Nicolas recognises Black History month throughout the year by developing allyships

Nicolas Mitchell, Associate Director, CFCC Assurance

I’m approaching my seventh year at Standard Chartered Bank and am part of the Conduct, Financial Crimes, and Compliance (CFCC) Second Line Assurance team. Based in our Newark office, I am an Associate Director whose job is to focus on financial crime risks related to Anti-Money Laundering.

I enjoy being part of a global team which is comprised of a diverse group of people from different backgrounds. Although my assignments vary, it allows me to gain exposure and access different opportunities at the Bank. I’ve experienced a variety of growth opportunities ranging from short-term assignments with Americas, FM Compliance to obtaining industry licenses.  Assurance is truly a great space to learn about all that the Bank has to offer.

Black History Month to me is not just a month of acknowledgment, but a year-round mindset. A time to review how one can learn more and enlighten others.  This can be through developing allyship and becoming more involved with Diversity and Inclusion initiatives wherever they may present themselves.

This year, I plan to increase the number of mentorship relationships. I currently work with the FCC Talent Development program, which is organized in collaboration with John Jay Colleague, and work with colleagues to provide more students with the opportunity to learn about combating financial crime. In addition, I plan to continue working with the Ascenders, which is a non-profit organization that assists High School students with college and financial aid applications to pursue admissions into Higher Education

These seemingly small actions can often be a real game-changer for those who don’t have the exposure to Dream Big!

While there are many captivating figures that have inspired us throughout the times, I’ve decided to look into the Caribbean immigrants and descendants who have been influencers in American Black History this year.  As a son of immigrants from the Caribbean (Islands of St. Martin and Grenada), these stories resonate with me.  Some of these influential figures include Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Colin Powell, Cicely Tyson, Shirley Chisholm, and Constance Burke Motley -- to name a few.  How they operate as catalysts of change toward societal norms is still relevant today, and I am continually inspired by their courage and commitment today as with many others in the past. True trailblazers!