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In order to mark Black History Month proSapient's internal ERG 'proEthnix' turned the spotlight on a remarkable individual whose dedication to advocating for the Black young professional community has inspired us and reaffirmed the importance of diversity and inclusivity within organisations.
Meet Demi Sobowale, a dynamic force within our team who in her spare time works tirelessly to amplify the voices and opportunities of Black young professionals, through her unwavering commitment and passion. We spoke to Demi to learn more about how she advocates for the Black young professional community, both within and outside the workplace.
What does diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you?
To me, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are the basic steps and guidelines that are essential in society to create a safe and intentional space for ethnic minorities to be themselves in every single way. To promote DEI means to accept who ethnic minorities are in their own sense without placing a preconceived notion of who you think they are meant to be by your own definition or the white gaze.
Can you highlight a moment or experience in your academic or professional experience that made you realise the importance of representation and diversity?
A key moment that made me realise the importance of representation and diversity, was when I had the privilege of being part of the Black Talent Awards, organised by Evenfields Careers. This was a spotlight moment for me, because being able to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements and jaw-dropping accomplishments of so many Black professionals in an array of industries, showed me that we [Black people] are unstoppable. Despite the barriers we may face as a race, or the prejudices we are constantly fighting, we still demonstrate and step out in excellence.
Seeing exceptional examples of Black talent in fields such as Finance, Transport, Energy, Not-For-Profit and Creative spaces also inspired me to believe that I can do anything I put my mind to. I can be a world-changer because there have been those who have gone before me and started shifting the tides already. I’m super excited to be a part of the generation bound to take the world by storm; the upcoming young Black professional cohort are a force to be reckoned with.
Tell us about the initiatives that you have been involved in to support aspiring Black professionals.
The Black Talent Awards is one way I have been involved in advocating for young Black professionals. I have also been involved in providing mentoring sessions for students at secondary schools and universities, as well as taking part in other initiatives such as the ‘100 BlackInterns’ Programme.
Can you share any advice or words of wisdom for other Black young professionals who are just starting their careers?
One piece of advice I would share is, never shrink yourself for anyone or anything. If an organisation/company/group/person is unable to accept you in every way, shape or form then they don’t deserve you. As a young professional, let alone a young Black professional, you have so much to offer, and if they can’t seem to recognise those talents beyond their own shortsightedness then they are not ready to experience your greatness. You are more than enough, everything you need to succeed is already installed inside you, now is the time we hone and capitalise on those skills.
Who has inspired you? Which other advocates should we be following?
So many successful Black women have inspired me this far in my career and personal life, but I think the inspiration started at home from my mother, Toksy Wales. She showed me that indeed Black women can have it all; a successful career, a functioning and beautiful family, a bubbling social life and so much more. She is the epitome of Black excellence and talent- she continually impacts and streamlines the pharmaceutical industry in her own unique way and has become an invaluable member of her organisation. She has always been my greatest source of inspiration.
There are so many Black women I can point to as inspiration, to name a few: Lola Kay-Odunsaya, Abi George, Abi Taiwo, Dr Titilayo Oyebola, Nik Muchatuta, Denise Myers, Sheryl Miller, Dr Inez Brown, Madeline McQueen...there are just so many. And I am so grateful to have so many women around me that I can look up to and think one day I can be just like them and even more.
If you would like to get involved or learn more about The Black Talent Awards click here
