Meet Chanel Björk

The Club Diaries

May 25

Welcome to The Club Diaries: A spotlight series amplifying the incredible people within our Club community doing wonderful things!

Meet Chanel Björk - A talented TV/Radio broadcaster who shares her captivating story of a multicultural upbringing. Join her as she explores her upcoming documentary, charity work, and her bold relocation from Iceland to London.

Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

I'm a UK-born Jamaican-Icelander who just relocated to London from Iceland, where I spent most of my life. Aside from working in TV & Radio, I'm passionate about diversity, anti-racism, and education. I love indulging in fine dining, discovering new places, broadening my horizons with books, and catching a good movie. Fashion is my guilty pleasure, but I prioritize environmentally conscious brands.

Can you share your creative journey with us?

Where do I start!? Studying International Media and Communications ignited my passion for cultural critique. Seeking an outlet for my thoughts on racism in Iceland and the lack of diverse representation, I launched a radio show on the national broadcasting service.

Through interviews with Icelanders of foreign origins, I shed light on their experiences. The show gained attention and paved the way for new projects. Exploring different facets of the media industry, storytelling emerged as my true calling. I embraced a career as a TV broadcaster and reporter, giving life to captivating stories.

“I am pleased to announce that my first TV show, "Mannfloran" (Flora of People), about multiculturalism and diversity in Iceland, premiering this month with me as the host.”

How would you describe your upbringing in Iceland?

Growing up in Iceland was amazing, with the freedom to roam in the 24-hour daylight during summers. However, being the only person of colour often led to feelings of loneliness. This experience compelled me to address racism and prejudice in Iceland, a topic that was absent during my upbringing.

Growing up in a predominantly white society impacted my self-identity heavily, as I was always viewed as an outsider and still feel like I am today

How has your experience been in finding a community since relocating to London?

Black Girl Fest was an incredible starting point! At a vision board event in February, I connected with numerous talented and inspiring women. I'm excited about upcoming projects and events, and eager to attend more.

Additionally, I've been reconnecting with friends from university, where I studied at the University of Nottingham after leaving Iceland for a few years. Being closer to my Mum, sister, and my closest Black friends is immensely valuable and it’s what I’ve needed all along.

What inspired you to establish your charity, Hennar Rödd, at a young age & why?

My mum! Growing up she shared about her challenges and the prejudice she faced as a Black woman in Iceland.

Maybe it was my age, and also my light-skin privilege as a mixed-race person, but I didn’t fully understand what she was going through.

As I matured, I empathised with her struggles through personal encounters. Despite Iceland's gender equality reputation, not all women, particularly those with diverse backgrounds, enjoy the same advantages.

To address this, my friend Ella and I co-founded Hennar Rödd (Her Voice) to amplify the voices of foreign-origin women in Iceland. In the last five years, we've organized impactful conferences, received a Prime Minister's equality award, and will publish a book featuring 36 inspiring women this year!

What would be your advice to your younger self?

“Be true to yourself and don’t try to change to please others.”

Thanks so much to Chanel for taking the time to share her courageous yet eye-opening journey. Through her conflicts with identity, to finding a sense of belonging whilst echoing the importance of community with us.

To connect with Chanel and the Club community, click HERE to join today!

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