“Parissé does not suffer fools gladly” - the words of my year 5 teacher, on a school report I saw recently. It’s interesting because today, I receive feedback such as: “Parissé has a way of being assertive and direct without being domineering. Her words always sound genuine and from a place of love, which naturally leaves room for self-reflection” “… your energy is like a magnet – people want to hear what you have to say” About me🖋️ I am an inquisitive first-generation 🇱🇨’ St Lucian descendant, who is clothed in curiosity. Softly spoken with a calm demeanour, I am the rose who grew from concrete, thriving in the midst of chaos. As my mentor would say “chaos was my comfort”.However, creativity and innovation are my safe spaces! Growing up, my mother was a dancer touring to various parts of the world, with me as her travelling companion. This gave me first-hand insight into the real lives and cultures of others, contrary to how people were portrayed via the television. My most prominent memory, was a two-week trip to Ghana, turned into six weeks because of my mother and her dance groups’ enjoyment. In turn, my mother’s dream planted a seed, and the more we travelled & formed relationships with the locals, the more my passion branched into the vision of cultural and social inclusion. From young, I always found human beings fascinating. I was always intrigued by the way of life for others and hearing their stories. Often, you would catch me sitting at the feet of the elderly, listening to the memories of their youth & their family & cultural history. I remember my grandfather giving me a monkey knuckle on my forehead, because I said, “I can tell you were a Casanova when you were young, with your dark skin and hazel eyes!” – 🫣 he did not find that funny at all! Nevertheless, everyone who knows me, brands me as “the storyteller” – I love keeping people’s stories alive. I am currently learning Dutch & Portuguese & leverage my diverse background, academia, and skills to drive change, growth, and restoration. ✨ I am the Founder of The Village UK - culturally led and inspired, we create emotional, mental and social safe spaces for parents within the black community. We prioritise parents who were not born in the UK, but are raising their children here & like myself, first generation British parents. Amongst other things, our mission is to create awareness about the effects of generational trauma. ✔️ Follow us via instagram to learn more: the.village.uk https://instagram.com/the.village.uk?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==