Jennifer Kuntuala Bowser is a Sustainable Equity Analyst at Schroders and is on the Social Business Trust Diversity and Inclusion board. She is also a member of the Schroders Black Professional Network committee. As part of International Women's Day 2022, we asked her about purpose and how she works to #breakthebias.

What has made you so purpose driven?

I’ve always believed that one’s purpose is the driving force behind what they do or don’t do. My parents taught me this from a very young age and it has stuck with me. Discovering my purpose has been somewhat of a journey, where I see the thread of it weaved through different areas of my life.

Have you seen female representation change over the years in Senior Leadership Teams?

Yes I have and it’s encouraging to see the efforts that organisations are making to increase representation. But I do think there’s more that can be done to ensure that change is not just visible, but embedded into the culture of an organisation. I’ve been very fortunate in my career to be mentored by female leaders at work and I believe it has made positive impact on my personal and professional development. It has expanded the realm of possibilities in my mind and pushed me to live without limits.

What’s one big societal change you’d like to see in your lifetime?

I would love for us to no longer have to talk about diversity and inclusion because it has become the norm. To live in a society where individuals can be themselves, without prejudice or bias. Inclusion isn’t just about things looking right. If you see a diverse workforce, but those people don’t feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work and don’t feel like they can be themselves, then there’s still work to do. I think we have a long way to go and it must be a collective effort. Often times, you find that we have these conversations among those who already believe in it, but we need buy-in across the board.

I make room for difference around me. Diversity challenges our opinions, beliefs and perception of the world. I make an effort to learn and experience new things as I believe that through education we can break many biases.

What woman has inspired you the most?

My mum is one of my biggest inspirations. I have watched her evolve as a woman at different stages of her life and she has never complained nor worried about the challenges she’s faced. She models bravery and resilience. The older I get, the more I see and appreciate the beauty of her evolution.

How do you actively #breakthebias?

I start by not allowing any biases to influence how I see myself. How we see ourselves is powerful and if we can be confident in our identity without the need for validation from others, I think we’ve won the first battle. Beyond that I make room for difference around me. Diversity challenges our opinions, beliefs and perception of the world. I make an effort to learn and experience new things as I believe that through education we can break many biases.

#IWD22