The Fabric of My Origin

I was born into a family of African refugees who were determined and hardworking. When I was just four years old, we migrated to the UK. My parents instilled in me the belief that I needed to work twice as hard as everyone else to succeed in life. They worked multiple jobs to provide for our family and taught me the importance of hard work and resilience. These lessons have stayed with me throughout my life and have helped me overcome every challenge that I have faced. They have shaped who I am today.

Navigating the Academic Labyrinth

Learning the English language and adapting to a new culture was just the beginning of my journey. During my school years, I was known as the witty, shy girl who always had a joke and a smile ready. These early years revealed my talent for connecting with people from different backgrounds and standing up for those who were marginalised. These qualities have become the foundation of my professional life.

Trials and Triumphs

My path has been anything but easy. I've faced periods of homelessness and dealt with health emergencies. Yet, I've managed to use each obstacle as an opportunity to move closer to achieving my goals. I received a Digital Marketing Diploma from CIM CAM and refused to settle for the status quo. Despite being a mother, I kept pushing my limits and seeking new knowledge.

Shaping Enterprises and Systems

I am the driving force behind pRESPECT Hub CIC and pRESPECT LTD, initiatives aimed at reshaping career development and advocating for social justice. My achievements include policy change, disrupting the employability sector, and initiating systemic shifts through anti-racism activities.

Groundbreaking Research

We've invested in cutting-edge research at the intersection of data and activism. Our pivotal reports—Untapped Talent: Hidden Opportunity in Scotland and Poverty Vicious Cycle—highlight the underbelly of discrimination in Scotland. We have gathered data from 638 respondents, which has revealed some alarming results.

• 82% experienced discrimination

• 77.8% of respondents have a minimum of an undergraduate degree. Of this percentage

• 38.6% have Master’s degrees

• 8.5% have doctorate degrees. However, high levels of educational attainment have not led to increased employment levels or secure employment contracts.

These findings provide the basis for our proactive anti-racism, allyship, and career advancement training programs. Not only identifying the issues but also taking part in the solution by driving systemic and policy changes that will have long-lasting effects.

In the Trenches of Reality

The statistics on funding allocation for black female entrepreneurs are alarming. Even though they make up about 2% of the population, they receive a mere 0.02% of venture capital funding. This means they receive 100 times less funding than they should be getting. To put it into perspective, for every 10 applications made by the rest of the population before a successful application, black female entrepreneurs need to make 5000 applications.

However, instead of letting this discouraging reality hinder progress, it should be a call to action. My own experience highlights the importance of eliminating stereotypes, overcoming tokenism, and actively promoting a culture of genuine inclusion.

Let Us Be the Change

Are you ready to join the revolution? At pRESPECT, we don't just talk about equity, equality, and self-awareness, we make them happen. Let's break the shackles of discrimination, rewrite the narrative, and create a world of limitless opportunity.

Best regards,

Viana Maya FRSA

Founder, pRESPECT Hub CIC & pRESPECT LTD