Alumnae spotlight: Millie Mensah

Millie Mensah Class of 2003

Millie is an author and freelance graphic designer working with charities and nonprofit organisations to deliver purposeful messages via print and digital design. As a former local government employee (youth offending), she understands the importance of working with hard-to-reach and marginalised groups. She continues this way of working via creative design with an ethical approach. Millie has also just finished an 18-month work contract at Apple. Millie enjoyed working for the biggest tech company in the world and was inspired by their brand and core values being in line with her own work principles.

During the pandemic, Millie took up a voluntary role and joined charity Period Reality as the Design Team Lead. Period Reality aims to share stories from around the world about the reality of some people in terms of managing periods. They work with businesses and organisations to make them more inclusive, playing into employees’ strengths at any point during the month.

Period Reality are pushing the envelope on women’s health and well-being, educating young women and girls about gender equity and equality, women’s empowerment, gender development, women in leadership, employee enablement and inclusive societies by educating about and advocating for living in sync with your cycle. These are all messages close to the heart of Croydon High’s Period Project philosophy.

Millie fulfilled a wish last year when her book Migration: Journeys Through Black British History was published. Millies’ book is part of the Black Curriculum series, where the reader learns how migration has shaped Black British History. The book contains incredible untold stories of people, places, and journeys recognising that migration has been part of British history right from the start.

For example, did you know Black people lived in Britain during Roman times? Or that there was a Black trumpeter in Henry VIII’s court? Millie’s book shares the stories of Black British people who campaigned to abolish slavery in the 18th century, like Olaudah Equiano. It explains what brought people to Britain in the 20th century and what life was like for them. The book highlights how migration is important to Britain’s identity and history and how it continues today.

We were lucky enough to be joined by Millie in our Junior School in October. She led the Culture Day assembly, showed us her book, and explained what it was like to write it and how important it is to learn about Black History as an integral part of all British History, from Roman History to the present day.We caught up with Millie this week for a Q&A session:

What aspects of Croydon High School did you enjoy and find most rewarding?

Going to school every day to see my friends. The friendships I made at school are so important to me and have shaped me as an individual, and I still maintain some of those friendships today. It’s been a privilege to be part of their lives and to see how much we’ve all grown and continue to grow.

What did you aspire to whilst at school?

I believe that being a friendly and outgoing person was something that I naturally aspired to. I was always keen to learn (especially history) as best as I could, but I think being a kind person was just as (if not) more important to my time there.

How did Croydon High School empower you for your future?

Attending Croydon High gave me that quiet encouragement to strive for more, even though I didn’t always know what that looked like. There were many students with ambition, and I believe my peers inspired me to consider that there is a whole world outside of school and I would eventually find my feet.

What has been your proudest moment?

I’m very proud that I wasn’t afraid to change my career in youth justice to graphic design. At the time of the transition, many people said I was ‘brave’, but my instincts knew it was the right path to take. Doing so has opened many doors, and I have learnt so much about myself. I used to think, ‘Why didn’t I become a designer years ago?’ but realised that this was how things were meant to be, and I have no regrets.

What are your hopes for the future?

To continue to do my part to keep learning (academic and non-academic) about the world and, share that knowledge, and raise awareness, whether it’s through design, writing or teaching.

I believe that everyone has the right to the benefit of education regardless of their background.

What would you say to your 15-year-old self?

Keep smiling, be more curious and stand up for yourself when something doesn’t feel right.

Thank you Millie; we hope to see you again soon at Croydon High!

Mrs Karen Roe
Alumnae Relations Manager