Charlotte Brierley

I work in corporate responsibility at Aviva, a global insurance company and I'm based in London. I work on our corporate responsibility communications and help to run our global community development programme called ‘Street to School’. My background is in International Development, primarily Sub -Saharan Africa. I completed my degree in Development and African Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies in 2011 and did an internship at the Consortium for Street Children (CSC) before securing a role at Aviva. My dissertation on street children's access to healthcare in South Africa fitted well with my work at CSC which led to my position at Aviva.

My job and my experience as a One Young World Ambassador has encouraged my interest in corporate ethics and sustainable business practices. I have been working with a group of Ambassadors to encourage businesses to articulate their purpose beyond profit.

Earlier this year, at the age of 24, my life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Having been refused a smear test when I was 21, I’m campaigning for the age of smear testing in England to be reduced from 25 to 20.

Since the diagnosis my priorities have changed and I'm focusing on being happy and staying healthy. Walking in the Quantocks, being by the sea, surrounding myself with lovely friends and family and being in my second home - South Africa - all help me stay positive through the tough times and lots of yoga and vegetable juices are certainly making me feel healthy.