Charity Dago

Talent Manager, Milano

«When you are the only one, or one of the few black people in your sector, you can't mess up, you don’t have the opportunity to fail and learn, you have to aim for victory».

What was the hardest part of navigating as a black professional in the fashion industry in Italy?

The hardest part was not being able to compare myself with other professionals like myself . When you are the only one, or one of the few black people in your sector, you can't mess up, you don’t have the opportunity to fail, you have to aim for victory. All of this is frustrating at times and just not fair. I am Charity, I am a person, but the color of my skin has always preceded me on every occasion.

Tell us about a memory that was important in the path of the successful career you are on today.

Today I work with and around diversity & inclusion. My agency Wariboko is one more opportunity for us. I remember that a few years ago, while I was assisting as a tutor during the dissertation of a student of mine, we had chosen to deal with the phases of image consultancy for a blind person. Some differences were very far from my daily life. It was a fantastic experience, it enriched us alot in terms of awareness and knowledge and from there I decided to set an example by showing more forms of diversity. I have changed my approach to diversity in a concrete way.

What would you say to your 13 year old self ?

At 13 I dreamed of becoming a volleyball champion , I wanted nothing more and I was pretty good. I would say to myself of that age that the talents in life can be many, that the best thing we can do is experience many things, keep an open mind and continue to dream despite the difficulties. When you stop dreaming and craving, you actually stop living. I'm not made for survival, I dream a lot more today than when I was 13.

What changes do you hope to see in your sector in Italy in the next 5-10 years?

In my industry I hope to see a profound revolution. I want imbalances to change, and inequalities to be reduced. In order to go in this direction, people must change, because the system is made up of people. I hope that an adolescent person born in Italy of Afro descendant origin can feel represented in different fields and that therefore she can have the right to lead her own life without having the pressure to excel.