Connecting Africa’s Skilled Professionals
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Sheila Ruiz
I was educated at....
....The Spanish School "Vicente Cañada Blanch" in London where I studied for my Baccalaureate, University College London (UCL) where I undertook a BA in History, and the School of Oriental & African Studies (SOAS) where I undertook an MA in African Studies. My formative, primary education years were spent in Madrid, where I was born and raised until the age of 12.
My first job was....
....as a baby-sitter, looking after the most adorable 4 and 6 year old girls, Safiya and Imani Robinson, who have grown up to be two very dynamic young women that I’m really proud of!
What I do now is....
....work for the Royal African Society heading up the programme of events covering everything from history and politics to arts and culture, and including our annual festivals of African film and literature, Film Africa and Africa Writes. Africa Writes 2013 is actually taking place this month, from 5-7 July at The British Library, so come along! I love the diversity of the events I organise, which allows me to learn something new every day.
Sheila Ruiz is the Royal African Society's Programming Co-ordinator. Sheila manages the RAS's extensive programme of events, including Africa Writes, the RAS's annual festival of literature and the RAS annual lecture.
With a background in arts management and a keen interest in current affairs with a specific focus on Africa, Sheila mixes her skills in event production, research and analysis to develop the RAS’s dynamic events programme.
Prior to starting at the RAS, Sheila was the Communications and Programming Consultant for the Africa Centre and previously worked as a freelance events producer for various community arts projects in London.
Sheila holds an MA in African Studies and a BA in History from SOAS. She is of mixed Spanish/Equato-Guinean heritage and is bilingual in Spanish and English. She has a passion for dance and music, and has performed with a number of groups, including the London Lucumi Choir.
What I learned along the way is....
....that I’m still learning! My experience has taught me that being ready to have your preconceptions shattered is a good thing – being open to people’s very different ways of seeing and doing things can be a great catalyst for change. I think if we were all more humble, tolerant and understanding (of the ‘other’), the world would be a much better place. I’m an idealist and staunch believer of our shared humanity.
My greatest influence has been....
....empowering women who have inspired me throughout my life and to this present day, encouraging me to believe in my ability to be me - wholly and unapologetically. Older women and men who have shared their wisdom, their successes and failures, from which I have learnt a lot.
The best advice I ever received is....
....on a professional level – that your ideal job will be something which marries your aptitudes and interests; that a vocation is really a combination of talent and hard graft. And, on a personal level, that the first step to happiness is to accept and love oneself.
My top tips for succeeding in my career area are....
....I’d say the most important aspect of my career is relationship-building. I believe forging good relationships with key contacts and organisations is crucial to the success of any event, festival or project I embark on. I also think it’s important to have a wide set of skills, ranging from the creative to the administrative, and a strong work ethic.
If you would like to nominate an inspiring personality for a ‘5 Minute Interview’ please contact us at editor@reconnectafrica.com
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