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As part of our 60 Seconds series, where we take a quick dive into the people behind the work across our Trust, we’re shining a spotlight on colleagues during South Asian Heritage Month. This year’s theme, “Roots to Routes,” invites us to reflect on how our heritage shapes our journeys, both personally and professionally.

In this edition, we catch up with Michele, Divisional Head of Administration in the Specialist Division and Co-Chair of our Race Equality and Cultural Heritage (REACH) network. With over 20 years at the Trust, Michele shares her proud South Asian roots, how her culture has influenced her career path, and why representation and cultural awareness in the workplace matter more than ever.

Name: Michele

Job Title: Divisional Head of Administration – Specialist Division

How long have you been involved with the Trust? 20 years 

Tell us a bit about your role:
I am the Divisional Head of Administration in the Specialist Division. I am responsible to lead, manage and coordinate the ongoing work and development of all business administration in the Specialist division. My role is to support the business and operationally manage admin and ensure that service areas meet their required performance targets, in line with national requirements, local strategies and objectives. I build partnerships and relationships within the division/Trust and ensure administration is recognised and supported to achieve their goals in line with the Trust values. My role allows me to travel to different sites, Forensic Inpatients, Specialist Forensic Community/Outreach, Substance Misuse Services, Prisons, and services which are based in the Health in Justice teams.

I am a Co-Chair for Race Equality and Cultural Heritage (REACH) and contribute at Trust level to support our patient and staffing groups to ensure they are being heard.

The theme for South Asian Heritage Month is “Roots to Routes”. Tell us a bit about your South Asian Heritage roots:
I am proud of my South Asian heritage. I am a second-generation South Asian born in Edgware, Middlesex. I am of Indian heritage, with both my parents from Punjab.  My grandad was in the army and had to rebuild the family home in 1947. My dad would tell us stories about how hard my grandad worked to keep the family together in hard times and "work hard to achieve your goals" is what we grew up to know and understand. It's only since getting older I understand the importance of my roots. My heritage has given me the ability to speak in different languages, the ability to appreciate the spices in our cooking (not my cooking) and most importantly, my love for Bollywood film and music.

Being of South Asian heritage, how do you feel this has affected your “routes” and career pathway? 
I have worked in the NHS for over 20 years, I have worked hard to get recognised and at times it has been difficult.  My family from a very young age told me to achieve and think high; they told me not to be afraid of hard work and made me understand the importance in our culture of always working hard to achieve your goals.  I take pride in the work I do. I am a people person, which helps me to build good relationships. I am a determined person who will go the extra mile to achieve my goals and always keen to develop and develop individuals and teams. In the past couple of years, it’s been good to see South Asians in the Trust at a senior level and see what they have achieved - this inspires me to achieve more within my career and believe that I can achieve more if the opportunity comes along.

Do you think there is enough knowledge and appreciation of South Asian culture in Britain? What changes would you like to see? 
I don’t believe there is enough knowledge and appreciation of South Asian culture in Britain.  I would like to see more opportunities/events like this to showcase the culture I am part of and meet with other cultures and share our stories. Being a co-chair for the REACH network has been such an eye-opener and I want more South Asians to have a voice and speak up. Our Trust clearly wants to make a change, with the networks, executive sponsors and the EDI team in place.

Where did you begin your journey in mental health services? 
I started my journey in substance misuse services as a data entry coordinator in 2005. I had no knowledge of mental health when I first started. It's something in the South Asian communities we didn’t talk about — it is managed privately within the family.  I wanted to explore more opportunities, looking at positive outcomes and having a better understanding of mental health services. I was ready for my next chapter.  I stayed within the Trust and moved to the Specialist division in 2015. This truly gave me the opportunity to be part of a team and help deliver mental health services to our service user groups. I am a true advocate for good mental health, especially within South Asian communities.

Favourite city or place in South Asia?
Delhi – our hometown. All about the family, food and shopping.

Favourite South Asian food or cuisine? 
I’m such a foody - I love everything!

Favourite South Asian film? 
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham – I watch this with my niece all the time.

Favourite book, novel (fiction or non-fiction) from a writer of South Asian heritage? 
I’m not great at reading books but of those I have - Nisha Minhas. I loved her books as she's an author who gave her experience of an Asian woman stuck in two cultures.