A calling to social justice

What made you choose your current role?

From a young age I have always been campaigning for people’s rights and social justice – it even got me into some spots of bother in school! From then, life has taken me in many directions - working with children with autism, caring for elderly and disabled people, cover teaching, corporate management, but in every role I have ended up carving out a paid or voluntary role in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). This led me to starting my career in DEI and expanding my education in this direction. One of my main passions within DEI is anti-racist and decolonial educational system reform, so NCB was an obvious move!

What's your proudest achievement at work?

My proudest achievements probably came from being DEI lead at a secondary school. When I left, I got a card from a girl I’d been supporting which said that having me advocate for her and inspire her as a fellow Brown girl had changed her life. She wrote about her newfound confidence and that makes me really proud that I was able to help her help herself through some tough situations.

Where do you draw your power from? What keeps you motivated?

My power lies in my resilience, tenacity, self-awareness, and moral compass. I’ve not ‘had an easy paper round’ and have had many uphill struggles both personally and professionally. But I’ve never given up and always draw upon those tenets. I feel like having been a single mum raising two little boys gave me a lot of power and motivation – I’m in a different situation now, but I know I can be down and out and still provide for my boys. To me that’s powerful. No matter how awful the situation was, I always made sure they were provided for and happy. They had a great childhood despite what was going on and I’m very proud to say that.

My power lies in my resilience, tenacity, self-awareness, and moral compass. I’ve not ‘had an easy paper round’ and have had many uphill struggles both personally and professionally. But I’ve never given up and always draw upon those tenets.

Lauren Archer, Senior DEI Programme Lead at NCB

Who are the main Black figures in your life who support you and give you power?

My dad is my hero. His story is one of struggle and perseverance, but ultimately success. He’s a huge inspiration to me. He loves with all his heart and has supported me through every tough time. He was the main father figure to my boys growing up – he was there every night, pacing up and down the hallway, rocking a crying baby to sleep. He will do anything for family, and I owe an awful lot to him and my mum. Even now, when I’m struggling, whatever it is, he’s there to help – a lift to a football match, bringing a cooked dinner round when I’m exhausted… sometimes I randomly find him in my garden doing a bit of weeding if he can see I’m not on top of things! He always puts his family before all else and I feel very lucky to have him.

Who is a Black figure in your life that you are extremely proud of?

I have two big brothers and a big sister, who are all extremely successful, kind, supportive, funny and also always there when I need them. My sister is my absolute best friend. Being the littlest and having had the most drama in my life I’ve had to lean on them a lot. They don’t judge and just love – something we’ve all inherited from our amazing parents. Also my boys: I am so proud of what amazing young men they are. They are loving, kind, polite and for me really importantly - critical thinkers! They make me laugh every day and I couldn’t be more proud of them.