Reclaiming Narratives and Inspiring Change
Atika is a Recruitment Attraction Officer committed to connecting our communities with career opportunities in healthcare. As a proud Black woman, she uses her personal experiences to inspire and uplift others, ensuring that diverse voices are represented in the workforce.
What does Black History mean to you?
Black History is a celebration of resilience, achievement, and the contributions of Black people throughout time. For me, as a proud Black woman, it represents our collective strength, which has been built over centuries, and our ability to inspire change in every facet of society. It is a time to honour those who came before us and to remember that we, too, have the power to aim high, change lives, and shape a better future.
How has your personal journey in healthcare allowed you to reclaim your narrative?
My journey as a Recruitment Attraction Officer has been an empowering experience. Working within healthcare has given me the platform to engage with underserved communities, particularly through outreach initiatives in job centre, local employment networks, and schools. I’ve been able to share my story, advocate for mental health education, and open doors for those who may have felt excluded from such opportunities. This work allows me to not only uplift others but to reclaim my own narrative as a Black woman making an impact in the world of healthcare.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Healthcare
In my role, I actively help build a more inclusive workforce by reaching out to underrepresented candidates—parents, young people, those with disabilities, ex-service personnel, and more. My focus is on creating opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds who may have felt overlooked or discouraged. By encouraging conversations around mental wellbeing, I align my work with our Trust’s mission to improve lives and make mental health support accessible for everyone. In doing so, I help to reshape a more inclusive healthcare narrative, one that recognises the value and potential in everyone.
A Moment of Empowerment: Shaping the Narrative
One of the most profound moments in my career was speaking to a group of over 50s at Forest Hill Job Centre. Many in the room had faced long-term unemployment and had lost faith in their ability to re-enter the workforce. Sharing my own journey as a Black woman over 50, I spoke of resilience, hope, and the importance of believing in oneself despite challenges. The response was overwhelming—attendees were clapping, feeling empowered by the message that it’s never too late to make a difference. That moment highlighted for me the power of reclaiming our narratives and showing others that they, too, can contribute to society.
This Black History Month, I am proud to continue the work of those who came before me, using my voice and my platform to inspire others and to ensure that our communities are represented, uplifted, and empowered in the healthcare sector.
