To mark Black History Month 2025, Jadesola Olusanya – Trustee at the National Children’s Bureau – writes about how she has been able to use her own lived experiences to push for change and make people feel seen and included. Family, faith and friends have kept her grounded.
Jadesola Olusanya, NCB Trustee
What made you choose your current role?
I chose to be a trustee at NCB because I really believe in the charity and the work we do. I’ve always been passionate about working with and supporting young people and have seen first-hand the value they bring. Being on the board has given me the chance to bring that expertise into the room, challenge decisions, and make sure we all stay accountable to the communities we serve.
What's your proudest achievement at work?
One of my proudest achievements has been becoming a DEI champion. It has given me the opportunity to push for change and make people feel seen and included through having thoughtful conversations and contributing using my own lived experiences.
Where do you draw your power from? What keeps you motivated?
I draw my power from my family, friends and my faith. They keep me grounded and remind me why I do what I do. I also draw strength from my own resilience. I’ve had setbacks, but each one has pushed me to keep going. What keeps me motivated is knowing how far I’ve come, and wanting to open even more doors for myself and for others coming after me.
"I’ve had setbacks, but each one has pushed me to keep going. What keeps me motivated is knowing how far I’ve come, and wanting to open even more doors for myself and for others coming after me."
Who are the main Black figures in your life who support you and give you power?
The main Black figures who support me are definitely my parents. They have been a constant source of encouragement, always reminding me of my worth and pushing me to aim higher. I’ve also been privileged to have had strong black figures in my life, who’ve guided me and shown me how to navigate spaces where we’re not always represented. Their support has been instrumental in getting me to where I am today.
Who is a Black figure in your life that you are extremely proud of?
A Black figure in my life who I am extremely proud of is my aunt, Mrs Timi Okuwa. She has had a very successful career taking on a number of different roles throughout her life and is currently working as the CEO of the Black Equity Organisation. She is the embodiment of boldness, strength and intelligence and is a constant reminder to always be unapologetically myself. She is an inspiration and I am so proud to be able to call her my aunt.
Find out more about Jadesola's role as trustee
Read a blog from Sherrelle Park, Research and Development Manager at Research in Practice (NCB)
Read a blog from Lauren Archer, Senior DEI Programme Lead at NCB
Read a blog from Marjorie James, NCB Trustee
Read a blog from Kaveed Ali, Chief Operating Officer at NCB