When I think back to my first day wearing my freshly bought H&M office wear… I had no idea how my time at Sussex Innovation would be. I’d spent a year diving into the dark depths of post-colonial literature and the history of Black America, not a usual background for a graduate in a business incubator. So, starting on a hot day in August with a good luck text from my folks, and a black coffee because I decided it was time to channel Meryl Streep in the Devil Wears Prada/be a bad ass, I started my new job at Sussex Innovation and a journey of discovery.

Whilst I still don’t really like black coffee, it turns out everything I learnt during University, my background and my work experience gave me a unique perspective on the world of business which my team saw, and nurtured. Taking on projects around marketing, research, PR (to name a few) and working with many of the team at Sussex Innovation, I can say with a heavy heart that I will miss everyone and everything about this role. I’ve learnt an immense amount during my time, and have grown as a person and a professional. I could not name everyone who supported me – but it’s been an honour to work with everyone at Sussex Innovation. This, OF COURSE, includes the fantastic members and clients I’ve worked with along the way.

Taking the role of Diversity Action Lead is one of my best highlights. After banging the drum about Diversity & Inculsivity, I was given the chance to share my opinions and beliefs with my team to develop a strategy with our passionate Diversity Action Group. I, of course, had no experience in this, but together with our enthusiasm and expertise within the team, we created a plan to help improve D&I within our organization and in the community. I was delighted to help us take those first steps, and look forward to seeing what’s next from our new Diversity Action Lead!

Moving to the Catalyst Team, I don’t know what words I can say to convey the love and care I have for this scheme and everyone involved. To work with such amazing people is an honour, there’s never a dull day, and to see our team grow and develop during their year is one of the biggest pleasures of all. I will miss our team immensely, and look forward to seeing where we all end up!

Now looking at myself; I see a strong woman in business, with a Young Enterprising Person of the Year award under her arm, who’s excited for the next steps in life and could not have done ANY of it without the support of my team at Sussex Innovation. Thank you to Simon for being a fabulous manager, to all the friendships I’ve made during my time and to our whole team for championing each other every step of the way.