1. Can you tell us a bit about your professional journey?
My first experience in a professional environment was my work with Obama’s re-election campaign in 2012. Working for 6 months in Florida, I quickly understood how involved American citizens are in civic life, campaigning, and that they really draw from their lived experiences when they vote and how they choose to be active in politics..
When I got back in the UK, I volunteered for an MP, a Lib Dem MP in London, and he offered me my first proper job a few months later. I got to interact with constituents, but I also got to go to Parliament and work on both elements of UK politics. That gave me a really good understanding of policy and public affairs and is the reason I am where I am today.
2. What drew you to the charity sector?
The charity sector particularly was really interesting to me because after working in Parliament and hearing from lots of different voices, you realise that there are so many issues that people are interested in and passionate about. And then there are the areas of interest that the MP has themselves and how these two align.
I was really interested in the charity sector, it is there to bring voices from lots of different communities together on lots of different issues; I worked in social care first, because of my experience working for the MP, but my other passion is education. I wanted to be able to use my knowledge and experience and help others achieve ecognition of their voices and of their policy priorities.
3. Do you have any personal stories to share relating to an experience with public speaking?
While I was working for an education charity, I was briefing a senior member of staff that was going to sit on a panel of experts. Last minute, the senior colleague couldn’t make it so I was put in their place as I had done the briefing. I knew the topic well but was the most junior member on the panel. It was quite jarring going from doing the briefing to doing the speaking. I shared the 5 minute remarks I had to make which was slightly terrifying, but received a round of applause as I finished (while that the other panellists did not) so I was taken aback, but I also felt so proud, and it was definitely a positive first experience in public speaking.
4. Why do you think young voices matter?
Everybody should be able to find their voice and use their voice to advocate for themselves, for their families, for their communities, and for the things that they believe in.
In my line of work, I think politicians need to understand that they are making policy for future generations, not just the people that come out and vote for you because they are 18 and over. And very rarely do they even think about 18 year olds. Iff you can find your voice, you can advocate for the things that that you want government to do or that you want your local council to do, that will make your life, your community’s life better.
5. If you were to participate in the Speak Out Challenge, what topic would you choose to give a 3-min speech about?
The importance of young women all over the world having access to education.
I feel really passionate and strongly about this because I think that it can change the whole trajectory of a person, but also of a country, having female leaders, having females go into business, set up their own charities and organisations. It’s just so vital.
6. What are you most looking forward to as a Trustee at Speakers Trust?
I am looking forward to seeing all the programmes unfold, and how young people respond to the workshops.
I really want other people, especially in policy making, to recognise the power of the work that the Speakers Trust does and maybe I can be a tiny cog in joining the dots between young people finding their voices and that having an impact on how our elected officials and our civic leaders engage with young people.