Ken’s experience on CoRe 2021 programme
Name: Ken Sule-Ejeh
Company and role:
Macquarie Group, Senior Manager
BIG Alliance programme: CoRe
Organisation matched with:
Ken took part in this year’s CoRe programme, supporting BTEG - an Islington-based charity whose mission is to end racial inequality. Since joining the programme, Ken gained such an interest in the organisation and its work that he also joined their Board as a Trustee!
Why did you decide to volunteer on this specific programme?
I wanted to try and make a difference, by giving back and helping to change something that can improve my local community, and this programme gave me the platform to do so.
How did you find the programme? What did you enjoy the most?
I enjoyed working with different people on the programme, as well as the feeling I was making some small but significant differences in other people’s lives.
What do you feel you have achieved as a result of it?
The programme has increased my self-confidence and knowing that I am helping others and the community has also given me a sense of accomplishment.
What advice would you give to your colleagues who are thinking about volunteering?
I used to ask myself “why are people being treated differently based on their race, ethnicity, gender, religion and/or beliefs?” and would feel quite frustrated, but the truth is that question doesn’t solve any problems. That frustration, however, presents a tremendous opportunity to contribute, so I now rephrase that question to “what can I do to make a difference?” and “how can I support others?”
No matter what your “why” questions are based on, be it on racism, LGBTQ+ inequality, world hunger, or even climate change, the CoRe programme gives you the platform to make a difference.
If you are an organisation who would like to receive strategic support, or an Islington-based corporate organisation interested in similar volunteering opportunities, please get in touch with Jonathan Tait at Jonathan.tait@thebigalliance.org.uk.