Elizabeth Baptiste was born in London to parents from the Caribbean Islands of Grenada and St Lucia. She grew up in London and the Caribbean and studied Social Policy and HRM at both Middlesex and Westminster University. She has worked in many educational settings and is a Senior Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist with more than 18 years experienced in the public sector. She is a former Leadership and Organisational Development Adviser at Westminster University with specialist interest in Women and Leadership, Learning Organisational Development, Staff Coaching and Mentoring. Her interest in politics stems from her strong UNISON Labour link, holding various positions, e.g. Branch Chair, Regional Equalities Convenor and National Executive Committee for Higher Education. In May 2018 she was successful in her bid to become a Local Councillor in Valley Ward Chingford preventing the Tories from having a clean sweep in the ward. Since becoming a Councillor she was elected by her peers in 2018 to become the Deputy Group Labour Leader. Ms Baptiste lives in the London Borough of Waltham Forest with her daughter April. She is the founder of 'Engage-Plus', a campaigning group working to promote BAME Women in Leadership.
1 Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
I feel at home in London. I am fortunate to have family who live across London, from Hackney, Islington, Streatham, Barking , Croydon and Willesden. London is a diverse city with so much to do you will never be surprised. If you are like me and you enjoy shopping just think of the markets and the parks are super.
2 What are your proudest achievements?
Being a mother is one of my proudest achievements and seeing my daughter graduate from University as a qualified Dietitian was a plus for me. I am also pleased to have won my Local Councillor seat by a convincing majority and more importantly, in the last General Election was part of the campaign team that ensured that Chingford and Woodford Green Constituency became a marginal seat for the Labour Party.
3 What insprires you?
Making decisions that makes a difference in improving the quality and living standards for my constituents is a key driving force and motivational factor that inspires me. As a Councillor I have seen first-hand how austerity has affected our local community. Issues such as Crime, Cost of living and Social Security are all having an impact. I am inspired on a daily basis to make considerable strides to address this imbalance. Did you know that Iceland has made it illegal to pay women less than men?
4 What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
It is important to remove negative stereotypes and improve better access to opportunity for everyone. There should be no limits to opportunities for all. More mentoring and shadowing roles should be encouraged for BAME and young people. Over the years I have made a strong mental commitment that there should be nothing stopping anyone from aiming for what they need to achieve. As a public servant - I pledge to be the voice of the people.
5 Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
My father was my role model. He came to England in the early 1950s (Empire Windrush) and instilled in me the importance of Education. His mantra was continually repeated to me during my youth 'get that piece of paper' - meaning get that educational qualfication(s) to enable me to have a better quality of life.
6 What is the best aspect about your current role?
As a Councillor and Chair of the Labour Group in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, making decisions that improves the lives of my constituents and policies that are relevant in enhancing the quality of their lives.
7 And the worst?
There are no worst - It is a honour and a preivilege to serve in public life.
8 What are your long term goals?
There is a need to increase BAME representation across all public life. As a result my long term goals is to serve in public life as either an Assembly Member or as a Labour Member of Parliament. I understand how deeply inequality effects the people, especially BAME and young people and I am interested in developing and promoting social justice for all.
9 If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
The impact of austerity and budget cuts have had a devasting impact on the most vulnerable in our society. The lack of funding for local services is restricting opportunities for local communities, BAME and Young people. I would definitely ensure equality for all.
10 If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why.
I would like to spend my time with Rosa Parks - she is the 'first lady of civil rights' and 'the mother of the freedom movement'. I embody her quote: each person must live their life as a model for the other. I would have welcomed some lessons on not giving up.
