Celebrating Black History Month: A team member's perspective

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and a typical day in your job at Paysafe?

I’m Evelyn Igwe, I am Nigerian, and I’ve been transitioning gradually to life in the UK over the past five to ten years.

My professional journey has been a blend of Banking Operations and Risk Management. In August 2022, I embarked on a new chapter at Paysafe as a Risk Analyst within the Enterprise Risk Management Team. My passion lies in the realm of risk management and its transformative potential for informed decision-making within organisations.

At Paysafe, a typical day finds me actively engaging with stakeholders across various Paysafe teams, delving into critical risk related discussions. The insights gleaned from these collaborative workshops fuel our Risk Assessments and underpin various strategic risk projects, ultimately shaping pivotal decisions at Paysafe.

What do you love most about Nigerian culture?

Nigeria’s traditional weddings are known for their vibrant and lively celebrations. Nigeria’s diverse cultures and rich history contribute to this uniqueness. Each ethnic group in Nigeria has its unique customs and traditions when it comes to weddings, but what truly stands out is how these celebrations serve as a unifying force.

Weddings are seen as community events, bringing together not only the bride and groom but also their families, extended relatives, well-wishers, and neighbours. It’s not uncommon for these gatherings to draw guest lists of 500 or more attendees. The festivities are a visual feast, with brilliant colours, stunning custom attire, delicious food, and non-stop dancing, making these occasions truly unforgettable.

Why is it important to keep recognising Black History Month?

Recognising Black History Month holds significant importance for a lot of reasons. I will share two that I think are key:

• Celebrating diversity: Black History Month serves as a powerful celebration of diversity. By shining a spotlight on the rich history, achievements, and contributions of Black Individuals, it underscores the beauty of our collective diversity. It emphasises that each of us, regardless of our background, ethnicity, or culture, has something valuable to offer in the pursuit of a better world.
   
• Promoting unity: Black History Month fosters unity. It brings people from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds together, highlighting the interconnectedness of our human experiences. It serves as a reminder that, despite our differences, we share common bonds and a shared history, encouraging empathy, understanding, and a sense of community among all.

 

The theme for Black History Month is ‘Saluting our Sisters’, which sisters do you salute?

I would like to salute and celebrate my remarkable Mum, a constant source of inspiration throughout my life. Despite the hurdles she’s encountered, she continues to persevere and achieve incredible success in her personal and professional journey as a 58-year-old Black woman.

To learn more about working at Paysafe, visit the Paysafe Careers page.