Reclaiming my narrative: my story in a nutshell

Black History Month for me has always been a time to pause, reflect, and reaffirm my commitment to two primary things.

First, to celebrate and promote the achievements of the black community while being intentional about addressing any racism that still exists today, and second to promote understanding and diversity in a broad sense, ultimately breaking down the walls of fear and ignorance with knowledge and love.

When thinking of the idea of reclaiming narratives, it takes me back to when I was a fresh graduate – enthusiastic, driven and buzzing with ideas. I joined my first organisation, excited to learn and engage but ended up leaving, feeling deflated and with a knock to my self-esteem. In that role, my spark, enthusiasm and confidence were dimmed as my voice was constantly silenced and ignored, while peers around me were encouraged to speak up and provide ideas and input. This led me to question what I believed about myself.

I then decided to take a career break, during which period I got married and had a child and had plenty of time to reflect and think about what I wanted my next phase to look like. I proposed to myself that I would not be silenced this time, I would have a voice. I wanted my child to see me as an example of someone who was unafraid to speak up, and to be proud of me as his mother. This was a first step to reclaiming my story.

When I was ready to go back after many conversations with family and friends that had similar encounter and learning new skills during my break. I started applying for jobs and eventually landed a role in the payroll industry. I did start with a little apprehension, wondering if I would be fully accepted, wondering if my race was going to factor in, again. Thankfully, this was a space where I could reclaim my voice, my spark and my confidence, enjoying a productive 10 years there.

Then in September 2020, I joined MotoNovo Finance. Here, I’ve been able to find communities by joining the EmbRace Network, participating in the Embrace Your Future program in May 2024 and joining the Family and Carer’s network in June 2024. I decided to join these two communities as the bring people from diverse backgrounds to work to a common goal .i.e. supporting diversity and supporting families.

Here, again thankfully, I’ve found a place where I can show up authentically in my strength, ready to contribute, learn and grow. Currently working towards my development and pursuing a career in business and data analytics.

In all, I’m grateful for my experiences, as they are fully mine and have shaped me into the person I am today. From the young graduate I’ve learned to not let other’s opinions or actions define who I am or shake my self-belief. From the young mother, I’ve learned to not let past experiences deter me from putting myself out there again or from getting involved. And as the woman I am today, I am confident in the fact that my story will always be mine, and I alone have the power to rewrite it.