Seven Questions with... Brianna Powell

What are you studying, why are you interested in this subject and what do you plan to do in the future?

I am currently finishing my MSc in Prosperity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship within the Institute of Global Prosperity in order to transform my local community. Before that I studied at Clark Atlanta University where I received my MBA in marketing and supply chain management in 2021. As a proud Crucian, I saw a trend of unhelpful programs moving at deliberately slow speed and I was left dissatisfied. I became interested in this subject because I wanted to be the change I sought from my community. I wanted to apply my classroom knowledge to the global start-up ecosystem one step at a time.

My plan for the future is to create a successful nonprofit, Liberation In AI, a greenhouse gas verification company that eliminates greenwashing and uses technology to measure effective sustainable development.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen or gotten involved with while at UCL?

The most interesting thing I’ve done is win over £1000 for my start-up Liberation In AI. 

The most interesting thing I’ve seen so far is the dedication to student success from my lecturers Onya Idoko, Mara Torres Pinedo, and Robert Constanza. All three have been extremely instrumental in my development as an ecology economics researcher within the startup community.

The most interesting thing I’ve gotten involved with at UCL has been the ChangeMakers programme for my project titled 'Black Prosperity at UCL'. The research conducted by the six-member team outlined the needs within the ecosystem of Black student success at UCL. This project was inspired by the statistics of the underrepresented community in London. The local city population of Black women in London is 7% (gov.uk) yet the classroom had a representation of 0.07% (UCL PIE Program). This is 10 times less than the average population within London, which is a statistic I aim to change.

Currently, I have the pleasure of working on the UCL Education Conference, helping to expand their digital assets for this event. My event coordination background has equipped me to provide support for the Arena team. I’m extremely proud and excited to be a part of the growth of education through career development.

Have you discovered any hidden gems during your time at UCL?

The library has been the best hidden gem on campus by far. I've been able to research my heritage and learn about transformative leaders of the past. I learnt about stolen languages from local tribes of North Carolina and the psychology of Virgin Islanders during reconstruction. The library is rich with history and revolutionary books that are banned from my country.

Secondly, the Hatchery has helped me to develop my sustainable business model. I look forward to being accepted into their accelerator program to raise seed funding for my start-up post-graduation.

Lastly, another hidden gem for me was the tutorial service with a particular tutor, Nai Lee Kalema, who improved my understanding of scholarly communication at UCL and helped me express my research. It makes me proud to go to this university with its high-quality research community.

Give us your top three things to do/see/go to in London:

I like to see the different museums and exhibits located in London. My top recommendation is the Grant Museum of Zoology.

I truly enjoyed seeing performances of my favorite musicians, Lady Lykez, Chronixx, Ari Lennox, and the drag queen supreme Shea Coulee.

The most important experience for me was making my weekly visit to Roti King near Euston Square as a cool-down for the week. Hands down my favorite restaurant of all time and top thing to do in London.

If you could study a different subject, what would it be and why?

I would study social interaction through digital experiences, to gauge and map out how technology brings people together for sustainable development.

Who inspires you and why?

The person who inspires me the most is Marcus Garvey as he set the tone for the next generation of revolutionaries. I believe in his ability to apply efficacy to his community and positively impact those around him. I want to be as influential as him when I demand transformative change for those who come from my background. I'm also inspired by Angela Davis and the revolutionary way in which she has used the tools of education to empower society. Providing equal access to education to all communities should be on the agenda of every institution. Overall, these two figures inspire me because they understand the importance of education as a tool to uplift marginalized communities.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

In my free time, I coordinate events for an inclusive green collective named the Hempstress. We hosted our first event during Black History Month last autumn, creating space for amazing London-based artists such as Lady Lykez, Thea Hallow and Ètienne. This accomplishment was highlighted by providing a sense of support to the QTBIPOC and allies community through green creativity. Our next event will be in New York and more information can be found at our website.