Alieda, Financial Policy Expert
What did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was six years old, my mum was sadly attacked by a group of racist men who didn’t want her - a black teacher - teaching at her south London school. Because of that, when I was younger I was adamant I wanted to either be a police officer and catch the men who unfortunately still haven’t been caught to this day, or a school teacher - following in my mum and grandma’s steps.
What do you want most in the future?
Success - in every facet of my life. When it comes to work, I want to be best in my field and rise to positions that allow me to make key decisions and make a difference in my organisation. For my family, I want to be able to provide for them and set them up for success and happiness in any way I can. And more generally, I want to enjoy the years I have on this earth, contributing to it in a positive way, and leaving it in a better place than I found it. That’s success for me.
What’s been your biggest achievement to date?
Before March 2023, I would have said being promoted Senior Manager before the age of 30. It felt incredible to have my hard work and perseverance rewarded in such a tangible way and in a pretty difficult industry. However, in March 2023 I gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby boy, and that now trumps everything!
What’s your advice to other women/girls?
Believe in yourself and know that you are enough! All you need to succeed is already within you. Make sure the path you follow is your own, and don’t compare it to anyone else’s.
What does it mean being a black woman in your industry?
You are often - if not always - the only black girl in the room and, as such, you always stand out. I used to be really embarrassed and self-conscious of this - scared to speak up, scared to say the wrong thing, convinced everyone else deserved to be there and knew more than me. But I’ve learned to use it to my advantage - out of everyone in the room, I’m the one who will be remembered!
What school did you go to?
I went to Prendergast Hilly Fields in Ladywell for secondary school, and then to St Francis Xavier Sixth Form College in Clapham. I then ventured outside of London for university, where I attended Loughborough University in the East Midlands.
What is the most important thing in the world to you?
My family. No matter what, they have always been there for me and my main motivator in life is to make them proud and be able to support them. My mum and grandma are the most inspirational women I have met and I owe a lot of my success to them both. I also have a little brother and sister who are 15 and 13, and I love being the big sister I wish I had when I was growing up. And I now also have my own little family - my husband and my son - who mean the entire world to me.