Reflections on my first month at the Justice Together Initiative
January 8, 2025
In the first in a series of blog posts, our new Senior Influencing and Grants Manager Dami Makinde shares her key learnings, questions and aspirations after a month in this newly-created role.
Taking on a new role is always an exciting mix of anticipation, discovery, and reflection. As I step into the position of Senior Influencing and Grants Manager at the Justice Together Initiative (JTI), I bring with me over a decade of combined experience in community organising, advocacy, and consultancy. My work has often centred on creating systemic change by building collective power and influencing policies, and I see this role as a chance to build on those foundations in a new and impactful way. JTI’s mission to advance migrant justice aligns deeply with my own values and professional journey. It’s an exciting time to join the Initiative as we invest more in our influencing work, to harness our expertise both as a funder collaboration and via our grant partners and directly affected communities.
As part of this journey, I plan to document and share my progress through a series of blogs. These reflections will delve into the lessons learned, the challenges faced, and the successes achieved, offering a transparent look into the complexities of this work. Now, as I conclude my first month in this role, I find myself filled with gratitude for the trust placed in me, curiosity about the possibilities ahead, and hope for the impact we can create together.
What I have learned
This initial phase has been a whirlwind of learning — about the organisation, the team, and the broader ecosystem of funders and advocates working to advance migrant justice. One of the key lessons so far has been the depth of collaboration required to make impactful change. JTI is uniquely positioned as a convener and catalyst, and understanding the intricacies of balancing grant-making with influencing has been eye-opening. I have also gained insights into the power dynamics inherent in funding and the importance of maintaining a participatory approach. It is clear that meaningful change comes from centring the voices of those directly impacted, and I have been inspired by the Initiative’s commitment to this principle. Listening to grantees and partners share their work has reinforced the importance of fostering trust and mutual accountability.
What has gone well
The onboarding process has been both thorough and welcoming, enabling me to hit the ground running. I have had the privilege of connecting with a passionate team and a network of incredible people, each bringing deep expertise to the table. While I have had the opportunity to be introduced to many people from the network, I am still looking forward to having the deeper conversations that will spark collaborative ideas for addressing systemic barriers and creating sustainable change. I am also pleased with the small but meaningful steps I have taken so far, such as engaging actively in discussions and beginning to familiarise myself with strategies that align with Justice Together’s long-term goals. It is encouraging to see how my background in community organising and consultancy can shape my approach in this role as I continue to learn and contribute.
Questions I have
As with any new role, there are questions that linger as I navigate this transition. A key challenge I am grappling with is the dichotomy between taking a particular position as a funder — actively influencing the direction of the sector — and supporting organisations within the sector to lead the influencing work themselves. To what extent should I, as a funder, shape the approaches or influencing priorities of grantees? Where is the balance between offering guidance and empowering organisations to chart their own paths?
Another layer of complexity is understanding my specific role as a funder engaged in influencing work versus my previous role as a CEO of an organisation directly undertaking the influencing. As a CEO, influencing often meant leading campaigns, engaging in public advocacy, and driving forward a clear agenda. Now, as a funder, the influencing is more nuanced, requiring a shift towards facilitating, convening, and enabling others. Navigating this shift raises important questions about how to leverage this role effectively while staying true to JTI’s ethos of collaboration and equity. These questions reflect the richness of this learning curve, the kind of intellectual and professional challenges that will help me grow. While these dilemmas are not easily resolved, I am eager to explore them further with the team and our partners.
Preparing for transition and continuity
Adding another layer to this transition, I am preparing to go on maternity leave soon. This brings both personal excitement and professional reflections about continuity and momentum in the work. I am committed to setting the stage for a smooth handover and ensuring that the strategies and relationships we are building remain robust during my leave. The prospect of stepping away for a time also underscores the importance of collaborative leadership and shared ownership. JTI is a collective effort, and I am confident that the team’s dedication and expertise will sustain and advance our mission during this period. At the same time, I look forward to rejoining with fresh perspectives and renewed energy, ready to dive back into the work.
My hopes for the future
As I continue this journey, I hope to deepen my understanding of the migration and justice landscape while building strong relationships across our networks. My aspiration is to co-create strategies that are ambitious yet rooted in the lived experiences of those we serve. I also hope to embrace the learning curve of this role, maintaining a positive outlook on the challenges and uncertainties ahead. Through reflection, curiosity, and collaboration, I aim to grow into this role and contribute meaningfully to our shared goals. Above all, I hope to learn, develop, and collaborate, to be part of an Initiative that not only responds to the urgent challenges of today but also lays the groundwork for a more just and equitable future. This first month has been a promising start, and I am eager to see what the months ahead will bring.
Dami Makinde
Senior Influencing and Grants Manager