Urban Synergy CEO & Founder, Leila Thomas, expressed her gratitude towards multinational insurer WTW and its employees for their life-changing contributions to the community through the DreamBig@WTW programme. The programme, which began in 2022, aims to bring diversity into WTW’s workforce by preparing young people for the world of work.
Through the dedicated efforts of WTW professionals Cheree Psalms, Nikki Hall-Jones (USA), Deena Patel (UK), Dorothy Wilkes (USA), Chiedu Hing (UK), and sponsors Garrett Gaughan and Alastair Swift (UK), the programme has successfully changed the lives of 11 young individuals and helped communities. Thomas extended her thanks and appreciation to all the WTW colleagues who shared their time and expertise to make a positive impact.
DreamBig@WTW is a two-year programme designed to support young individuals aged 15-18 facing socio-economic challenges. The programme offers skills-based training in WTW’s key business segments: People, Risk, and Capital, as well as hands-on experience and a spirit of giving back. Participants also have the opportunity to work with mentors from Urban Synergy and WTW’s senior executives to develop crucial life skills such as communication, time management, and work etiquette.
“The focus is squarely on mentorship, experience, and giving back,” say WTW’s Co-Heads of DreamBig@WTW, Cheree Psalms and Dorothy Wilkes. This unique approach has not only nurtured future entrepreneurs and leaders but also contributed to strengthening community well-being and fostering a diverse workforce.
The programme has been a success, as evident from the testimonials of the participants who have become more confident and less shy, with no limitations on where they can work. One participant even went as far as saying, “It literally changed my life.” The young individuals were selected mainly through schools with higher-than-average rates of free school meals in South and East London, highlighting WTW’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The programme culminated in a presentation this month where the young people showcased their research on the best ways for the company to deploy AI. Thomas, along with Psalms and Wilkes, expressed their appreciation for the hard work and dedication of all those involved in making the programme a success, including Urban Synergy, the young people, and WTW colleagues who went above and beyond their day-to-day roles.
Thomas concluded by expressing her struggle to find a way for Urban Synergy to thank WTW for creating this opportunity and investing in diversity. She highlighted the impact that WTW and its employees have had on the lives of these young individuals and the ripple effect it will have in the future. Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/, Thomas encouraged everyone to continue their efforts in making a positive difference in the community.
