Reflections from Minority Ethnic Leadership (MEL) Programme: Stories of Leadership, Identity, and Impact

In this blog post Aleigha Dunkley, Law Student and CVSL Student Intern, captures the key messages of two keynote speakers at the MEL Programme learning hub held on May 1^st, 2025. 

The keynote speakers were Katija Dew (Acting Director for Wales, The British Red Cross and Board Member, Social Care Wales) and Helal Uddin (Co-Director - Head of Services & Partnerships, Ethnic Minorities and Youth Support Team - EYST Wales). Aleigha concludes the piece with her reflections.

Picture featuring from the left Dr Fidele Mutwarasibo, Rita Dongo Mwanza and Tia-Zakura Camilleri

At a recent MEL (Minority Ethnic Leadership) event based in Cardiff, but also allowing individuals to attend remotely, students gathered to share updates on their progress and reflect on the transformative journey they have embarked on. Though the programme is offered free of charge, one student powerfully reminded us that it is a valuable opportunity that can change lives.

The event featured two compelling speakers, both of whom shared deeply personal stories that illuminated what leadership looks like when rooted in purpose, resilience, and identity.

Katija Drew: The Accidental Leader

Katija Drew’s story is one of complexity, intersectionality, and quiet determination. Born in London in the 1960’s to Pakistani and Sri Lankan parents, her very existence challenged the societal norms of the time. Her mixed heritage – religious, ethnic, and educational – gave her a unique perspective on belonging and ambition.

Growing up as the first immigrant family in her area and with limited financial resources, Katika did not always feel like she fit in. Her parents had dreams of her becoming a doctor, but she followed a different calling. With a love for science, she pursued microbiology and spent five years in medical research with Cancer Research UK, aiming to publish work that could change lives.

But something was missing. A burning desire to fix broken systems led her to Citizens Advice, where she offered debt support and began to question the structures that failed so many. Her work took her from grassroots activism to government, where she became the Financial Inclusion Champion for Wales.

After a personal health scare, Katija pivoted once again – this time into healthcare leadership, even becoming the only non-executive board member of colour at her local Health Board in Gwent. Now working with the British Red Cross, her journey has never been about chasing leadership titles. As she puts it:

“I never set out to lead – I set out to fix things”

She encourages young people to ask themselves the tough questions: Who are you? What motivates you? What values will define your leadership? Katija urges future leaders to set their compass not by titles or accolades, but by purpose. 

Helal Uddin: Turning Challenges into Strength

Our second speaker, Helal, offered another powerful example of leadership forged in adversity. Born in Bangladesh and raised in a high-crime area of Swansea, his family was the only ethnic minority in their neighbourhood when they arrived in 1988. Life was tough, and racism was a daily reality. 

Helal lost his father at 15 and worked many different jobs over the years – not for prestige, but because they needed to be done. His resilience is grounded in the values his mother instilled in him: 

“If you’re going to be a king, do it with your own hand.”

He went on to lead the Ethnic Minority Youth Support Team in Wales, tackling issues from poverty and education to racism and youth support. For Helal, leadership means putting in the hard work, staying disciplined, and being willing to make sacrifices. 

“As an ethnic minority, we do not have the luxury of aiming for second place. Be the best at what you do in the environment you are in.”

Helal is a reminder that qualifications are not everything – he did not have GCSEs, but he had drive, people skills, and vision. He volunteered, became a football coach, built connections, and constantly sought feedback to grow.

Today, he is focused on helping ethnic minority youth gain qualifications in youth work, supporting them into careers that create ripple effects in their communities. As he says:

“Everything you do leaves a footprint, even when you don’t realise it.”

Helal reminded us to reframe how we see struggle:

“Stop worrying about the rain. Rain gives life.” He believes in turning challenges into opportunities and being proud of who you are – your skin, your culture, your journey.

Final Reflections 

Both Katija and Helal exemplify what it means to lead with integrity, courage, and vision. Their stories are rooted not in privilege, but in perseverance. They did not wait to be handed opportunities – they created them.

Their journeys offer valuable lessons:

• Leadership starts with knowing yourself
• Struggles can be your strength
• Every action you take has an impact – however small it may seem.

To all MEL students: take up space, seize this opportunity, and never forget the power you hold in shaping not only your own future but also the futures of those around you.