An unforgettable journey of youth voice, opportunity, and discovering the power of showing up.
Imagine opening your phone one day, seeing world leaders, mayors, innovators and changemakers on your For You Page and then a few hours later, you’re sitting in the same room having breakfast with them in Madrid. That actually happened to me and I still can’t believe it.
About 2 weeks ago, I experienced one of the most unforgettable moments of my life: being invited to speak at CityLab hosted by Bloomberg and the Aspen Institute in Madrid.
A Dream Turned Reality
For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to speak internationally. I always imagined myself in rooms where important conversations were happening, rooms filled with people actively working to create real change in the world. To finally experience that for the first time was surreal.
From the moment I arrived, everything felt extraordinary. Staying at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz in Madrid, being surrounded by inspiring people from all over the world, and networking with individuals across completely different industries opened my eyes in ways I didn’t expect. I met leaders, innovators, mayors, and change-makers from different countries and backgrounds, and each conversation carried something powerful. Hearing about their work and the impact they were making made me realise how broad and interconnected change really is, and how many different ways there are to contribute to it.
Feeling Supported Every Step of the Way
I also felt very supported throughout the entire experience. From the moment I arrived, the staff at the hotel were incredibly welcoming and helpful, always ready to answer questions and make everything feel smooth and comfortable. That sense of care and support made a real difference and helped me settle into such a new environment with ease.
One of the most meaningful parts of this experience was being able to have conversations directly with the Director of the London Violence Reduction Unit, Lib Peck. Even before the trip, she made a real effort to support us and ensure we felt encouraged and prepared. She was incredibly attentive and supportive throughout, and you can genuinely see her passion for her work and the people she supports.
Conversations That Changed My Perspective
But the most powerful part of the experience wasn’t the luxury, the hotel, or even meeting influential people. It was this: No matter their title, mayor, organiser, innovator, activist, or entrepreneur, every single person in that room had one thing in common. They wanted to make the world better. That stayed with me.
I remember speaking to people about what I care about, and instead of brushing me off, they would say things like “You should meet this person,” “I know someone you’d love to speak to,” or “You have a great idea, keep going.” That meant a lot. It showed me that there are still people in powerful spaces who genuinely want young voices to succeed.
One moment that stood out was seeing the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, in person. Being in the same space as global leaders and hearing directly from people shaping change in their cities was incredibly inspiring.
Sharing the Stage
I also had the opportunity to be part of a panel moderated by Garrett Richardson, alongside Lib Peck, Okela Douglas-Norgrove who is the CEO of Sister System, Unis Ali, and Dr. Jean E. Rhodes.
Each of them brought powerful and unique perspectives to the conversation. Lib Peck’s continued support and encouragement throughout the experience really stood out to me, and it was inspiring to hear from Okela Douglas-Norgrove about the work she leads through Sister System, supporting young women and creating meaningful pathways for change. Unis Ali and Dr. Jean E. Rhodes also added real depth to the discussion, particularly around youth development, opportunity, and the long term impact of mentorship and support systems.
It was also a privilege to have Garrett Richardson as moderator and to share that space with him. His guidance helped shape such a thoughtful and engaging conversation, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have contributed alongside him.
I also want to sincerely thank Garrett for inviting me to be part of this experience and for giving me the opportunity to attend CityLab in Madrid. Being included in spaces like this has genuinely helped fulfil a childhood dream of mine. It meant a great deal not only to attend, but to contribute and be part of a panel in that environment.
Beyond the panel, I also had the chance to explore Madrid itself. Walking through the city, taking everything in, and even participating in a creative activity where we painted places we had seen around Madrid made the experience even more meaningful. It was such a grounding moment, something simple but memorable, that made me feel even more connected to the city and the people around me.
Change Starts Small
I also met friends from different institutes and organisations, and hearing about the work they do inspired me even more. It reminded me that change doesn’t only happen on big stages or through major titles. Sometimes it starts quietly, through helping one person, mentoring someone younger, speaking up for your community, or simply caring enough to try.
I would also like to extend a sincere thank you to David, Katie, Shilpa, and everyone working behind the scenes at the Greater London Authority who advocated on my behalf and supported my invitation to this experience. I truly appreciate the time, effort, and belief it took to make this opportunity possible. It means a great deal to me, and I am genuinely grateful to each of you.
So if you’re reading this and wondering where to start in your own community, this is your sign: Start small. Volunteer. Speak up. Share the idea. Help one person. Because small actions grow into bigger opportunities. The people I met in Madrid didn’t become impactful overnight. They kept showing up, kept learning, kept building relationships, and kept believing change was possible. And maybe one day, you will look around a room you once thought you would never belong in and realise you were meant to be there all along.
Madrid, thank you for the memories.
CityLab will forever hold a special place in my heart.
