April 15th: Today’s Feature

April

Sandra Gordon - Co-founder RISE

Sandra Gordon embarked on her professional journey as an administrative assistant, gradually climbing the corporate ladder to eventually become the Head of site overseeing her own Call Centre. Managing a team of more than 350 employees in an industry predominantly dominated by males, and lacking diversity in senior management positions, was indeed a remarkable accomplishment for her.

Taking advantage of a career hiatus, Sandra dedicated her time to engaging in charitable activities, such as volunteering to work with children in South Africa and Ghana, where she taught English and provided sports coaching. Additionally, she volunteered as a job coach for the homeless community in Bristol, showcasing her commitment to making a positive impact beyond her professional realm.

Throughout this period of giving back, Sandra did not put her personal development on hold. She pursued further education, obtaining qualifications in TESOL teaching and earning accreditation as a Life Coach. This exemplifies her dedication to continuous learning and self-improvement, further enhancing her skills and expertise in various areas.

Sandra is an active member of the Ujima Radio Board, where she not only contributes to the overall management and decision-making processes but also co-presents her own program. Her program serves as a valuable platform to highlight and support individuals from Bristol city who are making significant contributions to both the business sector and their local communities.

Sandra's dedication to amplifying the voices of those who often go unheard is further exemplified by her role as a mentor in the Mayor's 'Stepping up program', which aims to empower individuals and provide them with opportunities for growth. Additionally, Sandra is involved with Bristol Women's Voice, an organisation that advocates for women's equality in Bristol.

Her commitment to this cause has led to her selection as one of the city's Race Equality Commissioners, where she serves as a Deputy Chair. In this role, Sandra actively contributes to the vision of a city that embraces equality of opportunity for BME individuals, fosters inclusivity and safety, and collaboratively builds strong and cohesive communities that reject injustice and inequality.

Sandra's ultimate goal is to ensure that every individual in Bristol has an equal opportunity to benefit from and appreciate the prosperity and vibrancy of the city. She envisions a future where a diverse and inclusive high street becomes the norm in the city centre. This means that people from different ethnic backgrounds will have visible role models and individuals in positions of power who reflect the changing demographics of Bristol. Sandra's vision is to create a society where everyone can enjoy the fruits of this prosperous city and where diversity is celebrated and embraced.