People said I will not be promoted because I’m black, a woman and an immigrant – Nigerian lady celebrates as she becomes Branch Manager of Canada’s leading bank

Nigerian woman, Patience Adesuwa Ajao is celebrating after she was promoted as the Branch Manager of a leading bank in Canada

Patience recalled how people told her she would not be promoted because she is black, female and an immigrant.

In a post she shared on Facebook, she revealed that she relocated to Canada eight years ago and was told to abandon all thoughts of building a career and just survive

She wrote; “Upon relocating to Canada eight years ago, I was told to abandon all thoughts of building a career, and just, survive. A few months later, I accepted the Customer Service Representative role with one of Canada’s top five Banks. Talks in my ears sounded like: you will not get promoted, you will be a teller for life, remember you are black, a woman and an immigrant from Nigeria, three strikes against you.

”Forging on, I moved through four roles: Financial Services Representative, Financial Advisor, Manager of Customer Experience, and Assistant Branch Manager. In addition to having my 3rd child, pregnancy and maternity did not prevent my climb up the ladder.

“Needless to say, I have since distanced myself from those that never believed in me. I am blessed to be a part of an organization that has provided a level playing field for everyone. In this month of November 2022, I accepted the promotion to the role of Branch Manager, thank you TD!! Finally, Dear Immigrants: seek an organization that will accept your potential and believe in yourself that you can attain whatever height you aim for.