After growing up on a council estate in the United Kingdom, Chris Sherwood spent his early years in the development sector being guarded about his background. As he climbed the ladder at multiple NGOs, including Scope, Relate, and Shaw Trust, there was an assumption that he’d attended private school, had a wealthy background, and would have a “black book” of potential donors.
“It can be harder to make that leap into the sector if you’re from a working-class background,” said Sherwood, who is now CEO of British animal charity RSPCA.
Sherwood isn’t alone in being a leader from a different type of background. Raphael Obonyo, the co-founder of Kenya’s Youth Congress, grew up in a Nairobi slum, and Brazilian environmentalist Marina Silva was the first in her family to read at 16.
About the author
Rebecca L. Root
Rebecca L. Root is a freelance reporter for Devex based in Bangkok. Previously senior associate & reporter, she produced news stories, video, and podcasts as well as partnership content. She has a background in finance, travel, and global development journalism and has written for a variety of publications while living and working in Bangkok, New York, London, and Barcelona.
