Tukiya, Entrepreneur and NHS violence reduction manager (Youth violence)

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A doctor, business woman, a motivational speaker. 

What do you want most in the future? 

I aspire to be happily married, travel the world with my family, and continuously contribute through socially impactful businesses. I wish for my siblings and future children to grow up in environments where they are encouraged to thrive, where they have the freedom to play, experiment, fail without fear, and feel absolutely beautiful in their own skin.

From my experiences in the UK, I've observed that Black women often face multifaceted attacks — from critiques of their beauty and body size to challenges in maternity healthcare and issues of sexualization and adultification. Young Black men are frequently stereotyped and marginalized from a young age, which can profoundly impact their self-perception and beliefs about their potential and worth.

Looking to the future, I want all people to have the opportunity to thrive, not merely survive. It's essential that we create a world where every individual, regardless of their background, can achieve their full potential without facing systemic barriers or biases.

What’s been your biggest achievement to date? 

Deciding to leave a high-paying job to pursue a master's degree in a field I am passionate about was a pivotal moment in my life. Transitioning from work to study, I attended one of the world's top universities, the London School of Economics and Political Sciences. To this day, I continue to reap the benefits of this decision. Just three months ago, I completed an incredible and prestigious business accelerator program offered by the university, accessible to me as an alumnus. This program, along with the connections I made, is supporting my business to scale, enhancing my skills as a founder and leader.

Over the past year, my greatest achievement has been refocusing on my health and rest. I've had two significant moments of reset in my life concerning health and rest — one during the COVID-19 pandemic and the other this year. I've come to understand that being emotionally, spiritually, and physically healthy is paramount for any leader. It is, in fact, the most important thing. The realization that I always need to consider 'who is serving the server' has been crucial. I cannot serve from an empty cup. My business, and indeed any endeavor or relationship, can only thrive if I am healthy.

What’s your advice to other women/girls? 

Always speak up for yourself. The world often hesitates to advocate for women, particularly Black women. Trust in your voice and share it with the world; it deserves to be heard, and you are worthy of being listened to. Surround yourself with mentors who genuinely wish to see you grow. Begin this practice early, and equally, be a mentor to other girls. Remember to celebrate your own achievements as you navigate through life. It might take longer than anticipated to reach your goals, but cherish your victories. Don't rush towards the next milestone or overlook a blessing just because the journey to your destination is taking a bit longer. Lastly, prioritize your health above all; from a place of well-being, you can then effectively extend yourself to others.

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

At 21, I was filled with fear, especially about holding a significant position and often being the only person in the room who looked like me. I recall a pivotal moment at 23 when I secured a high-paying role and attended my first board meeting. Surrounded by mostly older white men and one white woman, all at least 20 years my senior, I felt immense pressure and fear. However, in hindsight, I recognize how much I deserved to be in that room. Being a Black woman in my industry has taught me the importance of recognizing that I always deserve to be in the room. Understanding my value and worth allows me to speak with authority, trust my instincts, and act out of passion rather than fear.

Now, as I navigate between the worlds of entrepreneurship/start-up lifestyle and public health, being a Black woman means standing tall, opening doors for others, listening to communities, and collaborating to ensure equity. In both industries, my presence and contributions are about making a difference and paving the way for more inclusive spaces.

What school did you go to?  

I attended Berkeley Primary School, then Cranford Community College, followed by Richmond College, before progressing to Hertfordshire University and finally, the London School of Economics and Political Sciences. My time in primary and secondary school was particularly memorable. Coming from a financially challenged borough in London, my school was a vibrant mix of first and second-generation migrant children from nearly every continent. Many of us had to overcome language barriers, as numerous students initially couldn't speak English.

What united us was a strong determination to succeed, fuelled not only by our personal ambitions but also by the sacrifices our parents made to settle in the UK. We shared common experiences of hardship and struggle, with many of us coming from council estates. Despite these challenges, our school life was filled with laughter and a sense of community. We always shared whatever we had, creating a bond that was both unique and enduring.

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

My faith in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is the cornerstone of my identity. It is through my relationship with the Lord that I have become the woman I am today. This faith has blessed me with an incredible family, enriching friendships, and wise mentors. These blessings not only foster my own growth but also allow me to give back and nurture others.