30 October 2024
3 min
To celebrate Black History Month in October, we conducted a series of interviews with colleagues across our firm, each sharing their unique journeys of resilience, identity, and ambition. This year’s theme centred around reclaiming narratives—empowering voices to tell their own stories.
From navigating cultural challenges to advocating for diversity in their careers, our colleagues shared their stories and shed light on what it means to embrace one’s heritage while breaking new ground in the workplace. Here, we highlight their stories, capturing key moments and reflections that celebrate their journeys.
We also sat down with Steven Scott to reflect on what Black History Month means to us. You can watch the video by clicking below:
"My journey has shown me that resilience is key and creating supportive and inclusive workplaces is essential for us all to thrive."
Identifying as Black British, Shani has challenged stereotypes, including those about Black women and swimming, a sport she loves. In her career, having colleagues who have validated her experiences and supportive mentors has empowered her to navigate these situations confidently. She values allyship and emphasizes the importance of mentorship for career growth, especially for Black professionals who may lack familial guidance in the professional world. At Hymans, Shani has witnessed positive strides in diversity and inclusion, especially following the George Floyd incident, though she believes there’s always room for improvement. Her story is a testament to the power of allyship and the importance of building inclusive spaces for everyone to thrive.
"From my beginnings in Lisbon to my current role within Hymans, I’ve learned that with determination and the right support, success is attainable for young Black professionals."
Growing up as the son of African immigrants in Portugal, Bruno navigated complex layers of identity and cultural heritage, which his parents emphasized as a source of strength. Moving to the UK in 2015, he embraced a more progressive Black experience, finding a welcoming community in Aberdeen and later, academic and professional fulfilment in Edinburgh. At Hymans Robertson, Bruno has experienced genuine support for his growth, especially in moments that required cultural sensitivity, like after the George Floyd incident. He advocates for organizations to engage with groups such as Black Professional United Kingdom to create truly inclusive workplaces that address the specific challenges Black professionals face.
"Resilience has been my driving force, and with determination and support, I believe anyone can overcome obstacles and achieve greatness."
Raised in Hampshire as one of few Black children in his school, Fasa faced racial discrimination, cultural misunderstandings and societal pressure. His father’s insistence on keeping traditional Nigerian names left a lasting impression, strengthening his commitment to his heritage. Initially aspiring to a career in art, Fasa eventually entered financial services, pivoting to compliance after watching a documentary on regulatory roles in protecting consumers. Overcoming barriers to entry, Fasa found his place in the industry and is now a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion. He emphasizes that representation, mentorship, and proactive diversity efforts are crucial for fostering growth and motivation among Black professionals.
"My journey in the UK has been about reclaiming my identity and thriving as a Black woman in a professional environment."
Originally from Nigeria, Ejiro became more conscious of her minority status upon relocating. Determined to continue her career in project management, she worked to obtain UK-recognized certifications to validate her skills and challenge stereotypes about immigrant career paths. At Hymans, Ejiro has found an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity, with role models in visible positions reinforcing a sense of possibility. She advocates for mentorship programs to support Black professionals, encouraging forums where they can share experiences and gain guidance from senior colleagues. For Ejiro, fostering community and celebrating cultural diversity in the workplace are essential to building an environment where everyone can thrive.
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