Page 85 - Powerlist 2020

and your family, not the other way excellence and a university for those people’s, it’s about fairness. We’re Public Sector & Third Sector
around. You’re meant to enjoy work who get the grades.” living in a time where we’re beginning
and where you are.” She said just under 75 per cent of to hold organisations and ourselves
As the first female Master of Jesus College applicants were from to the idea of inclusivity and equality
Cambridge’s Jesus College, Alleyne is state schools and 20% are from BAME of opportunity. Presented with
still proving she is a game changer. backgrounds. opportunities, people will approach
In her new role, she’ll have “It’s important to keep raising the them in different ways, but being able
responsibility for directing the college question of diversity but also to look to access the potential of your own life
governing body and for representing at what the statistics are and the is incredibly important.
the college externally. Her influence progress being made. “Being able to take away obstacles
will shape one of the world’s most “I was attracted to Jesus College and barriers whenever you can,
prestigious universities, changing the because it’s a very special community, and taking part in what is a national
face of power in an institution that has, with students, academics and staff in conversation, is vital.”
at times, come under fire for catering Cambridge and thousands of alumni She attributes her success in life to
to the elite. across the world. “being open with people and always
“We talk a lot in life about glass “I see my role as a call to care. I being true to myself and others”.
ceilings, but the beauty of a glass want to help all students develop their “Applying the lessons learned from
ceiling is that you can see through it. sense of agency, to find what they’re my family – being caring, valuing
It’s only when people cover it up, when passionate about and to take that out community and using my common
you can’t see what you can aspire to, into the world and make a difference. sense.
that you have real problems.” “Student welfare is a passion of “A sense of community is important,
In her role, Alleyne wants to give mine and I’ll be involved in continuing we’re all seeking a place to belong and
back to the world by helping others the excellent widening participation to be part of something.
smash that ceiling. After giving a work already in place at the College “One thing I’ve learned in life is that
presentation about Cambridge and the University, as well as looking giving is a real gift. Whether that’s
University to a group of secondary at employability as our students move giving a kind word, some of your time,
school pupils, a black schoolboy on from their studies.” really listening to or noticing people,
asked Alleyne if he would belong in Alleyne said she’s experienced giving back or trying to help others
Cambridge. racism in the form of unconscious bias. and communities. Giving helps others
“If you get the grades you belong,” “There’s less of it, but it’s still there,” and makes you happy.”
she recalls telling him. “It’s not a she says. Her advice to her younger self? “Eat
university for the elite, it’s a bastion of “My advocacy is like many other better cake… and travel more.”

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