Leanne #mixedmonday

This weeks #mixedmonday is Leanne, social media and marketing manager for @_beyond_the_mix.

Hi I'm Leanne, I'm 34, a wife and mother to my 4 year old son Remy and stepmum to my 17 year old stepdaughter Aaliyah. I was born and raised in Bristol.
I grew up in Downend and went to predominately white schools which I found really tough, never really knowing where I fitted in or finding my 'people'. I always felt a little left out and unsure about my identity. I struggled a lot with my mental health and depression during this time, but when I got to college I think that's where I found myself and came into my own, feeling free to really be me due to the more diverse environment I had found myself in.

How would you describe your ethnicity?

I describe myself as Mixed-Heritage. My mum is Greek-Cypriot and my dad is Jamaican.
My grandparents came to the UK in the 50's and 60's. My Stede and Bappou (Greek grandmother and grandfather) came and opened their own business in Wales and my Jamaican grandmother came to the UK without my dad (who was 4 or 5 at the time), hoping to create a better life for him here. I feel a massive connection to both heritages, Cyprus so much so, I got married there in 2019 in a traditional Greek church which was really beautiful and made me feel a greater connection to my grandparents who are sadly no longer with us. In 2010 I travelled around Jamaica with my dad which was really special, as our relationship had broken down a bit following my parents divorce. Spending that time with my dad, showing me where he grew up, meeting new relatives and fully embracing myself in Jamaican culture (eating about 100 patties along the way!), really brought us closer together.

Has your mixed-ness influenced your career in any way?

Until 5 years ago, I'd worked in retail for most of my adult life and felt like I had to constantly advocate for the global majority employees. Once I became a manager, equality and diversity was always at the forefront of my mind, ensuring this was thought about when recruiting staff and developing talent.

I now work in the office at a very multicultural school in Bristol. The team is very diverse and I don't think I could ever go back to working in an environment that wasn't. Myself and Sarah work together at school and often get confused for each other, so even though the space is diverse, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done. 

Being Mixed Heritage has led me to be part of @_beyond_the_mix. I am so, so proud of what Sarah, Laura and I have created. Exploring our identity together and creating a support network where people feel safe to share and connect is so important and needed for so many people.   

If you could describe your mixed identity in one word, what would it be?

Blended. 

What is the best thing about being mixed heritage?

The combination of cultures I've been privileged to experience, and being able to see things through more than one perspective. 
The food, the music and the countries themselves have played a massive part in who I am today. It's really important to me that my son understands and is proud of where he comes from.