Meet the ambassadors: Kimberley Wilson

It’s been a busy week here on the blog, with a female firefighter, a trip to the WI and three degree-free professionals making an appearance.

Now it’s Easter weekend, so we thought we’d give you a special treat. It doesn’t contain chocolate – it’s better than that (a bold assertion, we know).

We’re introducing you to a brand new ambassador. Baking fans – you will have seen and loved her already. Without further ado, please meet Kimberley Wilson, chartered counselling psychologist – who you may recognise from the final of 2013’s The Great British Bake Off.

When we heard Kimberley’s story, we knew she’d be an amazing ambassador. She grew up in poverty in East London, deciding at 16 that she wanted to be a psychologist – and working up to three jobs at a time to support herself through her studies.

After studying at Roehampton University and the Tavistock Institute, Kimberley now works in private practice. She also managed the psychology service for Holloway Prison, and chaired the British Psychology Society’s Training Committee for Counselling Psychology. And of course, she makes a mean chai-spiced ginger and date tea loaf.

Watch Kimberley’s video above – where she discusses everything from role models, to the politics of black hair. Her best advice? ‘Don’t talk about what you’re going to do… just do it.’

As for what she sees in the mirror… ‘I suppose I just see someone who’s engaged in trying to work out… what it means to be alive.’

We’re so pleased to have Kimberley as an ambassador, because she’s shared her time and expertise with us before. If you want to see more of her (don’t we all), check out her guest post and panel discussion. Feeling inspired? Do as Kimberley did, and tell us what you see.