Our keynote Black History Month speaker this year was Dawid Konotey-Ahulu. Dawid is a British Ghanaian entrepreneur, who is passionate about helping people to discover their true potential. He qualified as a barrister of Lincoln's Inn in 1987 before switching careers to investment banking. In 2006, he co-founded Redington, a leading independent pensions consultancy in the UK; also Mallowstreet, an AI-powered think tank for the financial services industry. In 2018, Dawid was named Black British Entrepreneur of the Year and he currently sits on the Prime Minister's Business Council. Using his Spellbound programme, he teaches prison inmates how to speak with confidence to a roomful of their peers about who they really are and the people they want to be. He also sits on the Boards of Lewis Hamilton’s Mission 44 charitable foundation, the Centre for Ageing Better, and Somerset House.
We had a great turnout in the office and online, showcasing hybrid eventing at its best at our Head Office in 80Fen but shared with colleagues across the UK and across the world. Dawid told the inspirational personal story of his grandfather’s unshakeable belief in his father, which his father in turn passed on to him. He attributes his own success to this belief, to the chances that he was given, and those people who provided an opportunity for the unlikely candidate. Together they changed his life and unlocked the contribution which he is now making. This also led to him co-founding 10,000 Black Interns. 10,000 Black Interns is a charitable foundation set up to secure 10,000 internships for undergraduates of Black Heritage.
Arcadis are proud to be taking the opportunity this Black History Month to announce our ongoing commitment to participate in the 10,000 Black Interns programme. For 2023 we have pledged to provide 22 internships which will be shared across our Global Business Lines – Mobility, Places and Resilience. This is a statement commitment from our business to change the opportunities for underrepresented groups in our sector and to maximise the impact of this unlocked talent pool for our people, our clients and the communities that we serve.
Dawid Konotey-Ahulu, Co-Founder 10,000 Black Interns said: “It is so inspiring and powerful to see Arcadis, a global firm, making such a strong statement through its commitment to 10,000 Black Interns. We cannot thank them enough for stepping up and showing how to help young people find their seat at that table we all talk about.”
Sian Whittaker, Interim BA Director Resilience said: “I’m really proud to support, champion and partner with 10,000 Black Interns. It’s a step into really representing the societies and communities in which we work. As a People First business it’s another step in bringing our commitment to diversity and inclusion to the front of everything we do.”
Alex Sternfeld, Early Careers Programme Manager said: “The Early Careers team are proud to be partnering with 10,000 Black Interns, who are going to be a key partner in recruiting the next problem solvers for the planet. In a world that is rapidly changing, we need people who see the world differently and are passionate about making a difference. I am excited to see the impact the interns will make at Arcadis and how they will help us improve quality of life for all”
Reuel Abrams, Senior Programme Director, Global Chair Ethnicity & Heritage Affinity Group said: “I am so proud of the investment that we are making in the futures of young people of Black Heritage as part of our People First commitment to diversity and inclusion. Our Black History Month theme is Dig Deep, Look Closer, Think Bigger and this is all about looking closer and thinking bigger.”
