Living With Pride: One Fennies Team Member’s Inspiring LGBTQ+ Journey

At Fennies, inclusivity isn’t just a value, it’s about who we are and accepting everyone for who they want to be. From the children in our care to the educators who guide them, we celebrate each individual.

This Pride Month, we’re honoured to share the voice of one of our passionate team members, Nwanneka, a Room Leader at Fennies Bromley, London Lane, who reflects on her journey of identity, pride and empowerment within the Fennies Family.

What Does Pride Mean To You?

“For me, Pride is about living openly, honestly and unapologetically. It’s about being able to walk into a room as your full self, without shrinking or pretending. I come from a background where being part of the LGBTQ+ community wasn’t the easiest to talk about. For a long time, I kept that part of myself hidden.

It took me a while to fully come out and for people to accept who I am, but once I did, I found a strength I didn’t know I had. Now, being proud of who I am is a daily choice. I don’t let other people’s opinions define me anymore. Pride, to me, is freedom. It’s a declaration that I exist exactly as I’m meant to.”

At Fennies, we know how vital it is for our team members to feel accepted and supported in their authentic selves so they can #BeYourself. Every story shared strengthens our commitment to creating safe, nurturing and affirming environments for everyone in our community.

How Do You Harness That Power In Your Setting?

“I bring that message of acceptance and individuality into the nursery every single day. I tell the children, it’s okay to be different. In fact, it’s amazing to be different. No one’s supposed to be exactly the same, that would be boring! Whether it’s how you dress, how you speak or what you love doing, being true to yourself is what makes you special.

I also talk to my team about how important it is to do what makes you happy. This is your life, and you’re the one living it. Yes, there will be challenges, sometimes big ones, but you can overcome them. It’s not about having a perfect life, it’s about having the courage to keep going, to jump over those obstacles, and to stay true to who you are.”

Through these everyday interactions, our educators are helping to build a generation that leads with empathy, courage and kindness, qualities that sit at the heart of the Fennies experience.

How Do You Empower People In Your Setting?

“I try to be someone people can be themselves around. That’s how I empower others, just by being comfortable in who I am. I’ve noticed that people feel safe asking me questions, and I welcome that. Whether it’s about identity or just being curious, I believe questions are how we learn and grow. There’s no judgment, only understanding.

And if someone doesn’t accept you for who you are? That’s okay too. It just means they’re not meant to be part of your journey right now. Not everyone will understand, and that’s their choice. But you still have the right to walk in your truth. That’s a message I try to pass on to the children and to my colleagues every day.”

This supportive mindset is exactly what creates the strong bonds and inclusive culture across all Fennies Nurseries. It’s also a reflection of how we nurture confidence and emotional well-being in children from the very start.

What Does Inclusive Leadership Look Like At Fennies?

“When I first joined Fennies, I had a virtual meeting with my manager Jake, and honestly, it was such a powerful moment. I remember thinking, ‘Wow, this feels different.’ Right from the beginning, I was accepted. I didn’t have to explain myself. People just saw me and embraced me, exactly as I am. That level of acceptance is rare, and I was so happy to feel it straight away.

It gave me this deep sense of peace and belonging. When you know you’re supported from day one, it changes everything. It gives you the confidence to bring your whole self to work, and allows you to be open, creative and connected with the children and your team.”

At Fennies, inclusive leadership is about people. It’s about fostering a workplace culture where every voice is heard and every identity is honoured.

Pride At Fennies: More Than A Month

Pride at Fennies isn’t confined to June. It’s woven into the everyday culture of our nurseries. From the stories we share to the spaces we create and the people we champion. We know that when children grow up in environments where diversity is embraced, they learn the value of kindness, empathy and self-confidence from an early age.

Our team members are living proof of the difference acceptance makes. Their bravery, authenticity and commitment to empowering others reflect the very heart of what Fennies stands for.

As we celebrate Pride, we also renew our commitment to being a safe, inclusive and joyful place for all. To learn more about our approach to inclusion and the values we instil every day, visit our website to find out more.