Barclays UK celebrates Black History Month

To celebrate Black History Month UK, we spoke to members of the Barclays Black Professionals Resource Group about the work they do to support Black colleagues and communities. From supporting Black-owned businesses, to inspiring young Black girls, the work they do makes a difference and is worthy of year-round recognition. 

 

Kesi Okechi, Employee Communications Manager

 

I am... championing Black creative culture

Since joining Barclays four years ago, I’ve dedicated my time to create and spotlight opportunities for Black colleagues of all grades. Sometimes, progression is more than having a good CV or mentor in your corner, it’s about getting a look-in on the opportunities in the first place – something I needed when first joining the business. Now, for every opportunity I receive, I push Black junior colleagues to share the ‘spotlight’ with me, making sure senior leaders know their name and capabilities before my own.

Through events, podcasts and colleague celebrations I work to create opportunities, raise awareness and push for change for all Black colleagues, including the ones we don’t often see or hear. My goal is to give colleagues, no matter their grade or where they’re based, the best opportunity to build their networks, confidence, and eventually their career – however they see fit. 

 

Emmanuel Ojo, Graduate Analyst

 

I am... raising awareness of Black-owned fashion brands

I work with small Black businesses, specifically fashion brands, to create more awareness by pushing their work via my creative platform. Additionally, my Church is quite Black-youth focused and I’ve had the opportunity to speak and push positive narratives on life within this space.

 

Tami Kuboye, Digital Programme Manager

 

I am... leading by example for Black women in Tech

As Co-Chair of Women in Tech, I believe that representation is so important. Gender stereotypes and lack of role models affect girls’ interest in STEM from an early age. Yet, even when women get STEM degrees, many do not pursue STEM jobs. Gender discrimination and bias at work also discourage women from entering or remaining in STEM jobs and my vision is for someone to see a person like me crushing it and thinking ‘if she can do it, so can I’.

 

 

I am... changing the narrative for young Black women

I started at Barclays when I was 17 years old. People often ask me what challenges I faced throughout my career – I didn’t see women that looked like me. Now I’m developing in my career, I want to change that narrative for young Black girls.

I organise events in schools to showcase successful women from different industries, to share their story and be a representation of successful women in the workplace. I recently spoke to a year 10 student that had attended a previous event with a female barrister. It had inspired her to follow a similar career path and that gives me a real sense of pride.

 

Ayo Windapo, Senior Project Manager

 

I am... creating pathways for Black colleagues to reach their true potential

As someone within the leadership team of the Black Professionals Resource Group (BPRG), I have the ability and influence to help drive change and make Barclays an increasingly inclusive and attractive place to work, especially for our Black colleagues where they can reach their true potential.

I’m building multiple talent development programmes through the BPRG to recognise colleagues and enhance their career progression opportunities. By showcasing departments actively seeking more diverse hires, I help create pathways for our talented but sometimes under-recognised colleagues for justifiable promotion.