We are delighted to announce Kenika Gumbs as our new Marketing Manager - the latest chapter in a rollercoaster ride that once saw her 'hit rock bottom'.
She is stepping up from Assistant Marketing Manager, a role she's held since joining us two years ago, during which time she's been mentored by Marketing and Business Development Director, Dan Mounsey.
Kenika's appointment is the latest chapter of a tumultuous journey that began on the small Caribbean Island of Anguilla, where she was born and raised by her grandmother after her mother, a teacher, passed away when Kenika was only five.
She says: "It was a tough life growing up, seeing my grandmother struggle on a day-to-day basis. Just to put food on the plate was very difficult, and it has given me the drive to do something for myself and strive to make a better life - but it's not always been easy."
After coming to the UK to study and find work, Kenika says she was met by 'rejection after rejection'.
"I moved to the UK with big dreams and a hopeful heart in 2014, only to find myself sleeping on the streets shortly after," adds Kenika. "By 2016, I had hit rock bottom - completely homeless, completely broken, and nearly gave up on everything.
"But I told my grandmother, 'I know my purpose. I can't come back home. I'm here for a reason.' I've kept going and I've never stopped believing. And now - I'm walking into my purpose."
Kenika finally combined studying with a variety of part-time jobs, going on to pass a foundation degree in business management from Teesside University, a bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Bedfordshire, all of which she studied for at Oldham's University Campus and then a master's degree in digital marketing from Salford University.
And her appointment comes at a time when the debate about women working in the KBB industry has seen some high-profile contributions, not least at KBB Birmingham earlier this year with a panel discussion about empowering the next generation of women in the KBB workplace - when speaking up, not fearing failure and mentorship were the key topics.
Kenika says: "I love working at HPP. From the moment I came here, it's been like being part of one big family, and that's very important to me and what I want from my job.
"Thank you to Dan, and everyone at HPP, for listening to my ideas, for letting me be me and for never asking me to shrink, change or fit in.
"To everyone I've met so far - you've made this journey unforgettable. And to everyone I've yet to meet - I can't wait!"
Dan says: "I am delighted for Kenika - hers is such an inspiring story and shows what you can achieve with sheer grit and determination combined with talent and a love for your work.
"We strongly believe everybody deserves a chance here at HPP, regardless of gender and any other number of circumstances, and it's great to see someone take the chance when they get it. I'm sure this is only the beginning for Kenika."