Hi, I’m Alysha Yates, the proud Programmes Manager of an incredible women’s empowerment charity You Make It and I’m so excited to take over the amazing Olivia Von Halle’s channel for today for the #ShareTheMicUK Project for #BlackHistoryMonth UK which is all about highlighting and amplifying the voices of Black women.⠀
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I manage You Make It’s award winning empowerment programme which transforms the lives of Black and brown women who’ve suffered institutional racism and discrimination their whole lives. We offer a creative and inspiring programme for them to access the tools, networks, experiences and build their confidence to transform their lives through personal empowerment. We offer women therapy, mentoring, start up support among many other fantastic things.⠀
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As a Black woman, I think the work we do at You Make It as an organisation is incredibly important. To be able to support other Black and brown women to pursue their dreams despite the setbacks they face due to the colour of their skin is extraordinary and we work hard to make sure that women of colour are represented and have the best chances to make it in life. Personally for me, I’ve experienced many difficulties - one of which being losing my mum and only parent at young age, searching for role models, representation and a hub of people of colour who get it and really lift you up - I would have loved to have something like You Make It when growing up and navigating the world and that’s why I’m incredibly passionate about the work we do.