Box's Nicole Jhureea on the importance of Black History Month

As a London-born woman of Mauritian descent, my identity has always been shaped by a mix of cultures, histories, and perspectives. Growing up in a diverse city like London, I’ve been surrounded by different voices and traditions, and that mix has deeply influenced how I see the world and how I lead today. It’s also why Black History Month holds special importance for me, not just as a period of celebration, but as a time for reflection, awareness, and inspiration.

For me, Black History Month is about education first and foremost. It’s a moment to shine a light on the stories and contributions that are often left out of mainstream history books. When I was younger, much of what I learned in school about history focused on European narratives. There was little about the contributions of Black scientists, leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs who helped shape the world we live in. Black History Month provides an opportunity to rebalance that narrative, to remind us all that innovation, resilience, and brilliance are found across every culture.

That message resonates especially strongly with me because of my Mauritian heritage. Mauritius itself is a country built on diversity: African, Indian, Chinese, French, and Creole influences are woven into our culture. That mixed heritage taught me from an early age that history isn’t one-sided; it’s a patchwork of experiences, struggles, and achievements. Black History Month is a powerful reminder that by broadening our awareness of history, we strengthen our ability to understand one another today.

It’s also about awareness of struggle and resilience. Black History Month shines a light on the difficult truths of slavery, segregation, colonisation, and systemic racism. These aren’t easy subjects to sit with, but they are necessary. Ignoring them only keeps us from progress. At the same time, the month is a celebration of how Black communities have resisted, rebuilt, and thrived despite these barriers. For me, acknowledging the hardship while celebrating the triumph, is deeply inspiring. It’s a lesson in perseverance and hope that I carry with me both personally and professionally.

As a leader of the SDR & BDR team at Box, many of the people I work with are early in their careers. They’re still learning how to find their voice, how to handle setbacks, and how to grow into the professionals they aspire to be. Black History Month gives me stories to share that go beyond the business context, stories of leaders who made lasting change by refusing to give up. People like Aretha Franklin using her music as a voice for empowerment, or civil rights leaders who stood against impossible odds, these stories show my team that resilience and courage matter in every walk of life.

I also see Black History Month as a source of inspiration for inclusivity and leadership. Leading a diverse team means recognising that not everyone has the same background, the same opportunities, or the same perspective. By embracing those differences, we build stronger teams and stronger companies. The friendships I’ve built across different backgrounds have taught me the power of empathy and curiosity, values I try to bring into my leadership every day. Celebrating Black History Month at work is one way I can encourage my team to do the same: to stay open, to learn, and to value perspectives beyond their own.

At Box, we talk a lot about transformation, helping businesses transform how they manage and collaborate on their most important content. But transformation isn’t just about technology. It’s also about people and culture. Black History Month is part of that transformation because it challenges us to rethink the stories we’ve inherited, to open our eyes to new ones, and to build workplaces where everyone feels seen and valued.

Personally, Black History Month is a reminder of the responsibility I carry as a leader. I want my team to see me not only as their manager but also as someone who is committed to creating an environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone has the chance to thrive. By supporting initiatives for Black History Month, I hope to encourage my colleagues to learn, to ask questions, and to reflect on how we can all contribute to a more inclusive workplace.

In the end, Black History Month is important to me because it connects the personal with the collective. It ties together my own heritage, my values, and my role as a leader. It’s about education: making sure stories are told. It’s about awareness: acknowledging struggles and learning from them. And it’s about inspiration: using those lessons to build a better, more inclusive future.

That’s why I believe it’s not just a month to celebrate, but a month to act. To listen, to learn, and to carry the spirit of Black History Month into everything we do, all year round.