Leathersellers’ Alumni

I’m a Black African British woman who grew up in south-east London. I recently graduated with a BA in Sociology from the University of Leicester, becoming the first in my family to achieve a university degree. My background and upbringing have shaped my deep interest in social justice, equality, and the fight for human rights.

I’ve just completed my undergraduate studies and I’m currently actively seeking employment and work experience within the human rights field.

I’ve been applying to roles where I can support marginalised communities, advocate for social justice, and contribute meaningfully to change. A personal highlight so far has been graduating with a sociology degree as the first in my family to do so.

This support enabled me to fully engage in my studies and make the most of my university experience. It allowed me to take part in academic and extracurricular activities without the added stress of financial burden, which would have made it extremely difficult to perform well academically.

The financial aid helped me overcome several barriers, especially those related to economic hardship and being from a background where higher education wasn’t the norm. Without it, I would have likely needed to take on full-time work alongside full-time studies, which would have been unsustainable and likely impacted my grades and well-being. It also helped me push past imposter syndrome and gave me the space to prove to myself and others that I belong in academic and professional spaces.

Honestly, I don’t think I would have been able to achieve what I have without the Foundation’s support. Their funding was not just financial, it was a show of belief in my potential. Without it, balancing university and full-time work would have significantly impacted my performance and opportunities.

Absolutely. The grant has played a key role in improving my chances of social mobility. It allowed me to earn a degree, gain confidence, and position myself for future roles in the human rights sector.

I love the sense of community and connection to others who have had similar journeys. It’s inspiring to see where other alumni have gone and it motivates me to keep pushing toward my goals. It also creates opportunities for networking and mentorship.

Being a Leathersellers’ Foundation alumni means being part of a legacy that uplifts and empowers people from all backgrounds. It’s a reminder of how much support can shape someone’s future, and I feel incredibly grateful to be part of that story.

My long-term ambition is to work within the United Nations specifically in roles that promote and protect human rights globally. I want to be part of shaping policies and programmes that support marginalised communities.