For our next story, Irene Adeyinka, a Senior Culture and Inclusion Specialist EMEA, shares her journey from social care to HR and then Diversity and Inclusion. She explains how the value of education, embedded in her through her background, has stayed with her through her whole career journey. She talks about her proudest achievements, being on the Board of Goldsmiths University and being nominated for the Diversity Awards. She concludes by sharing her advice with others explaining how to try everything, grow in confidence and to trust the process.
Early Life and Education
I am Black British of Nigerian heritage. I grew up in Essex and now live in London, which means I can confidently confirm Nigerian Jollof rice is the best and can direct you to great places in Essex for a chippy tea.
Education was a cornerstone of my upbringing, seen as a key to overcoming barriers and having a good life. Education is what drew my grandparents to start a life in the UK in the 1950s. In true Nigerian alignment, my grandparents would have preferred me to study one of the ‘highly favoured’ career paths: Law, Medicine, Teaching, or Engineering. I chose to study Psychology and reassured my grandad that I would likely become a ‘Doctor of the Mind’.
University Life in London
I moved to London for university to embark on my journey to become a ‘Doctor of the Mind’. I had an amazing experience at university; I enjoyed every module of my course, student nights at ‘McCluskey’s’, and the lifelong friendships I made.
Navigating the Professional World
Post-graduation celebrations at the peak of the recession soon made me realize I was ill-equipped for the professional world. Navigating the corporate landscape, crafting a CV, and networking were all foreign concepts to me. After applying for over fifty Psychology Assistant jobs with no success, I needed to change tactics.
Volunteering and Early Career
I started volunteering at a youth service while working in my retail job. I supported young people in various aspects of their lives, from relationships to securing part-time jobs. I saw potential in them that they often couldn’t see themselves, and I dedicated myself to nurturing that belief. My commitment led me from a volunteer role to a youth worker and eventually to a youth manager. However, funding cuts forced me to transition. I moved on to working in family support services, working with displaced individuals, often young carers. I provided advocacy for their mental health needs, opportunities for respite, and made sure they stayed in education. I met people and heard stories that made me understand the importance of mental health and inclusion for a good quality of life.
Advancing in Mental Health and Social Care
With a growing understanding of mental health, I shifted to working in a mental health ward, aiding patients post-discharge with adapting to life back in the community. I managed three residential homes for people experiencing homelessness and those detoxing from addiction. During my time, I witnessed an alarming rate of young black men being sectioned, often without clear reasoning. These experiences fuelled my passion for advocacy for race equity in black communities. They led me to work with projects like Black Thrive and ‘Culturally-adapted Family Intervention (CaFI)’ that were focused on developing mental health frameworks which considered cultural nuances.
Transition to Diversity and Inclusion
My background in social care paved the way for me to work in diversity and inclusion. I strive to help others understand the importance of inclusion, the need for change, and how leaders can support this transformation. I now work for a global business law firm across Europe to shape the strategic direction of change with an understanding of different cultures.
Achievements and Recognition
One of my proudest moments was joining the board of Goldsmiths University, a milestone I once thought unattainable. I didn’t know I could be a board member until I took a course with OLMEC, the black-on-board course, which taught me a lot about governance and myself as a leader. At the university, I advise on race equity, mental health, and graduate success.
Another highlight was being shortlisted for the Burberry Diversity Awards for my DEI work, which led to a newspaper feature and attendance at the awards in March 2024. It was a surreal moment, a testament to my journey and efforts. It is not quite the Doctor’s trajectory my Grandad envisioned, but I am sure he is proud of the choices I have made.
Continuing Education and Community Support
My mum instilled curiosity in me. My love for learning continues to drive me; I attend talks and seminars and read extensively on DEI and other interests. The sense of community and support I experienced growing up has shaped who I am today. Having a family that always gives me the space to be creative and stand behind me, close friends who uphold and remind me of the mission, and my network who share insights and knowledge that support my professional development. I believe in collective success and the need to lift as I climb.
Reflection and Advice
Reflecting on my career, I wish I had known that everyone feels clueless at the start. Confidence grows over time, and the journey itself is what is most important. My advice? Try everything. You don’t need to stick to a prescribed path. This doesn’t mean quitting your job without a plan but rather exploring interests through volunteering or networking. Engage with people, take courses, and embrace learning. Your goals may evolve, and that’s okay.
Always ask yourself: what do you risk by not trying?
