International Women's Day - My ambition is to inspire more young people like myself

Tumi Adekunle is a systems manager at Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT).

For International Women’s Day (Friday 8 March), which focuses on the theme of Inspire Inclusion, she tells us about the women who have inspired her to be the best that she can be.

After graduating university in 2021, I started working as an administrator at EPUT.

This was my first experience working in a corporate setting as I had previously worked part-time in my local Co-Op.

Of course I was anxious of the reception I would receive joining a new and very different organisation, as well wondering what tasks lay ahead of me.

I very quickly got used to a steady routine and enjoyed my role. Being a young 21-year-old black woman, joining this side of the work force, I wasn’t sure what to expect but I thoroughly enjoyed my time within the team.

I have now been working in EPUT for almost three years, and can honestly say every role I have had has impacted me in a very positive way. I have been a recruitment officer, project officer and am now a systems manager.

I have learnt a variety of skills, met a lot of new people and learned more about myself in such a small amount of time.

I have met many inspirational women who have given me the drive and motivation to continue my professional development.

I think the turning point for me was supporting with working on the RISE programme, a talent development programme for colleagues from black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Listening to the stories of black female leaders, as a young black woman, it gave me peace of mind knowing my journey is just the beginning and if they were able to make it to where they are now nothing could stop me.

I enrolled on the programme the following year and found it to be one of the most informative training sessions I have attended so far.

One of the most inspirational women I know is my mother. Balancing motherhood, along with a very intricate role within the NHS, she’s superwoman! That’s the only way to put it.

We migrated from Nigeria as a family in 2006, and I have watched her blossom every single year. Some people say I have big shoes to fill but my mum always says she wants me to be greater than her. If that’s not motivation to do my absolute best in everything I do, I don’t know what is.

I think International Women’s Day is very important in recognising the strength and the determination that women all over the world have and I hope that it inspires the next generation in any field they wish to pursue.

My ambition as a female leader in the NHS is to inspire more young people like myself to take on more challenges and never be shy to ask for support.

A strong female community, especially at my age, has proven to be one of the most useful tools in my belt.

I hope that for other likeminded women, they get to see their worth, grow and empower others.