Why did you want to join EYF's YAB?

The YAB is a great way to start my giveback initiative and lay the groundwork for a career in youth development. EY Foundation care about the impact that young people have on this world, and I believe it is our collective mission to help shape our future leaders in the most efficient ways possible.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of your tenure?

I hope to gain a deeper understanding of youth upskilling programmes, the problems they face and see first-hand the positive impacts they have in society. I also aim to diversify my network and gain insight from those who have embarked on the journey of corporate development.

Fun fact: I lived in Ghana for 2 years when I was 12 years old 

Why did you want to join EYF's YAB?

I understand the difficulties that young people from a disadvantaged background face on a daily basis, including the barriers into education and the workplace. Therefore, I have joined as I am particularly passionate about bringing out the ‘youth voice’ for young people by amplifying their opinions and voices to employers and organisations so that these barriers can be broken down!

What do you hope to achieve by the end of your tenure?

I am passionate about empowering the thoughts and opinions of young people; this will require me to gain an in-depth understanding of what young people would like to see organisations bring to the workplace and beyond. Therefore, I would like to work with people to share ideas, advance and develop. Whilst doing so, I hope to support young people with their confidence so that they have a ‘growth mindset’ when entering the workplace. 

Fun fact: I love to dance, and have learnt Street, Latin and Contemporary, but now mainly do K-Pop

Why did you want to join EYF's YAB?

I am deeply passionate about amplifying the youth voice, particularly for those from underrepresented and low socio-economic backgrounds. I want to have a direct impact on the lives of young people, especially those facing significant challenges. My experiences on various youth boards and my work with non-profit organisations dedicated to supporting BAME individuals in local communities has provided me with valuable insights into the hurdles these young people face in their working, academic, and social lives.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of your tenure?

Being a member of the board will allow me to be at the forefront of shaping policies and actively participating in conversations related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. I am driven to contribute meaningfully to these dialogues and advocate for policies and initiatives that promote equal opportunities for all young individuals, regardless of their backgrounds. 

Fun fact: I enjoy creating and designing graphics.

Why did you want to join EYF's YAB?

I applied for EYF’s YAB since I wanted to help break down barriers and misconceptions regarding diversity and inclusivity within the workplace . I found that EYF’s commitment to using courage to overcome issues within the workplace resonated strongly with me, and I hope to empower other young people with that same message. 

What do you hope to achieve by the end of your tenure?

I hope to help EYF further develop their youth voice and DEI strategy. I would like to develop my skills of advocacy and public speaking to potentially enact policy changes and see our work recognised on a national level. Chiefly, I want to ensure that anyone, regardless of their background, recognises their worth in a work environment and that they have the skills to thrive.

Fun fact: I have a three-legged cat.

Why did you want to join EYF's YAB?

Having had lots of experience working in advocacy and volunteering spaces, I wanted to bring my angle to the EY Foundation. I am interested in learning more about the issues young people face when entering and navigating through the workforce to achieve their career goals.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of your tenure?

I want to work towards improving the perception of young people with disabilities by increasing their representation in the workplace. As a Deaflympian (DLY), I have had to overcome many barriers and persevered to achieve my goals. This mindset will enable me to be a great representative for EYF, showcasing to the young people we work with that their goals can be achievable.

Fun fact: I am a swimming Deaflympian and a former Australian Captain, having represented Australia three times on the international stage.

Why did you want to join EYF's YAB?

I am excited to join the YAB and serve as an advocate for ethnic minorities. I have a keen interest in the field of AI and am committed to leveraging my position to amplify voices, especially those of girls, and actively engage the community in this transformative industry. My dedication to diversity and inclusion aligns seamlessly with EYF’s mission, and I am eager to contribute to its impactful initiatives.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of your tenure?

During my tenure, I would like to work closely with EYF on their Digital strategy, especially around the emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence. I look forward to working with young people, especially young women, and showing them the benefits of these tools. I aspire to contribute significantly to an informed, diverse community, dismantling barriers and empowering individuals to embrace the myriad of opportunities out there! 

Fun fact: I performed the play Macbeth in the Palace Theatre before a member of the royal family.

Why did you want to  join EYF's YAB?

I would like to be a part of the EYF Youth Advisory Board to work with like-minded young individuals in expanding the Foundation's reach, raising awareness of the programmes, and empowering young people from low-income backgrounds.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of your tenure?

I would like to have deepened my understanding of the issues young people face when leaving formal education. There is always something new to learn and being on the YAB will allow me to acquire more knowledge of ways we can better equip young people both in education and outside of education; for example, through schemes the Foundation runs, such as paid work experience, employability skills training and career guidance.

Fun fact: I have held a baby alligator on my head!

Why did you want to join EYF's YAB?

Since becoming an ambassador for EYF my experience has broadened significantly and along with it, my passion and commitment to social mobility for young people like myself. Amongst other reasons, that is why I joined EYF’s YAB, and hopefully by the end of my tenure, I have contributed towards a tangible, positive impact on young people in the UK.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of your tenure?

By the end of my tenure my ambition is to progress in my personal development whilst also doing an outstanding job at fulfilling my role. I was heavily inspired by the previous YAB cohort and how much they had grown throughout their tenure and will be following in their footsteps, setting an exemplary example to future YAB cohorts.

Fun fact: My great grandfather was one of the first Prime Ministers of Trinidad.

Why did you want to join EYF's YAB?

I am excited to further develop some of my skills, like leadership, decision-making and self-confidence, while serving on the YAB. I am passionate about empowerment, leadership, and community service. With a particular interest in Mental Health advocacy, I am excited to work on projects to help give back to local communities. It excites me to utilise my advocacy skills alongside like-minded individuals aiming for positive change.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of your tenure?

By the end of my tenure, I would like to have improved my strategic thinking, and how to create impactful change. I believe the YAB will teach me how to set long term goals and how to achieve them. I also hope to learn advocacy skills gaining experience on how to advocate for specific issue or cause.

Fun fact: I have spoken at 10 Downing Street.

Why did you want to  join EYF's YAB?

I wanted to join the YAB as I had previously volunteered on EYF programmes and was keen to get involved further. I am passionate about social mobility and ensuring all young people have equal opportunities to thrive, regardless of their socio-economic background. I'm keen to ensure that young people don't believe that 'opportunities at top firms aren't for the likes of me', as I once did, and know how to use any 'adversity' they've overcome to work in their favour. 

What do you hope to achieve by the end of your tenure?

I am keen to build an awareness of EYF across the country, especially in ‘deprived’ areas. Coming from Blackpool, there wasn’t much information out there to support the professional development of people from low-income backgrounds. I am keen to support EYF as they work towards their ambition and create long lasting positive change for the young people we support. I want to support my fellow YAB members, ensuring that we learn from each other and have equal opportunities and voice, regardless of socio-economic background.  

Fun fact: I was a flyer in my university’s cheerleading team.

Why did you want to join EYF's YAB?

I joined the EY Foundation’s Youth Advisory Board to build upon my commitment to youth social action and passion for youth engagement in key decision-making. Having previously campaigned for educational equity, the YAB is the perfect platform for me to further my ultimate ambition, ensuring that all young people – irrespective of race, gender, socioeconomic status, or geographic location – have a voice and the necessary resources to reach their potential.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of your tenure?

I hope to maximise all the opportunities on the YAB, aiming to create a more equitable society in which all young people can thrive. This might include demystifying certain careers that individuals from low-income backgrounds may be discouraged from targeting or that may seem out of reach. It is vital to work with employers to make the workplace a more welcoming environment. Most of all, when meeting young people from across the country, I would like to instil a strong belief and leave them assured that they have the skills and resources necessary to be successful. 

Fun fact: I was an extra in a Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg movie series.

Why did you want to join EYF's YAB?

I joined the YAB as I would like to be part of a charity which provides unique opportunities and support for young people from low-income backgrounds. The role will help me gain invaluable skills and allow me to contribute my insights and ideas in real projects. As a previous EYF programme participant, I am very happy to be sitting on the YAB now, especially with like-minded individuals from all over the country.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of your tenure?

By the end of my tenure, I hope to reflect on the YAB’s collective achievements including the impact that has been possible due to our respective contributions and commitment to the YAB. I would like to take advantage of every opportunity that I can and create life-long connections. I hope the meaningful conversations with young people will also continue outside of the YAB because we are the future.

Fun fact: I have met the late Queen and Royal Family.