A vision for Merky’s first MBA scholar
Hi #Merky Foundation, HSBC, the University of Cambridge, and all the beautiful people reading this!
Stormzy showed us what access could look like. Now, I want to help take that even further.
This is my personal pitch to become #Merky’s first MBA scholar at the University of Cambridge.
I’ve spent my career in the creative industry, building bridges between creativity, careers and business. Despite coming from a low-income, state school background, I now work with incredible brands - and mentor the next generation of Black talent rising behind me.
My career even began at Adidas, on a team that included Paola Lucktung and Akua Agyemfra—shaping the very mission of the #Merky brand. It feels full-circle in the best possible way.
Whether through talks, viral LinkedIn posts, or early careers advocacy, I’ve always believed in access, impact, and making room at the table.
Now, with your support, I’m excited to take that mission to Cambridge.
Hi, I'm Amarie, and in 2019, I did this!
In 2019, I wrote a dissertation on Black male identity in British hip-hop, exploring how it’s been misrepresented and misunderstood in both media and academic spaces.
Stormzy was a major part of that work - his cultural impact, his lyrics and his leadership through the Stormzy Scholarship helped shape the backbone of my research. He's even mentioned in the acknowledgements.
What started as a university dissertation became something bigger - a viral piece that sparked conversation, made its way to national news.
A First-Class journey.
I’ve now been accepted into the University of Cambridge's MBA programme - one of the most competitive business schools in the world. A course which is usually out of reach to many, and a course which has a less than 1% representation of Black students. This isn't just a personal milestone. It’s a symbol of what’s possible.
I want to be part of new chapter of postgraduate representation. Because the business world needs more voices like ours - diverse, creative and bold.
We mean Business
The MBA at the University of Cambridge is an incredible degree and masterclass in business education.
With this degree, I aim to launch 'Volleyball', a social-impact focused start-up, dedicated to breaking down the barriers young people face when entering the creative industry.
Much like the Foundation’s commitment to fight against the odds of an unfair system, I want Volleyball to empower young creatives from underrepresented backgrounds by providing the resources and support they need to build sustainable, successful careers.
By pursuing my MBA at Cambridge, I aim to drive meaningful change in the creative industry, ensuring that young people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to thrive.
Impact already in Action
My core passion is to support young people and aspiring creatives in their early careers.
I post advice on LinkedIn to share my story and encourage others, and here are just a few of the messages I receive daily from those seeking guidance, all of which I personally respond to.
The last part is a reference from the Employability and Engagement Manager at my former school, where I visit to mentor students and talk on panels about my career.
Links:
From One Message to 1-1 Mentoring
What started with one DM has turned into something much bigger. Over the past few years, I’ve mentored Black creatives navigating the early stages of their careers - many of them trying to break into music, media, or culture from non-traditional backgrounds, just like I did.
From voice note pep talks to strategy calls, and even tea at the top of the London Eye, mentoring has become one of the most meaningful parts of my journey. I’ve been the beneficiary of incredible advice, kindness, and access—and I believe in passing that on, one person at a time. Because when we help each other rise, we all move forward.
The Data: Why representation matters
Less than 1% of Cambridge MBA students are Black.
Only 0.24% of all venture capital funding in the UK goes to Black founders.
Just 0.02% goes to Black women.
This isn’t just about statistics. It’s about possibility. And how with your support, we can continue to level the playing field.
A photo with entrepreneur, investor and podcaster, Steven Bartlett.
The Support received so far
Thanks to the support of the Cambridge Business School, I’ve already received:
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A £30,000 scholarship
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A named Fellowship
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An incredible reference from a key figure in the MBA community.
This has already reduced the cost of attending Cambridge significantly.
The total cost is now equivalent to the Stormzy Scholarship funding a single undergraduate degree.
Help me bridge the gap
All that remains is the remaining tuition and maintenance. I’m now looking for your support to help close the final funding gap and bring this vision to life.
This isn’t just for me.
It’s for the next generation of Black students and creatives who dare to believe that they belong in the top universities, in the boardrooms and the creative world.
Thank you for reading, let’s make history!
