Introduction
I’m Georgina Koranchie, a Consultant 1 working in the Data Team within the Property department at CACI. I joined the company in 2023 as a Data Technician Apprentice, and it’s been an incredible journey of growth and learning. This year, I’m proud to be co-organising CACI’s Black History Month celebrations, reflecting on a theme that holds deep personal meaning for me.
Black History Month is a time to honour the strength, resilience and brilliance of Black people past and present, and to recognise the power of our stories in shaping a better, more inclusive future. This year’s theme, Standing Firm in Power and Pride, reminds me of how each of us contributes to that legacy in our own unique way.
Roots & inspiration
For me, that pride begins with my roots.
My mother has always been my greatest inspiration. She came to the UK in the early ‘90s hoping to create a better life, leaving behind her family, everything familiar and putting herself through education as a mature student, all while raising my siblings and me. I watched her build and embrace a community around her, encouraging and uplifting those who shared similar journeys and finding strength in unity. That sense of community has shaped who I am today, both personally and professionally.
I see that same spirit reflected in women like Kimberly Bryant, founder of Black Girls Code, who created a platform to empower young Black girls in tech and bridge the diversity gap in STEM. Her work represents the very essence of standing firm in pride: using her success to create access and opportunity for others. Her story resonates with my own aspirations: to one day create opportunities and open doors for others like me, helping them navigate and thrive in the corporate tech world.
Likewise, Martin Luther King Jr. has long been a source of inspiration for me. His dream was not only about racial equality, but also about unity, justice and collective empowerment— principles that continue to shape the world we live and work in today. His courage to speak truth to power reminds me that using our voices matters, even in everyday moments. Standing firm, for me, means doing exactly that: holding space for myself and others in a world where representation still matters deeply.
My career journey
My career path hasn’t been traditional. I didn’t study computer science at university, and I entered the tech world later than some might expect, but that has become one of my proudest strengths. It means I can relate to others who take non-linear paths and show that there is power in forging your own way.
Moments of pride for me aren’t just promotions or milestones, they’re the everyday choices to speak up, take on challenges outside my comfort zone and mentor others.
I still remember the first time I attended a networking event for Black professionals in tech. Walking into that room and seeing hundreds of people from various backgrounds supporting, mentoring and encouraging one another was transformative. I realised that when we come together — united and visible — we don’t just change perceptions, we create new possibilities.
That moment also changed how I saw myself in corporate spaces. I stopped questioning whether I belonged and started seeing every room as an opportunity — to contribute, to represent and to pave the way for those who would come after me.
Community & advocacy at work
At CACI, I’ve made it a point to connect with other Black colleagues and minority professionals I’ve met along the way. Together, some of us have created an informal network to check in, encourage and share our experiences. It’s a small act, but it has a big impact — reminding us that we are not alone. That shared sense of community mirrors what I learned from my mother: that strength multiplies when it’s shared.
Advocating for myself and others has become central to how I navigate my career. Representation and authenticity go hand in hand, and leadership — real leadership — means helping others feel confident enough to bring their full selves to the table. It’s not just about speaking up, but showing up in a way that inspires and empowers.
For me, diversity isn’t just about representation. It’s about recognising the richness in our differences. As Black people, we are not all the same. My experience as a young Black woman from South West London will differ greatly from that of a middle-aged Black man from Europe. Creating true diversity means valuing voices from all walks of life, each carrying a different story, a different wisdom and a unique understanding of pride and power.
When we make space for these perspectives, we open ourselves to deeper understanding, empathy and innovation. Every authentic voice contributes to the strength and resilience of our communities and workplaces.
What keeps me grounded is knowing that visibility matters. Every time we show up authentically, we challenge old narratives and create space for others to do the same. That’s what drives me — seeing others realise their own strength and knowing that we rise higher together.
A message to others
To younger Black professionals entering the corporate world: your journey is your power. Every experience — whether smooth or challenging — adds to your strength. Seek out community, embrace your individuality and never underestimate the value of your perspective.
To allies and leaders: continue to create spaces that don’t just include diverse voices but also listen, learn, and act on what you hear. Black History Month reminds us to reflect, reconnect and celebrate diverse voices — not just this month, but every day.
Standing firm in power and pride means honouring those who paved the way, standing tall in our truth and ensuring that the next generation can do the same with even greater confidence.