Ufuoma Uwegba - The Times Top 50 Employers for Women blog

“I have always been encouraged to bring my ‘full self’ to work.” Corporate responsibility coordinator Ufuoma Uwegba writes about her passion for her role, and how Sodexo’s diversity and inclusion employee networks have helped her discuss her identity within the company…

I’ve been with Sodexo for two years, working in Corporate Responsibility. I love my role because I believe it makes an impact within the company and the communities we operate in. It’s really satisfying that Sodexo makes a conscious effort to be a responsible business.

I’ve had a passion for corporate responsibility since I left Loughborough University where I studied Economics and Social Policy. My role as corporate responsibility coordinator is two-pronged. There is the philanthropic side which supports our charity partners through grants and campaigns that tackle hunger and malnutrition. One of our big campaigns is volunteering where our people have real hands-on experience at the charities we support. Research shows that employees who volunteer are more fulfilled in their jobs, and helping to get employees engaged and actively involved is hugely rewarding.

The other side of my role is working on initiatives that help make Sodexo a responsible business. These involve promoting the consumption of more vegetables, and reducing waste and plastics usage.

Another area I’ll been working in is increasing the company’s spend with suppliers who are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and local businesses. There is a trade-off - the SMEs gain from our corporate experience and we also benefit because the smaller companies are often more innovative, reactive and forward-looking.

I love working in London. I am a British-Nigerian as my parents migrated to the UK in the 1980s. My Christian faith, cultural background and education have played a part in who I am. As a member of Sodexo’s Origins network I believe you are given a platform to celebrate differences and speak about your beliefs.

A real turning point for me was taking part in an Origins network podcast headed by Omy Lawal, which involved a round-table discussion about our identities and how our different heritages shape who we are. Taking part was pivotal for me; I was able to speak openly about my faith, heritage and experiences at work.

I met Michele Delices, director of business improvement and growth support, via the podcast and she has become a mentor. Her encouragement and constructive advice has helped with planning my career development.

I’ve also found the SoTogether network events insightful. The career stories of women in senior management roles are inspirational and encourage me to reach out for more advice.

My former line manager Edwina Hughes, in particular, was also enormously supportive and encouraged me from day-one to be clear about where I want my career to go and to be able speak openly and honestly about who I am and I want to achieve at Sodexo.

At Sodexo we are committed to the importance of promoting equal opportunities, valuing diversity and creating an inclusive working environment for all our employees. Find out more about a career with us.