Zainab Muhammad Kande ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
