Finding My Voice, Finding My Tribe: A Journey to the Houses of Parliament

By Renae Burchell | Co-Founder, SWAG YOUTH CIC

15 October 2026 | Portcullis House, Houses of Parliament

Some experiences remind you why you started. Others remind you who helped you find the courage to start in the first place.

Attending the launch of Elimu Book 2: Little Book of Knowledge at the Houses of Parliament was one of those moments for me.

But this story didn't begin in Westminster. It began four years earlier, at Coventry College.

Where the Connection Began

I first met Ellisha Soanes when I was working at Coventry College as a Personal Development Manager and Lecturer in English.

Ellisha had been invited to deliver Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) training to our management staff and Teaching and Learning Coaches.

What began as a professional encounter became something much more meaningful.

We stayed in contact, and over the past four years, Ellisha has become a mentor, a source of encouragement and someone who has continually challenged me to recognise the value of my own voice.

She has helped me find confidence in who I am, understand the importance of speaking up and, perhaps most importantly, find my tribe — people who share my values, understand my purpose and believe in creating meaningful change.

The Power of Being Seen, Heard and Supported

When I reflect on the past four years, I recognise just how important those connections and experiences have been.

They have kept me grounded during challenging times, reminded me of my strengths when I've questioned them and given me the energy and determination to keep moving forward.

More than anything, they've strengthened my desire to make a difference in my own city.

Coventry is home. It's where I grew up, where I've worked with young people and where I believe there is so much potential waiting to be recognised.

I know how powerful it can be when someone sees something in you that you haven't quite learned to see in yourself.

And I know the difference it makes when someone encourages you not just to find your voice, but to use it.

That belief sits at the heart of SWAG YOUTH CIC — Speaking With Assertive Grace.

A Moment at the Houses of Parliament

On 15 October 2026, I had the opportunity to attend the launch of Elimu Book 2: Little Book of Knowledge at Portcullis House, Westminster. I was able to bring my business partner Bex, volunteer mentor Margaret and my youngest son, Kevon for what was to be an empowering and unforgettable experience.

The event was opened by Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP and celebrated the work of authors Ellisha Soanes and Tonia Wilson.

The afternoon brought together people passionate about Black history, representation, education and ensuring that young people can see themselves reflected in the stories they learn.

Being in that room was about much more than attending a book launch.

It was an opportunity to reflect on the importance of representation, the strength of community and the responsibility we all share to create spaces where young people feel that they belong.

Bringing Those Lessons Home to Coventry

Through SWAG, we want to create the kind of environment where young people feel seen, heard, valued and empowered.

A place where they can explore their identities, discover their strengths, challenge limiting narratives and build meaningful connections.

Our Black Girl Rise programme, in particular, is rooted in the belief that identity, cultural belonging and representation matter.

Young people need more than information and opportunities. They need people who believe in them, experiences that broaden their perspectives and spaces where they can become unapologetically themselves.

Looking back at my own journey, I recognise how much of a difference that support has made to me.

And now, through SWAG, I want to help create those opportunities for others.

Finding Your People Changes Everything

I'm incredibly grateful to Ellisha for her mentorship, encouragement and the opportunities and connections that have helped shape my journey.

Sometimes the greatest impact someone can have isn't telling you what to do.

It's reminding you who you are, helping you recognise what you're capable of and giving you the confidence to take your next step.

That's the kind of impact we want SWAG to have.

Because when young people find their voice, their confidence and their people, the possibilities begin to change.

Be Heard. Be You. Be Your Future.

Renae BurchellCo-Founder | SWAG YOUTH CIC