Mandy Preville-Findlay PhD, Geography & Environmental Science

PhD student

Project title: Developing participatory models of intersectional diaspora institutions

Applying for the Black Futures scheme was the best decision I could have made. It is allowing me to explore areas that I am passionate about, with the aim of supporting others to impact positively on the world around us. You really have nothing to lose by making an application, and everything to gain.

I am Mandy Preville-Findlay, a development coach, focused on personal and career improvement with over 21 years of experience in facilitating growth through exploration and reflection. After attaining a BA Hons in Education Studies from the University of Greenwich, my career within the education sector shifted from teacher to leadership, culminating in roles as Head of School and Education Advisor.

I expanded my passion as a development connector by undertaking an MSc in Development Management with the Open University. This allowed me to see the world through a myriad of lenses - key among them, the realisation that we are our own limiting factor. Therefore, through my work as a development coach and mentor, I now support people to build on - and strengthen - attitudes to risk, and challenge entrenched ideologies and learnt behaviours that impact negatively on attaining their preferred future. By providing space for storytelling and analysis and avenues to 'be' not just 'do’, I support clients to discover creative avenues for self and professional enhancement.

This led me to co-found BEYOND IYANOLA CIC (a diaspora-focused community interest organisation) through which I identify, celebrate and amplify the brilliance of the global Caribbean and African diaspora in general and in particular, the Saint Lucian diaspora. I believe we all have a role to play in shaping the future of our countries of origin, whether home or abroad, and actively work to facilitate this. My passion for fostering a movement for development has led me to explore ‘developing participatory methods of intersectional diaspora institutions’ as a focus for my PhD journey.

Applying for the Black Futures Scheme was the best decision I could have made. It is allowing me to explore areas that I am passionate about – diaspora and participation, with the aim of supporting others to impact positively on the world around us.

Without this support, I would not have been able to undertake this PhD. It has only been a few weeks, but I have already experienced fantastic support from all previous scholarship holders and faculty. You really have nothing to lose by making an application and everything to gain.