In 2006, Madi was finishing off an MBA, getting divorced, and had just started two businesses. She hadn’t been back in the UK for very long and had lost touch with any school friends. Leaving any relationship is always a weird time, and she realised a desire to connect with new people. So, Madi went online and discovered meetup.com.

Initially, there was a London Black Professionals Group set up, as that was the name used in the American versions, but there wasn’t an organiser. So, Madi stepped up and became the organiser. She had organised events at university, but this was totally new.

At the first meetup, there were four attendees, and they met at Henry’s Bar and Restaurant in Green Park. They sat around a small table and had a chat. First impressions? Most people were also isolated or lonely in London and looking for new friends.

It's now been 18 years – the group has become a fully legal adult.

Connecting with Black people became a passion that drove Madi to continue throughout the years. She is proud to say that London Black Professionals was the first and is still one of the largest meetup groups for Black people in London. The group has celebrated promotions, marriages, and children. They have been on holiday together, attended Carnival, and done theatre, cinema, and club nights.

The group has also successfully seen the launch of many businesses. Taping into a network and asking for resources and support makes it its own mini LinkedIn. Black Income Creators is the next stage of its evolution, aiming to connect Black entrepreneurs and help them build businesses and legacies.

Check out Madi's London Black Professionals events here.