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Our Story

We began in 2011, at a kitchen table in Bethnal Green.

After the passing of her mum, our founder and CEO, Asma Shah, reflected on her own challenges as a woman of colour navigating a city that often felt inaccessible– soon realising that the barriers she faced were not hers alone.

Asma’s vision was clear– break down these barriers by creating a space for young, unemployed, and underemployed Black and Brown women to access opportunities, build confidence, and take ownership of their futures.

What started as a funding-free programme with just 20 mentees has since grown into a movement, impacting 75 women annually and over 600 lives to date.

Rooted in East London, a community that has shaped and continues to inspire us, You Make It has become a catalyst for change – a force built by and for the people it serves.

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Our Mission

After centuries of systemic intersectional oppression, we’re calling time on racial inequality, class exclusion, gentrification, and displacement. We don’t want hand-outs – we want reparation.

We exist to empower young Black and Brown women, marginalised by society, to access and enjoy the city they call home. Driving change from within, we call upon businesses to become active anti-racist allies, championing racially minoritised talent.

From our roots in Bethnal Green to across East London, women have a right to their city. This isn’t charity– it’s justice. And the time is now.

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Our Vision

We want to live in a world where Black and Brown women can claim and embrace fulfilling lives for themselves.

A world where employers are progressive, anti-racist, and committed to engaging with and learning from underrepresented talent.

Where individuals, charities, and businesses work together to build a community of solidarity, ensuring that every individual can participate in the social, cultural, and economic life of the city.

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About Us

At You Make It, we combine our diverse expertise – from social impact reporting and operations to fundraising and leadership coaching – to support other women and drive our shared mission forward. From mentors turned trustees, to mentees turned ambassadors, meet our team!

Supported By

Over 12 years we’ve worked with a broad range of employers who have:

  • Sponsored us
  • Benefitted from our mentoring programme
  • Identified new talent by hosting work experience placements
  • Provided us with venue space for activities
  • Delivered workshops to young women
  • Accessed our anti-racism allyship programme.

We’ve also received invaluable funding from a range of grant givers – we couldn’t do what we do without them!

Our Impact

You Make It in the Spotlight: Impact, business engagement and recognition

We’re thrilled to see You Make It (YMI) gaining recognition for its impact, especially in the business world. From collaborations with major companies to national media features, YMI continues to drive change for women from underrepresented backgrounds.

Our Impact in Numbers:

  • 98% of participants feel they have a larger network after completing our programme.
  • 95% feel more confident in public speaking.
  • 100% report feeling more self-confident.

Check out some recent highlights:

  • Havas and YMI Partnership – A great piece showcasing how businesses are engaging with YMI. Read more on Marketing Beat.
  • National Recognition – YMI was featured in The Independent’s Happy List, celebrating changemakers making Britain better. See the full list on The Independent’s website.
  • FT CoverageThe Financial Times covered our work, but it’s behind a paywall. We’re looking into the best way to link to it on our site. You can access the article on the FT website.
  • Stylist Feature – Named one of the best grassroots charities supporting women in the UK. Read more on the Stylist website.
  • Fighting Back Against Austerity – A powerful piece in Prospect Magazine about YMI’s resilience and impact. Read it on the Prospect Magazine website.
  • Interview with Asma Shah – Our founder speaks with Rich Mix about YMI’s journey and impact. Read the full interview on the Rich Mix website.

With such strong results and growing recognition, YMI continues to empower and uplift women. Stay tuned for more updates on how we’re making waves!