Standing Firm in Power and Pride: Lilian’s story
Throughout October, we have been marking Black History Month, we’ve been catching up with colleagues and asking how they resonate with this year’s theme of Standing Firm in Power and Pride.
Below is an unedited blog from Lillian Auma, Head of Costing and SLR.
This year’s Black History Month theme is Standing Firm in Power and Pride. What does that phrase mean to you personally, and how does it resonate with your experience?
Standing Firm in Power and Pride means actively embracing my identity and using my position to champion fairness and inclusivity. As a Black woman in NHS leadership, I am proud to work with Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, ensuring recruitment panels are just and diverse. My presence as a Black woman in NHS leadership is not just symbolic; it actively challenges stereotypes and demonstrates that leadership is both attainable and impactful.
By mentoring and guiding colleagues, especially black women in finance, I offer support and encouragement that helps foster their growth and ambition. My visibility in decision-making spaces, along with my contributions to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, show others that diverse leadership is possible and valued in our organisation. This theme resonates with me because I see every challenge, and every success as an opportunity to show pride in my heritage and use my power to open doors for others.
What challenges have you faced in your career, particularly as a Black professional in healthcare, and how did you stay resilient through them?
I have faced challenges in progressing my career despite strong experience and guidance from mentors and sponsors. Navigating barriers such as unconscious bias and limited representation at senior levels has required perseverance and self-belief. I have stayed resilient through commitment to professional excellence, ongoing learning, and supporting others, knowing that each step forward can help shift perceptions and make the path clearer for those who follow. I find motivation in seeing positive changes in workplace culture and by contributing actively to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion efforts.
Can you describe a time when you felt your voice or presence positively impacted your team, patients, or the service?
There was a time when, as part of my role in promoting Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, I was part of an interview panel for recruiting new staff. By advocating for fair and inclusive practices, I ensured the process considered candidates from diverse backgrounds. My voice helped shape decisions that brought greater diversity into the team, which ultimately enriched our service for patients. Knowing my presence contributed to an equal and representative workplace was rewarding, not just for the team, but also for the wider NHS community that we serve.
Who or what has inspired you (in your life, culture or profession) to “stand firm”?
I was inspired to 'stand firm' by a mentor who challenged my self-limiting beliefs and encouraged me to recognise my professional value and integrity. With their support, and through hard work, I successfully secured a role two bands higher than my previous position. Their belief in my potential, combined with my commitment to personal growth, strengthened my confidence and sense of purpose. This experience has motivated me to foster a similar spirit of resilience and ambition for others, especially those who might doubt their ability to succeed in leadership roles.
What supports (formal or informal) have helped you maintain a sense of belonging, pride, and wellbeing in your NHS environment?
My sense of belonging, pride, and wellbeing within the NHS has been greatly strengthened by being part of supportive networks such as the NHS England EDI network, the Women in Leadership network, and the sponsorship programme. These groups have provided opportunities for learning, collaboration, and solidarity with peers from varied backgrounds. Informally, having a supportive manager and the wider finance department who values diversity and encourages my development has made a significant difference. Together, these supports have helped me build confidence, celebrate my achievements, and feel truly included in the workplace.
Finally, what advice would you give to Black people considering a career in healthcare today and to colleagues (of all backgrounds) who want to be better allies?
My advice to Black people considering a healthcare career is to recognise and believe in your professional value, never let self-limiting beliefs hold you back. Seek mentors and sponsors who will challenge and support your growth, and take advantage of the various networks like the NHS England EDI and Women in Leadership to find inspiration and build your confidence. Representation matters; your presence will not only enrich the workforce but also pave the way for others. To colleagues wishing to be better allies, I encourage you to actively support inclusion—listen, advocate for fair and transparent processes, and celebrate diversity. Allyship is about using your influence to create opportunities, challenge biases, and ensure everyone feels valued. Together, we can build a healthcare environment where pride, equity, and wellbeing are part of every team’s culture.
As Black History Month comes to a close, we are reminded that celebrating Black excellence, history and culture shouldn't be confined to just one month.
Let's continue to honour the contributions of Black colleagues an communities every day by challenging inequality, creating opportunities and championing inclusion in all that we do.