Black History Month: My grandad’s experience gave me an appreciation for his generation – Walker
To mark Black History Month this October, Mortgage Solutions is profiling Black and Black mixed professionals in the sector, focusing on the 2026 theme, ‘Honouring Our Communities’.
Meet Megan Walker, business development manager at April Mortgages, who wants to show others that determination and hard work supersede perfection.
What is your name and role?
My name is Megan Walker, and I’m a business development manager at April Mortgages.
How long have you been in this role?
I’ve recently joined April Mortgages, and this is my first position working directly for a lender. Before joining April, I worked as a mortgage and protection adviser. I am really looking forward to bringing that frontline adviser experience into my new role to support our partners.
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How long have you worked in financial services, and what was your first job?
I’ve worked in financial services for six years. I started my career as a booking specialist supporting mortgage advisers, before progressing into a trainee mortgage and protection adviser role.
What made you consider the sector as a career?
At 18, I wasn’t entirely sure what career path I wanted to take, but I knew I wanted to build a stable future for myself and become financially independent. I was also determined to buy my own home, which naturally sparked my interest in property and mortgages.
What appealed to me was the opportunity to build a long-term career in an industry that plays such an important role in people’s lives. Six years on, I’ve been able to develop from supporting mortgage advisers to becoming one myself, and now taking that experience into my first role with a lender.
How do you try to do good for your community through your work?
As someone of dual heritage working in the mortgage industry, I believe representation really matters. Seeing people from different backgrounds building successful careers can encourage others to believe those same opportunities are available to them.
Having worked my way from a booking specialist to a mortgage and protection adviser, and now a business development manager, I hope my journey shows that there isn’t just one route into financial services.
I also believe in sharing what I’ve learnt, supporting others and being approachable to people who may be considering a career in the industry. Sometimes a conversation, a little encouragement or seeing someone you can relate to can make a real difference.
And what about in your personal life?
My family is a huge part of who I am, and I am incredibly proud of our heritage and the journeys of the generations before me. I strive to carry forward the core values they taught me: hard work, resilience, ambition, and looking out for one another. I think it’s vital to celebrate our roots, stay connected to our history, and encourage the younger generation to believe in themselves and the possibilities open to them.
What does community mean to you, both within and outside of your immediate community?
To me, community is about belonging, shared experiences and supporting one another. It’s about celebrating where we come from, recognising those who came before us and helping create opportunities for the next generation.
My grandad came to the UK from Antigua at just 15 years old. Hearing about his experiences has given me a real appreciation of the resilience and determination of that generation. It reminds me of the importance of celebrating our heritage while continuing to open doors for others.
Every year, I help bring our community together through our annual Caribbean barbecue, a tradition that has been running for 40 years. It’s more than an event; it’s a chance to celebrate our culture, strengthen our bonds and pass our heritage on to younger generations.
Beyond my own community, I think those same values apply to everyone. It’s about understanding different perspectives, respecting one another and making sure people feel included and valued.
Who inspires you on a personal and professional level?
My biggest inspirations are my parents, my grandad, and my wider family, who have all played a defining role in shaping who I am today:
My Dad: He has always encouraged me to reach my full potential and stood by me every step of the way. He taught me to always treat people with dignity and respect, and to give my absolute all in everything I do. He worked incredibly hard to provide for our family, and his determination, dedication, and values inspire me every day.
My Mum: She has brilliantly balanced running her own business, working within our family business, and raising my brothers and me. Her strength, exceptional work ethic, and incredible, selfless, and caring nature are qualities I deeply admire.
My Grandad: He moved to the UK from Antigua in 1955, navigating a very challenging environment in London as a young boy. A few years later, he joined the RAF, serving with distinction for 25 years. Since then, he has been awarded both the British Empire Medal (BEM) and Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) and was also appointed Deputy Lord Lieutenant. His journey and the life he has built in the UK are something I am incredibly proud of.
How do you hope to inspire others?
I didn’t leave school with straight A*s, and I certainly didn’t have my entire life mapped out at that age. My journey has been built on self-education, continuous personal development, and learning on the job.
I hope my story reassures others that you don’t need to have everything figured out from day one, or have perfect academic records, to build a meaningful and successful career. With hard work, determination, and a genuine willingness to keep learning, you can absolutely find your path and achieve far more than you might think possible.
