Hello there! My name is Jessica Oghenegweke and I’m a former Social Mobility Commissioner and current student at Brunel University studying Global Challenges.
As an advocate for improving life chances amongst young people, I am very excited to join See it, Be it as a Non-Executive Director. I believe that young people have the power to change the world and achieve extraordinary things, but not all young people are provided with the support, resources and fair settings to achieve this outcome.
From watching X-Factor in the height of its popularity and being inspired by presenters such as Fearne Cotton and Reggie Yates, I have known from a young age that I wanted to make it in the media industry, but the possibility of that happening seemed very out of reach. I didn’t know anyone in my local community who worked in the media industry and I didn’t see anyone who looked like me on TV. Luckily, I had the drive to seek out opportunities far and wide and never take no for an answer, but this drive is a privilege and one that was enhanced by the support of my parents. Not every young person has a champion, and not every young person is able to see someone they connect with in an industry that speaks to them.
See it Be it is a practical way to address this challenge of representation and awareness of different jobs and industries young people haven’t been exposed to. See it, Be it empowers young people through education and representation, inspiring a new generation to explore different career paths, showing that there is space for every young person in whichever industry they choose to explore.
Over my (very young) career, I have had the pleasure of working with some incredible young people at The Diana Award, National Citizen Service and Roundhouse who unfortunately struggle with their confidence due to lack of representation and awareness of opportunities in the world of work. I believe See it, Be it bridges this gap and offers vital information and comfort to those who are struggling with knowing what to do next.
Anna and Kate, the co-founders, are very committed to ensuring every child that goes through the See it, Be it programme is able to name at least ten jobs that were created in and during the fourth industrial revolution by the time they make their GCSE choices. I’m looking forward to being part of an incredible team who are all committed to improving social mobility, and supporting them in doing so.