Power of diversity in education: Vivean Pomell
“Diversity is good for business,” remarks Vivean Pomell, our trailblazing women of education in a captivating interview that reflects her remarkable journey of overcoming challenges.
As an ex-Ofsted inspector and the founder of Learn with Lolonyo and Brynels Millinery, she stands as a testament to a successful career that defies all odds.
“I grew up in a Christian home environment and as you can imagine, my parents were very inspiring for me and there was nothing they felt that I couldn't achieve if I put my head to it. They came to England from Jamaica so we could have a better life.
“My mom was very industrious, coming from a line of businesses in Jamaica. When I was a child, my mom made me sit beside the sewing machine and asked me to help her out. What she was doing was leaving a legacy for me so that later I could use those skills to better myself and become an entrepreneur just like previous generations.
“It wasn't plain sailing. I think the Windrush celebration brings out some of the issues and the real challenges that were faced. These experiences instilled confidence in me to tell the future generations to never give up.”
Bringing the confidence and the attributes she got from her family, Vivean founded Brynels Millinery, named after her late mum, a business that creates high-end headpieces for women, which left an indelible mark on London Fashion Week and captured headlines in Ebony magazine and the National Press.
“I always had an interest in children.
“When I was growing up, I volunteered at our local Sunday school, never realising that those experiences and skills would help me later on when I did my nursery nurse training and my social work diploma.
“I was part of a TUPE transfer from the Local Authority to Ofsted, continuing in the Registration and Inspection Unit.”
Later, despite obtaining both bachelor's and master's degrees in education, she faced obstacles in ascending the career ladder.
“I had enough qualifications that could have brought me to the management level. But every time I applied; I was not successful. I was then diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, but my employer wasn’t ready to give me a career break.”
Undeterred, Vivean now addresses this issue through Learn with Lolonyo, offering online curriculum-based teaching resources with positive representation.
Reflecting on changes in educational representation, Vivean acknowledges progress but stresses the need for a deeper commitment to diversity, moving beyond mere policy compliance.
“It wouldn't be fair to say there haven't been any changes, but I believe there's still room for much more change.
“But the focus must not be about just ticking the policies and getting the appropriate percentage levels of diversity.
“Institutions must see the value of diversity and the contributions of our rich diverse community that can improve the standard and quality of the service the recipients receive.”
Her leadership style centres on leading by example and creating platforms for individuals to voice their opinions.
“We have to encourage leaders that are out there to be able to seize those opportunities to have their voice and become leaders in any scenario.
“The work experience setting in schools must change. It shouldn't just be about children giving the experience to work for somebody else. It should give them the opportunity of choice, which includes working for yourself.
“We also need quality role models that children can look up to and be relatable.”
Following a lively conversation covering representation, personal growth, and the joys of unfeatured Asian and Caribbean cuisines, I ask about Vivean's advice for young girls aspiring to embark on a career in education."
“Go for it!
“There is a blessing in helping people and supporting others. Acknowledge our diverse history and respect the positive contributions that we make using our collective history to build that platform of success.
“Education is an opportunity for all. And if we can get it right, we can all achieve.
“And what's so wrong with that?”
