Relly, Communications Professional
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Growing up I wanted to be a Lawyer, as I got a bit older, specifically a human rights lawyer.
What do you want most in the future?
I hope to be a senior leader in the policy and communications field, leveraging my voice to champion the cause of black and minority women. My goal is to reshape the prevailing narrative that often confines communications to a domain perceived as exclusive to ‘white middle-class individuals’. I aim to foster inclusivity, paving the way for a diverse array of voices to contribute meaningfully to the discourse and collectively drive positive change within the sector.
What’s been your biggest achievement to date?
My biggest achievement to date is assisting over 300 students from underrepresented backgrounds into corporate roles in and around London.
What’s your advice to other girls?
Be Yourself: Embrace who you are, and don't be afraid to express your unique qualities. Authenticity is empowering.
Set Goals: Define your aspirations and work towards them. Setting goals helps you stay focused and motivated.
Prioritise Self-Care: Take care of your physical and mental well-being. This includes getting enough rest, eating healthily, and finding activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Never stop learning: Whether it's through formal education or personal exploration, continuous learning enhances your skills and broadens your perspective.
Build Strong Relationships: Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who uplift and encourage you. Cultivating meaningful connections is essential for personal growth.
Be Resilient: Life is filled with challenges. Develop resilience to bounce back from setbacks, learn from experiences, and keep moving forward.
Speak Up: Your voice matters. Don't hesitate to express your thoughts and opinions. Confidence in communication is a valuable skill.
Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity.
Celebrate Your Achievements.
What does it mean being a black girl in your industry?
Being a Black girl in communications comes with a lot of challenges shaped by a combination of race, gender and other intersecting factors.
There has been a historically lack of representation for black girls in communications, this means a lot of breaking stereotypes, and working to increase representation at various levels in the sector. It involves navigating a professional environment that may not always be inclusive or understanding of diverse perspectives.
It also allows me to bring a unique perspectives and storytelling style to my job. I am able to draw from my diverse background and experiences to contribute to more inclusive and authentic narratives.
What school did you go to?
I went to school in Nigeria - Lagoon Secondary School, and also in Dorking, Surrey - Box Hill School.
What is the most important thing in the world to you?
My relationship with God and my family.