How did you first connect with Urban Synergy?
Probably around 2023. WTW, the company I work for, and one of my colleagues were part of a Women’s Development Group and had proposed the idea of creating a pipeline for students to enter the insurance industry, specifically targeting minority and underprivileged groups.
They developed the idea with cohorts in London and the US. We partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters in the US, and when the concept was pitched to our London leadership team, they loved it and wanted something similar here. That’s how I met Urban Synergy.
What was your role in working with Urban Synergy?
I was involved with the DreamBig programme, mainly on the programmatic side. We did a lot of coaching and training with the students. I wrote most of the academic material for the programme and led several of the training sessions myself.
What were your goals when designing the programme?
We wanted to teach everything from basic office skills to life skills. My goal was for the students to develop more holistically as people.
Coming from an underprivileged background myself, I know those lessons aren’t always taught at home and they certainly weren’t in mine. I took part in a programme similar to DreamBig when I was growing up, and it helped fill a lot of those gaps; professionalism, soft skills, and life lessons that shape how you move through the world as an adult.
We wanted to do the same, give them exposure, guidance, and a sense of what’s possible. I remember I didn’t meet a pharmacist of colour until my senior year of high school, and it made a huge difference. When you see someone like you in a role you’ve never imagined before, it opens your eyes. Representation really matters.
How long did the programme run?
We ran it for two years, supporting students to move into the WTW apprenticeship programme. The first cohort actually started their apprenticeships this year, which was amazing to see.
Because both programme leads, myself and a colleague from California, are US-based, we were also trying to secure UK-based support to manage it locally. Running it “across the pond,” as they say, came with its challenges!
What feedback did you receive from the students and their schools?
The feedback was fantastic, from the students, parents, and teachers. Teachers told us the programme really helped students come out of their shells and gave them new perspectives on their career options.
Three students from that cohort are now in the apprenticeship programme at WTW. Some of them hadn’t known much about the insurance or finance industries before, so it opened their eyes to new opportunities.
One of them, Leyna, really stood out, she was a rock star from day one.
We also focused a lot on teamwork and public speaking. Teachers mentioned that those sessions helped build the students’ confidence and communication skills, which was great to hear.
What advice would you give to someone considering mentoring with Urban Synergy?
Know why you want to do it and then go for it and stick with it, no matter the challenges.
Young people don’t know what they don’t know, but they also know more than we give them credit for. You’ll bring something valuable to the table, but you should also expect to learn something in return.
Mentoring is a two-way street. Stay humble and open because both the mentor and mentee should grow from the experience.