From pharmacist to people leader: Kenye’s story
This Black History Month is focusing on “honouring our communities” and to celebrate this we’re sharing stories from some of our colleagues across the Trust.
Kenye Karemo (above), our Interim Chief People Officer, has worked in healthcare for over 20 years and built a career in clinical practice, workforce transformation, education and organisational development.
Kenye said:
Black History Month is important as it’s a dedicated time to recognise the contributions of black people in healthcare and the NHS. I’m proud to work for the NHS and it’s a moment to value and recognise the work all our colleagues do across the organisation.
“It’s also about hope for a better future and being able to become anything you want to be. When Kamala Harris became vice president of the United States, she shared something her mum told her: ‘Just because you’re the first, doesn’t mean you have to be the last’.
“This means that you should look around for people you can support, coach and mentor. I’ve been fortunate that many people have helped me through my career and many of the people who helped me don’t look like me but took enough interest to coach me.
Starting her healthcare journey as a pharmacist, first as a community pharmacist and then moving into hospital pharmacy, Kenye cared for lots of patients and residents and used her own experiences to provide better care.
Kenye said:
“I’ve been able to use what I’ve experienced and understand of being unwell, as a black woman, as a daughter and as a professional to help improve the experience and lives of others. This is a privileged and honourable position to be in because when people are vulnerable that’s a time when they need someone they can trust.”
Reflecting on how the NHS has changed over the years, Kenye added:
Things have got better in terms of how teams are run and developed but now what I see is opportunities for people to achieve their personal goals, career goals, their professional goals. For myself, I knew I always wanted to work in healthcare.
“What’s particularly nice now is that you have many colleagues who look like you, who might’ve had a similar journey to you, who have the same cultural background to you. For me, it’s about the NHS truly being a place that anyone regardless of your background can be cared for and looked after.