International Women's Day: Aspire Black Suffolk co-director

Listed as one of Glamour magazine's top 15 most influential Black women in the UK, Miss Soanes, 33, is the head of equality, diversity and inclusion for West Suffolk College, Suffolk One and Abbeygate Sixth Form.

Ellisha Soanes, 33, is head of equality, diversity and inclusion at three Suffolk colleges. (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)

Sharing how she will be celebrating International Women's Day, Miss Soanes says it's definitely not a "tick box exercise", adding: "It's about making sure we honour all women on March 8 and beyond."

This year, she's taking time for self-reflection and thinking about the women who have shaped and inspired her over the years, including her grandmother on her father's side, who was part of the Windrush generation.

"When I was younger, I didn't even realise the impact she had," said Miss Soanes.

"The trials and tribulations she went through coming over here have paved the way for the work I do now."

Cristolyn Soanes (right), who was part of the Windrush generation. (Image: Supplied)

Miss Soanes also attributes her tenacity and persistence to her other grandmother, a "lovely Suffolk pumpkin" who taught her to never give up and always say it how it is.

She added: "Our personal superheroes don't wear capes, but they still have such an impact.

"It's important to honour the people who came before us."

Last year, Miss Soanes was awarded the Association of Colleges' President's Award for becoming the first lecturer in the country to teach the true width and depth of Black history across the year.

Ellisha Soanes is the first lecturer in the country to teach the true width and depth of Black history across the year. (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)

"I've always modelled my ethos on the quote 'Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world," she said.

"Representation really does matter and we need to ask ourselves how we start telling these stories."

Outside of her role as diversity lead, Miss Soanes is also a co-director of Aspire Black Suffolk, which released an interactive history book telling the untold stories of Suffolk's Black community.

The enterprise also helped organised the Power of Stories exhibition, which saw three original Marvel Studios' Black Panther costumes on display.

Miss Soanes' 10-year-old daughter, A'niah, was part of the exhibition and has also gone on to create her own Black history book club and speak on BBC Radio 4 in front of a live panel audience.

Miss Soanes with her 10-year-old daughter A'niah. (Image: Supplied)

"It's down to the people I surround her with, particularly the strong women," said Miss Soanes.

"She's listened to their stories and knows she can do whatever she wants."

Miss Soanes says she's "thankful" that she's been able to raise A'niah in Ipswich and wants to dispel the 'sleepy Suffolk' stereotype.

"I grew up here myself and I'm honoured that my children can go grow up here too," she said.

"I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. But what we don't talk about enough is the amazing work we're doing on diversity, inclusion and bridging the gap.

"Sleepy Suffolk? We are so, so far from sleepy - I think we're quite woken up to be honest."

Ellisha Soanes, 33, who lives on the outskirts of Ipswich. (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)

As for the future, ensuring we keep these conversations alive past International Women's Day, Miss Soanes wants to continue telling stories from a diverse range of backgrounds.

"Looking back on how the inspirational women in my life have paved the way for me, I now want to make sure that I'm always asking myself: 'how do we keep the door open for generations to come?'"

Ellisha Soanes as a baby, with three generations of women before her. (Image: Supplied)