Gladys Sambo

To celebrate Black History Month we asked graduate Gladys- MA in Business Administration, some questions about what Black History Month means to her, her inspirations and more.

What did you study at USW, and when did you graduate?

I did a Masters in Business Administration through the UNICAF programme. I was meant to graduate last year, but due to COVID-19 had to wait to graduate this March in 2022, and it was worth the wait. 

What do you do now, and what are your hopes for your career?

Currently, I work for Dermalogica UK, an international professional grade skincare brand. I work as an Education Content Developer, developing and curating content that is used to educate professional skin care therapists in the UK with the goal of elevating their expertise. I am passionate about education within the skincare and wellness industry. Having over 9 years of experience in Spa and Beauty Education and Operations, I am aspiring to mature into a strong leader in the Industry globally and raising the standards of the profession through education. My lifelong goal and commitment is to leave a lasting legacy in my industry, which is often overlooked and undermined.

Celebrating Black History Month, what does it mean to you?

To me, celebrating Black History Month is about being seen and recognised beyond the colour of my skin. As a black woman I may constantly find myself as the minority, however there is talent, drive, power and passion within me that deserves to be seen and acknowledged. It also allows me to appreciate those that paved the path for us as young black people now to walk through doors and into places that they only dreamed of. We live their dream, but work still remains for us to create a world for future generations where the colour of one's skin does not matter.

How can graduates and the wider USW family celebrate and support Black History Month?

Share and bring to light the amazing work that black USW alumni are doing. Our younger generation need to see themselves represented in all industries, platforms and places. The more we celebrate black men and women who are achieving, the more we celebrate black history and the more we inspire the future generation.

Who inspires you?

Wow! A myriad of strong black women that have done and continue to do amazing things in this world, my mother standing at the top. Women like Michelle Obama inspire me so much to be authentically me, work hard and work with passion whilst remembering to be gentle with myself in the process.