A look back: 2024 Women+ of Colour in Leadership programme with Hope&Glory and The Body Coach
- Written byStudent Communications
- Published date 31 July 2024
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As part of UAL’s Creative Shift’s annual Women+ of Colour (W+CinL) in Leadership programme, students have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and gain industry experience by responding to a live brief.
This year, Creative Shift partnered with PR company Hope&Glory, giving the 2024 cohort the chance to design a creative campaign for their client The Body Coach, aiming help people everywhere feel healthier and happier.
The programme was a huge success, with participants gaining valuable leadership skills and industry insights. As it concludes, we caught up with 2024 participants Chelsea BA Interior Design student Gurinayat Kaur and LCC BA Journalism student Lena Mohammed to hear about their experiences. We also spoke with previous (2023) participant and Ambassador for the 2024 project, CSM BA Architecture student Tireni Adeniji.
What motivated you to join the W+CinL programme?
Lena: I first learned about the programme in 2023, however, imposter syndrome held me back. What motivated me to apply this year was gaining more insight into the programme, reading about it, listening to podcasts discussing its details, and being brutally honest with myself about what I wanted to achieve. That sense of being heard and understood was my motivation, and the discipline came from attending these impactful sessions.
Tireni: After the profound impact the program had on me last year, I jumped at the chance to pay it forward as Graduate Ambassador. I was so grateful for the mentorship I received and wanted to guide this year's participants through that same transformative experience. It's a way to give back while reinforcing my own leadership journey.
“If you're a woman of colour looking to unleash your fullest potential as a creative leader and visionary, this is the programme for you.” - Tireni Adeniji.
Were there any particular challenges or obstacles that you were trying to overcome?
Gurinayat: Joining the W+CinL programme was crucial for overcoming my Imposter Syndrome. As a woman of colour, I often felt undeserving of my achievements, struggling with self-doubt and a sense of not belonging. This programme offered a supportive community and tools to confront these feelings, helping me recognise my worth and potential. Now, I feel empowered to embrace my identity and step confidently into leadership roles, knowing my unique perspective is not just valid but invaluable.
Lena: Balancing a full-time job, agency work, and my responsibilities as a final-year student was overwhelming. I had financial responsibilities to support my family and care for my sick mother. Additionally, coming from a poor and ethnic minority background, I faced cultural dilemmas and feelings of shame and unworthiness. I doubted if I could ever become the journalist, I always dreamed of being.
How has the programme met or exceeded your expectations?
Gurinayat: I anticipated gaining leadership skills and a network, but what I received was far more transformative. The programme provided an empowering community where my experiences as a woman of colour were not only understood but celebrated. It helped me to dismantle my Imposter Syndrome and embrace my unique strengths. It fostered a sense of belonging and confidence that I had been seeking, equipping me to step into leadership roles with assurance and authenticity.
What are the key things that you learnt during the programme?
Lena: I learned about the importance of self-belief and recognising my worth, effective strategies to combat imposter syndrome, practical leadership skills, the value of networking and building a supportive community, how to leverage my unique perspectives and experiences as strengths in leadership roles and the discipline to prioritise myself, which in turn helped me prioritise the people I love.
Tireni: As a Graduate Ambassador, I learned invaluable skills in active listening, empathy, creating a safe and welcoming space, and motivating others through shared vulnerability. I also reinforced technical skills like public speaking and giving constructive feedforward.
Since completing the programme have you noticed any changes in your leadership style?
Gurinayat: I have felt a change in my leadership style when in negotiation situations, where it can be difficult to juggle group dynamics. I feel more confident in being able to voice my own opinions whilst being able to empathise with others’ perspectives to support them too.
Tireni: My leadership style is now grounded in fostering the potential of others, not just myself. I lead with even more patience, intention, and commitment to lifting up diverse voices. I'm also more adaptable and willing to put myself in leadership positions.
Can you describe a particularly impactful moment from your time on the programme?
Gurinayat: The networking session with other women of colour in leadership positions was particularly insightful. Hearing their stories and insights was inspiring and reinforced the power of community and shared experiences in our leadership journeys. It taught me about the importance of staying authentic, essential to forging long lasting connections.
Tireni: There was one student who reminded me so much of myself when I participated last year - had a lot to share but dealt with self-doubt. Seeing her speak with confidence after I shared my own journey overcoming insecurities around public speaking was an impactful moment.
Would you recommend this programme to others, and if so, why?
Gurinayat: Absolutely, it offers invaluable opportunities to connect with inspiring women leaders, gain practical leadership skills, and build a supportive network. The programme empowers you to embrace your unique background and confidently navigate your leadership journey. It's an enlightening experience that fosters growth, resilience, and a sense of community.
Lena: Without a doubt, it offers an empowering experience that equips you with essential leadership skills and fosters a deep sense of self-worth and community. The programme addresses the unique challenges faced by women+ of colour and provides tailored support to help overcome these barriers. It is a safe and empowering space where you can grow both personally and professionally.
How will you take the skills you have developed in the programme and apply to your personal or professional life?
Lena: I will apply the skills I developed in the programme in various ways. Professionally, I will use my improved confidence and communication skills to take on leadership roles and advocate for myself and others. I will implement strategies for prioritising tasks and setting goals to enhance my productivity and effectiveness. Personally, I will continue to build and nurture a supportive network, valuing the importance of community and mutual support. Since completing the programme.
“I have taken on a leadership role in university project, applying the skills I learned and also started a mentorship initiative within my community to support other young women+ of colour.” - Lena Mohammed
Tireni: I'm now equipped to create more spaces where people feel empowered. Through my work as a Changemaker at Central Saint Martins, I've been directly applying the public speaking, and leadership skills I developed during the programme. In this pioneering role, I use my skills to advocate for more equitable and inclusive practices within the University.
What are your next steps now that you've completed the programme?
Gurinayat: I look forward to applying them to secure an Interior Design internship and applying my collaborative, leadership and presentation skills, when pitching design ideas in a team setting.
“This programme has truly prepared me to elevate my designs and impact the industry.” - Gurinayat Kaur
Tireni: I'm exploring ways to create more access and representation for women of colour in creative fields like architecture and design. My goal is to become someone who consistently uplifts the next generation of diverse voices and ethical leaders.
What would you say to someone considering join the programme?
Gurinayat: Go for it! This programme is a game-changer. It offers invaluable opportunities to connect with inspiring leaders, build a supportive network, and gain practical skills that will elevate your career. It empowers you to embrace your unique background and confidently step into leadership roles. You'll leave with a renewed sense of confidence, a wealth of knowledge, and a community that celebrates your journey. It's an investment in yourself that you won't regret.
Lena: I would say: do it. This programme is an invaluable opportunity to grow and develop as a leader. It provides a supportive and empowering environment where you can confront and overcome personal challenges, gain practical skills, and build a strong network of like-minded individuals. It is an investment in yourself and your future, and the benefits will extend far beyond the duration of the programme. The programme will help you see your own worth, reclaim your power, and know that what you say is important.
Women+ of Colour in Leadership and Creative Shift
Women+ of Colour in Leadership is a 10-week project designed to inspire and empower UAL students who identify as female or non-binary to thrive in the creative industries as future leaders.
The opportunity allows 15 students to develop various aspects of leadership through coaching provided by Jannett Morgan, Director of JM Learning & Skills , while applying their learnings to an industry live brief.
Find out more about Women+ in Leadership
The project is part of Creative Shift, UAL's initiative striving to shape diversity in the creative industries.