1. How has your journey unfolded since graduating from St Mellitus College?
Since graduating, I’ve worked as a Senior Social Impact Manager at LinkedIn, overseeing their Global Refugee Program. My journey has evolved, blending my leadership experience with my theological education. I now focus on supporting values-driven leaders in both the church and marketplace, helping them realign their work and lives with their core beliefs. As I approach certification as an ICF-accredited coach, I will be equipped to guide clients seeking greater purpose and alignment in their work, helping them overcome barriers as they navigate significant changes such as career transitions, organisational shifts, or launching mission-driven initiatives. My aim is to help my clients cultivate self-awareness, spiritual resilience, and integrity in their leadership.
I’m also grateful for the support to return to St Mellitus, where I’ve had opportunities to observe and offer some teaching, as I consider further studies.
2. In what ways did your time at St Mellitus College shape your career or ministry?
My time at St Mellitus profoundly shaped how I approach work and ministry. It reinforced my commitment to living authentically, ensuring my values, beliefs, and identity are aligned with my professional life. Initially unsure how a degree in Christian Leadership would apply outside of ordination, the diverse perspectives and leadership praxis I encountered on my course helped me see the importance of supporting Christians navigating the challenges of leadership in both church and marketplace settings.
St Mellitus also embodied a Christ-centered leadership model, integrating intellectual rigour, worship, pastoral care, and formation. This has shaped my vision of thoughtful, spiritually grounded leadership, where formation and accountability are key.
3. As a Black alumnus, how has your heritage influenced your work in theology, ministry, or society?
During my time at St Mellitus, I became acutely aware of both the opportunity and challenge of seeing more young Black individuals being trained for ministry in the Church of England. While it's encouraging to witness this growing representation, the support structures are still largely geared toward the traditional English priest model—white, middle-class, and male.
As a Christian Leadership coach and consultant, my heritage as a Black British woman of African descent brings a unique perspective to my work. It allows me to engage more deeply with clients of similar cultural backgrounds as well as those striving to create inclusive Christian cultures that genuinely honour diversity and integrity. My lived experience informs my ability to guide leaders across all spheres, in fostering spaces where all voices are heard and valued.
4. What challenges or opportunities have you encountered in your field/ministry/industry, and how have they shaped who you are today?
If I’m honest, the challenges I've faced in pursuing my career aren't solely tied to being a Black Christian. It's the intersection of being a single parent, a woman, and having Black African heritage that created significant obstacles to my desire to serve. Yet, in hindsight, I’m grateful for each of these challenges. They not only strengthened my resilience and deepened my faith but also guided me toward forging a unique path that feels tailor-made for me. The delays and periods of waiting taught me humility and reliance on God for direction—valuable lessons in formation that continue to shape my journey.
5. What advice would you give current students or recent graduates at St Mellitus College as they begin their journeys?
- Bask in the worship: St Mellitus offers rich opportunities to enjoy God and maintain a posture of worship throughout your studies. Use these moments to stay grounded and anchored in Jesus.
- Stay curious: Be open and curious about what God is doing in and through you during your time at St Mellitus. Whether through your studies, meeting new people, or being formed in your groups, allow curiosity to guide your growth.
- Ask for help: Challenges will come, but don’t face them alone. Whether academic or personal, seek support. People at St Mellitus care about your well-being and are invested in your success.
- Look for the silver lining: Be expectant that God is at work, even in the face of challenges. Trust that nothing is wasted—God uses every experience for your growth. Stay grounded in hope as you move forward.
6. What ongoing impact do you hope to make in your community or field, and how do you see your connection with St Mellitus continuing to influence that?
St Mellitus was an incredibly supportive community during my studies, especially as I navigated personal challenges. The College’s holistic approach, reminding me to care for my body, soul, and spirit, left a lasting impression. Even as an independent student, I felt seen and valued beyond my academic pursuits. Serving as a senior student representative also gave me a unique opportunity to engage in the life of the College, alongside passionate educators and students who took my aspirations seriously and encouraged me to pursue them.
Moving forward, I hope to use my expertise and lived experience as a Leadership Coach and Consultant to support aspiring and established Christian leaders in bringing God’s kingdom to earth with integrity and resilience. My connection to St Mellitus, with its commitment to intellectual rigour and spiritual formation, continues to inspire me to invest in others, just as I was invested in during my time there.
7. Describe St Mellitus College in 3 words.
Vibrant, inclusive, holistic.
About Alberta
MA in Christian Leadership
