Mariah Lukombo: The organiser behind the scenes
As the Network Secretary, Mariah ensures the smooth running of the network, covering everything from taking meeting minutes to organising key activities such as World Culture Day and regular internal meetings that keep members connected and informed. But her contributions go far beyond administrative tasks.
Mariah organised the highly successful World Culture Day event, which featured recipe sharing, a showcase of traditional attire and fun quizzes with prizes. The event brought together members and non-members to celebrate cultural diversity. Reflecting on the event, Mariah shared, “I’m proud of how our events encourage engagement and boosted morale. It gave people insight into different roots and showed the power of collaboration.”
Mariah sees the network as a platform for education and growth, helping members stay informed about workplace changes and highlighting opportunities to learn new skills or improve existing ones. She’s particularly proud of the network’s strong internal presence and its collaborations with other employee networks within Securitas, such as the LGBTQ+ and Conscious Care networks, which often share best practices to support inclusion across all communities.
Looking ahead, Mariah is focused on supporting the current Black History Month event, a virtual Coffee Morning. The session aims to create a relaxed space for colleagues to come together, share personal reflections, and explore this year’s theme, Standing Firm in Power and Pride. It encourages open conversation, connection, and celebration of the achievements and contributions that continue to inspire and uplift our communities.
For her, this month’s theme is deeply personal: “It’s about being grounded in self-discovery, recognising our strengths, and celebrating the achievements that come from the unity of our communities.”
Clarkson Iyovwaye: A voice for change
Clarkson joined the Cultural Empowerment Network with a clear purpose, to be part of the change he wanted to see. “I truly believe that change begins with us,” he explained. “To achieve progress, we must be active participants.”
As an active member, Clarkson contributes by sharing ideas and offering fresh perspectives that help shape initiatives like mentorship programmes and cultural workshops. But for him, the network is more than just a group, it’s a community. “I’ve made genuine friendships and found a sense of belonging that I wouldn’t trade for anything,” he said.
Clarkson is particularly proud of how the network has brought together employees from diverse backgrounds through initiatives such as CV review sessions, where members receive personalised feedback to support their career growth. Looking to the future, he’s excited to see the network grow, welcoming new members and fresh ideas.
The theme of Standing Firm on Power and Pride resonates deeply with Clarkson. “Our strength lies in our resilience, and our pride fuels our progress,” he reflected. “To achieve anything meaningful, you must stand firm and stay rooted in your values.”
Pete Savva: Championing inclusion from the top
As the network’s Executive Sponsor, Pete plays a vital role in providing strategic guidance and amplifying the network’s voice within senior leadership. “By leveraging my position, I aim to remove barriers, promote the network’s value, and support its efforts to drive inclusion and engagement,” he explained.
Pete believes that elevating the voices of underrepresented groups in the workplace is essential for fostering a truly inclusive organisational culture. “It strengthens employee engagement and retention by demonstrating a genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion,” he said.
Reflecting on his contributions, Pete shared, “I hope I’ve helped align the network’s initiatives with broader business objectives and secured executive sponsorship for key projects.” He’s optimistic about the network’s future, crediting its growth to the passion and dedication of its leaders.
For Pete, the Black History Month theme is a powerful reminder of the importance of confidence, integrity, and resilience. “It’s about owning our strengths and standing by our values, together as a team,” he said. “I see this theme reflected in the way our teams collaborate with confidence.”
Candace McGill-Hall: Leading with vision
As Deputy Chair of the Cultural Empowerment Network, Candace is a driving force behind its mission to promote cultural diversity and inclusion. “At its core, my role is about creating spaces where colleagues feel seen, valued, and empowered to bring their full cultural identities to work,” she explained.
Under Candace’s leadership, the network has grown in both visibility and impact, with membership increasing by over 60%. From introducing a dedicated prayer space at the head office to supporting colleagues with cultural or faith-related queries, the network has progressed from simply raising awareness to actively shaping inclusive workplace practices.
Looking ahead, Candace is focused on expanding engagement through activities coaching workshops, panel discussions, learning sessions, team days, and coffee mornings that encourage open conversation and explore cultural traditions and faiths. She is also committed to empowering emerging leaders across the business to sustain and build on the network’s growth.
For Candace, the theme of Standing Firm on Power and Pride is both personal and professional. “It’s a reminder to embrace and celebrate my cultural identity with confidence,” she said. “It also reinforces my responsibility to create inclusive spaces where colleagues feel supported and proud of their heritage.”
The Network’s achievements and what’s next
The Cultural Empowerment Network has made significant strides in fostering inclusion and connection across Securitas. From hosting impactful events like World Culture Day to introducing meaningful initiatives such as a dedicated prayer space, the network has become a cornerstone of cultural empowerment within the organisation.
Looking ahead, the network is gearing up for its end-of-year celebration and continuing its Black History Month activities. These initiatives aim to educate, inspire, and bring people together, breaking the monotony of work and creating opportunities for meaningful connection.
Standing firm together
This Black History Month, the Cultural Empowerment Network reminds us of the power of unity, resilience, and pride. As Mariah, Clarkson, Pete, and Candace have shown, through events like World Culture Day and Expresso Yourself, standing firm on power and pride isn’t just about individual strength, it’s about collective progress.
At Securitas, we’re proud to support the Cultural Empowerment Network and its mission to create a more inclusive and empowering workplace. Together, we stand firm, celebrate our differences, and build a brighter future for all.
