In celebration of Black History Month 2025, NCB Trustee Marjorie James writes about a career dedicated to the voluntary and non-profit sector, improving the lives of children and young people. She reflects on what motivates her, and how she finds inspiration in her daughter.
NCB Trustee Marjorie and her daughter Ebony
What made you choose your current role?
I believe work should be fulfilling, bringing joy, purpose, and nourishment to the soul.
Given how much time we spend at work, I strive to make that time meaningful - not only for myself, but also by enriching the lives of others. I enjoy helping people reach their full potential. Most of my career has been dedicated to the voluntary and non-profit sector, improving the lives of children and young people. My experience in human resources has enabled me to help organisations evolve so that employees feel a sense of belonging and are empowered to do their best work.
Equity, diversity, and inclusion are central to this mission. A thriving workplace culture must celebrate diversity and foster inclusion while ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all.
I believe work should be fulfilling, bringing joy, purpose, and nourishment to the soul.
Marjorie James, NCB Trustee
What's your proudest achievement at work?
Over my 30-year career, I’ve had many proud moments, often mentoring someone from being disengaged to becoming a confident and skilled professional. One standout achievement was my contribution to the executive team during the pandemic. As the first lockdown started, we had to quickly adapt and collaborate in unfamiliar circumstances to protect both staff and young people. Together with the People & Cultural team we introduced a number of wellbeing and engagement strategies that helped maintain staff morale and provided essential support.
Where do you draw your power from? What keeps you motivated?
I feel empowered when I know my work makes a meaningful difference. Purpose fuels my motivation.
However, the world is changing rapidly, and the resurgence of racism is deeply troubling. I worry about the environment young people are growing up in - it feels reminiscent of the unrest of the 1970s and 1980s.
Today, I strive to use my influence to prevent a return to those times and to advocate for a more just and inclusive society.
Who is a Black figure in your life that you are extremely proud of?
The Black figure I’m most proud of is my daughter, Ebony. She’s a devoted mother and a thoughtful, compassionate individual who consistently puts others first. Ebony has been a trailblazer in her career, earning a role at a leading music label from a pool of thousands of candidates. She built a successful 10-year career in music marketing, collaborating with many major artists.
More recently, she’s been recognised for her work with historic venues such as Somerset House, where she led the celebration of its 25th anniversary as a public cultural institution.
As one of the few senior-level Black marketers in a competitive industry, Ebony has excelled and continues to inspire others.
Find out more about Marjorie's role as a trustee
Read a blog from Lauren Archer, Senior DEI Programme Lead, NCB
Read a blog from Sherrelle Parke, Research and Development Manager at Research in Practice (part of the NCB Family)
Read a blog from Jadesola Olusanya, NCB Trustee
Read a blog from Kaveed Ali, Chief Operating Officer at NCB