Leyya Sattar : In a world where diversity and inclusion have become buzzwords in corporate boardrooms, there are trailblazers like Leyya Sattar who have been on the frontline of this battle since 2016. Leyya’s journey from a graphic design graduate to a prominent figure in the fight for workplace equity is a testament to her unwavering commitment to making the creative industry more inclusive.
Leyya Sattar: A Brief Overview
Leyya Sattar, A graduate of London Metropolitan University with a Bachelor of Arts/Science degree, embarked on her professional journey as a Project Manager before transitioning to the role of Producer at a London-based creative agency. Her early experiences in the creative industry, coupled with her identity as an Asian, working-class woman, ignited her passion to drive change.
The Birth of The Other Box
In 2016, Leyya Sattar, fueled by her frustration with the lack of intersectionality in diversity discussions, co-founded The Other Box alongside Roshni Goyate. What began as an online community for marginalized individuals to connect and share experiences has blossomed into an award-winning company. The Other Box’s mission is to educate and empower people to live and work more inclusively.
The Other Box’s Impact
The Other Box is not just a company; it’s a movement. It strategically collaborates with global corporations, providing diversity and inclusion training and consultancy services, fostering awareness of unconscious bias, and crafting custom strategies. Additionally, it partners with brands for inclusive campaigns and initiatives.
One of The Other Box’s most remarkable achievements is nurturing a global community of over 3,500 creatives, connecting them to opportunities across various industries. Leyya’s dedication to celebrating and supporting people of color and those from underrepresented backgrounds has earned her numerous awards and accolades, including being featured on Forbes’ “30 Under 30 – Europe – Social Impact” list in 2021.
Mentoring and Advocacy
Leyya’s commitment to diversity extends beyond her professional endeavors. She serves as a passionate mentor to women from working-class backgrounds, empowering them to articulate their dreams and achieve their goals. This commitment to mentorship is an embodiment of her belief that meaningful change starts with individual empowerment.
Continuous Learning and Growth
Leyya Sattar is not content with resting on her laurels. She is continuously advancing her knowledge by studying Cognitive Hypnotherapy and Neuro-linguistic Programming, aiming to attain her diploma in 2021. Her dedication to personal growth reflects her unwavering determination to drive change.
The Journey of Resilience
Leyya’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. As co-founder of The Other Box, Leyya Sattar poured her heart and soul into the initiative, often working late into the evenings and weekends while juggling a full-time job. The result? Burnout and a six-week battle with pneumonia. This experience prompted a profound shift in her perspective and priorities.
The Power of Saying No
Leyya Sattar candidly shares that her “fear of missing out” as a millennial initially led her to say yes to every opportunity, but she soon realized that strategic choices were vital. Her illness forced her to reflect on her life’s purpose and the importance of enjoying what she does.
A Promise to Live By
Leyya’s resolve was further strengthened by a poignant statement from her stepfather, who lamented the all-consuming nature of work in his life. This touching insight reminded her that work should provide purpose and fulfillment, not just financial success.
The Other Box’s Leap of Faith
Ultimately, Leyya Sattar and Roshni made a pivotal decision to channel all their energy into The Other Box. This leap of faith has paid off immensely, allowing them to impact countless lives by promoting diversity and inclusion in the creative industry.
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