My name is Leticia Oppong, and I currently work at Baxi Heating UK as a sales and customer support agent. Before joining Baxi, I worked as a teaching assistant with YSA Education. Across both roles, I’ve been committed to building efficiency, supporting well-being, and fostering inclusion in the workplace.
Leticia’s career journey into construction began after moving to the UK and being inspired by an industry workshop: My professional journey began as a logistics officer and a business administrator in Ghana, driven by my passion for accountability and organisation. When I moved to the UK, I faced the challenge of restarting my career in a new environment.
Those early experiences taught me resilience and adaptability, which later helped me thrive in the structured and fast-paced world of construction and manufacturing at Baxi. I was motivated to join the construction industry after attending the ‘YES She Can’ workshop organised by Coventry City Council.
I later enrolled at the National Infrastructure Solution (NIS) for a course in Health and Safety in Construction through a scheme from the Coventry City Council. During that period, I secured my current role at Baxi.
Working at Baxi has been a defining part of my journey, where I’ve learned that collaboration and innovation can make a real difference not just in what we build, but in how we support one another as colleagues and professionals.
Leticia’s achievements lie in her goal to always make a positive impact: One of my proudest achievements has been helping streamline processes and communication within my teams. Whether it was improving data systems, supporting staff wellbeing, or ensuring project deadlines were met smoothly, I’ve always strived to make a positive impact.
Leticia shares her experience of being a black woman in the industry: As a Black woman, there have been times I’ve had to work harder to prove my competence and gain visibility. Yet those challenges have shaped my confidence and reminded me that representation matters, not for recognition, but for the opportunity it creates for others to see what’s possible.
Leticia gives her advice to other young black women in and outside of the industry: To me, being a Black woman in construction and manufacturing means being both a trailblazer and a bridge-builder. It’s about standing firm in your purpose while lifting others as you climb. My advice to young Black women considering this path is simple: your uniqueness is your strength. Seek mentors, never stop learning, and take pride in every step of your journey.
For Leitica, Black History Month is extremely important to her in her career and the legacy she wants to leave: Black History Month is a period for reflection, gratitude, and celebration. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and triumphs that laid the foundations for us.
This year, I was privileged to take part in Baxi’s first Black History Month. I was able to highlight the rich Ghanaian culture through food and costume. It was a wonderful experience, and I hope to be involved every year.
I’m inspired by leaders like Baroness Valerie Amos, whose resilience and grace continue to show that excellence and empathy can coexist.
I hope to leave a legacy of courage, compassion, and representation, showing that with purpose and persistence, we can all create something that endures longer than ourselves.
