Many people often wonder why DEI and social justice advocacy is an integral part of my being. Growing up within a white dominant culture had many challenges; being a bi-racial (Ugandan and Indian), neurodivergent woman, I faced multiple forms of discrimination within my local community and witnessed my parents play the role of the  "good immigrant" in order to fit into the hostile world around them. I watched my father (a Ugandan Asylum seeker) work tirelessly to support his family in Uganda and my mother grapple with the emotional repercussions of being excluded from her community and family due to her decision to marry a black man, a consequence of anti-blackness in Indian culture. I grew up believing that the colour of my skin, the texture of my hair and my facial features had no place in the world - I had been rejected by British society and a culture of which I shared half of my heritage.

Though my parents succeeded in creating a safe and loving household for me and my siblings, we faced a great deal of uncertainty when we left the comfort of our home. I am fortunate enough to have survived a racial hate crime at the age of 17; despite having experienced explicit racism on numerous occasions, I didn't understand the lengths a person would be willing to go to uphold white supremacy. My first year of University was over-cast by a lengthy court case that took place in order to bring my attacker to justice; unfortunately the outcome wasn't satisfactory. The toll this event has had on my life far outweighs the legal repercussions my attacker faced (a small fine and restraining order). 

My lived experience of racism, xenophobia, anti-blackness, ableism and gender inequality have forged me into the DEI advocate I am today - I am determined to be part of the social justice change necessary to achieve equity for all.