In the first of Bloom’s monthly columns, Nafissa Norris, Bloom's current President, reflects on this year’s theme, Roots that Rise, and why communities like Bloom matter more than ever. With spring finally here after a false start, it feels like the perfect moment to explore the meaning behind the theme and the strength that grows from connection and community.

I joined Bloom in 2023 to access a wider community and further my professional growth. Right now, across our industry and society more broadly, there is a real need for support systems that give women access to collective advocacy, visibility and investment in their progress.

The gender pay gap, ethnicity pay gap, pension gap and domestic violence are not abstract issues. They affect more people around you than you realise, and in many cases (sigh) it's just getting worse. We are at an inflection point across culture, business and society. Active sponsorship and investment are part of the cure, what else do I need to share to convince you?

It is no surprise that AI, restructures, redundancies and constant industry change are anxiety-inducing. In that context, roots are the things that keep people grounded: community, values, friendships and support systems. Change will keep coming, but strong foundations help people navigate it. Bloom offers something steady that members can return to when the world around them feels noisy or uncertain.  

At Bloom we remain focused on driving industry change, futureproofing careers, paying it forward and fostering community. This is reflected through our mentoring activities, inclusion groups and events, in addition to actively fundraising for our national charity partner Women's Aid and supporting regional charity partner BelEve.

The idea for ‘Roots that Rise’ came from my own experience of Bloom over the past three years.

Root is about connection, creating deeper, more authentic relationships in a psychologically safe space across the Bloom community. I found this through becoming a co-lead of the Bloom in Colour inclusion group and later heading up all the inclusion and support groups as a member of the SLT. 

Grow is about mentorship, strengthening it across the Bloom ecosystem, not only by paying it forward to mentees, but by showing up for one another as peers and opening doors. It is one of the most valuable things Bloom offers, especially as workplace mentorship schemes are scaled back or deprioritised. 

Lift is about advocacy: encouraging Bloomers to champion one another through an intersectional lens, while also strengthening relationships with allies and industry partners. It is what gave me the confidence, encouragement and opportunity to step into the role of President.

And Rise is about visibility, showcasing the voices, value and achievements of Bloomers, and building our legacy beyond the network. If women do not tell their stories, advocate for themselves and support each other, those stories risk being forgotten. Women deserve to be visible, documented and remembered in leadership, history and culture.

This framework is useful whether you are already in Bloom, thinking about joining, or simply trying to grow in your role.

Think about what brought you here. Was it a need for community or comradeship, a wish to find your voice, or a search for support and a space you do not have at work?

If you made a promise to yourself by joining Bloom, or another industry group, honour it. Use those roots to rise. Even two hours of engagement can be worthwhile if it connects back to your original reason for joining.

Because Bloom is not just a network. It is a relationship. The question is not only what you gain, but what you contribute to its legacy.