Nyasha Michelle, London, England.

What inspired you to want a life in Architecture and the creative industries?
I am a TV Presenter, Journalist and Producer. I was inspired to pursue this career following sometime living in America after I graduated from my BA Degree. I was working in hospitality management which is what I studied but decided to start modelling and radio hosting as fun hobbies and a way of meeting new people. This worked really well for me and helped me realise that this is what I was passionate about. So when I returned to the UK, I did a Masters in TV Journalism and got a job at BBC which is where I still work now.

I was particularly inspired to pursue this career because I felt that there was a lack of diversity in the industry which meant that sometimes our stories wouldn’t be told from the correct lens. Now, as reporter specialising in Arts, Culture and Entertainment for one of the biggest broadcasting corporations, my aim is to highlight our stories and celebrate

Who inspired you in finding your path to Architecture and the creative industries?
Because there weren’t many Black TV presenters in the UK when I started in the industry, I didn’t have much inspiration. However, I was born and raised in Zimbabwe and still remember the news readers from home and how professional and eloquent they were so they inspire me. 

How you unlock obstacles and overcome bias in your work.
Remain authentically yourself. Unapologetically.

What improvements you feel are required to promote effective change in the academic and working environment?
There needs to be more people of colour in every area of the academic and working environment. Getting us in should’t be part of or because of a “quota” but a normal part of business just as it currently is with recruiting non-POC.