Seniz's story

Seniz Kasif, a recent GCSE graduate of Lilian Baylis Technology School benefitted from a series of activities organised Business in the Community as part of its MERLIN programme. Seniz was first invited to speak in a round table discussion on 'Are role models relevant to the Facebook Generation?' which was held at BT's head office. Seniz had done her preparation from her hospital bed as she was taken ill shortly before the MERLIN event. Her determination and preparation showed in her excellent presentation for which she received a lot of positive feedback from business attendees.

Business attendees were impressed with Seniz’s presentation and confidence in delivery which resulted in BT offering her a work experience placement. She also joined the J.P. Morgan School Mentoring Programme which supported Seniz in the two years leading to her achieving outstanding GCSE results. 

Seniz has also been offered other opportunities for leadership development and meeting Black, Asian and minority ethnic role models; shewas on the MERLIN student council and met on a regular basis with the MERLIN business leaders. Seniz is interviewed in the MERLIN role model DVD.

Seniz says: "I've met with inspirational people who have helped motivate me. For example, I was once told that the sky isn't the limit – past the sky is space and space goes on forever and that you can achieve anything as long as you work hard".

The MERLIN programme run by Business in the Community, uses role models from the corporate world to raise the aspirations of young people from Black, Asian and minority (BAME) backgrounds. Business partners include BT, EDF Energy, Channel 4, Department for Children, Schools and Families, Ernst & Young and Bank of America Merrill Lynch. MERLIN is funded by London Councils