Hannah A, Diversity and Inclusion Expert and Entrepreneur

What did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was growing up, I always dreamt of working in a bank! As a young girl, the bank always seemed like an important place where people wore suits and money was exchanged. I was always intrigued by the operations. That is why it's so ironic that I started my banking career at 16 and spent 17 years progressing from cashier to global director. 

What do you want most in the future? 

Change.

I pray that the future is brighter than our present and that we live in a world with more love and balance. I want to live in a future where equality is the goal, and my children have equitable opportunities to thrive across society. 

What’s been your biggest achievement to date? 

I have so many! From being a mother of three, wife, to building a successful career from banking cashier at 16 to Group Head and Partner of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at a Global Real Estate firm. Cultivating a personal brand that aligns with my core values and purpose has propelled me to new heights, setting me on the global stage as an award-winning Diversity thought leader and well-regarded and respected speaker and ambassador! Being selected to meet Michelle Obama will always be a highlight for me. Still, I think being able to motivate and inspire those coming behind me through my own life experiences is one of my best achievements so far.

What’s your advice to other women/girls? 

Be the change you want to see! 

Your beginning does not determine your end, and building a network of different perspectives, experiences, cultures, and races will serve you well throughout your life and career. 

What does it mean being a black woman in your industry?

In the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion profession, it means using my voice for change; it means listening and learning to speak for those who can't speak; it means creating opportunities for those coming behind me and being a visible role model to those around me.  

In Real Estate, it means being comfortable with being the first, the only, the disruptor! It means understanding that ignorance presents an opportunity and that inclusion is a journey, not a destination.

What school did you go to?  

I went to St Michael's Roman Catholic College in Bermondsey, London 

What is the most important thing in the world to you? 

Watching my family grow and thrive, breaking generational ties, having good physical and mental health and living a purposeful and fruitful life