Sector leading programme celebrates first year

30 November 2018

IMAGE: The participants for the Leadership 2025 programme with Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development

An initiative which aims to address the imbalance of BME (Black and minority ethnic) professionals in leadership roles has celebrated its first year.

Optivo is proud to play a major role in delivering this sector change programme, Leadership 2025.

A celebration event was held on Thursday 29 November, where six participants were recognised for completing an intensive nine-month business school accredited programme with the aim of preparing them to become the sector leaders of the future.

The six included Optivo’s very own Bunmi Atta, our Director of Construction, and one of our Board Members, Samantha Herelle.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has called diversity “one of our greatest strengths” and recorded a video message which was played at the event.

He said: “Completing this leadership development programme is a huge achievement, and you should be incredibly proud.

“The housing crisis is one of the single biggest challenges facing London today, and if we are going to tackle it, we need to draw on the talents of people from every background and community.

“Because when we harness the energy, ideas and imagination of all Londoners, we stand a much better chance of success. That’s why London’s diversity is, and always will be, one of our greatest strengths.”

The second round of participants for Leadership 2025 was also announced.

The Leadership 2025 programme is sponsored by Optivo, L&Q, Network and BME London, and is supported by housing consultancy Altair.