Kemi Olaiya
I am a Nigerian born British citizen who has spent the majority of my life outside of Africa. Growing up a Diplomats’ child, I have lived in Nigeria, the USA and attended schools in the USA, Nigeria and the UK. I have been in the UK since the age of 12; this is home.
I studied Business and Finance at Staffordshire University and have been working in Financial Services for over 20 years across various specialist areas and locations. I am currently the Investment Practice Lead at Capita Pension Solutions Limited.
Throughout my career, I have supplemented my professional life, by being an active member of any charity committee or employee focus groups within the organisation. I am a life long learner and achieved my Management and Leadership Diploma in 2022. Outside of work, I am a solo parent and Treasurer of the Salivary Gland Cancer Uk charity having previously been a board member and trustee. I have been involved in charitable work since the age of 16 with my first step taken as the school representative for Live Aid in the late 80s.
I have personally taken on various physical challenges in order to raise money for various charities. These include a 500K cycle ride through the Masai Mara regions in Kenya and making a valiant attempt to climb Kilimanjaro. Alongside my participation, I have also been very active in various fund raising events for many charities. I have worked with some well know charities such as Ambitious about Autism, Demelza House and Smartworks/ Suited and Booted.
I have a passion for travel and enjoy meeting new people, seeing new places and experiencing different cultures. I am proud of my united nation of friends. I live in London and the best thing I love about my home town is the diversity.