Veronica Moraa: Overcoming Dyslexia to Serve as King Charles III's Lord Lieutenant

Veronica Moraa Pickering recalls her humble beginnings in Kisii, Kenya to her current esteemed position as King Charles III's Lord Lieutenant for the County of Nottinghamshire.

In 1996 at the age of 7, Moraa left her homeland unaware of the extraordinary path her life would take. As she adapted to her new surroundings, Moraa confronted the challenges of being one of the few people of colour in her school. On December 6, 2023, she etched her name in the annals of history, becoming the first woman and person of colour to hold the prestigious position of Lord Lieutenant. In an interview on March 20, Moraa reflected on her formative years and attributed her ability to bounce back as a key factor in her success, stating, "I have endured a period of unrest and complex politics. I believe my resilience is what most people would acknowledge."

Her childhood, though fulfilling, lacked positive role models, fueling her determination to positively impact society. Despite the hardships she faced, Moraa's childhood was not devoid of joy. Alongside her sister, she excelled in creativity and athletics, experiences that fostered her self-confidence and encouraged her to embrace new challenges. Raised by a single mother who emigrated from Kenya to the United Kingdom, Moraa's family faced significant financial hardships upon arrival. Despite their struggles, her mother, though illiterate herself, prioritized education for Moraa and her sister. Moraa cherishes the memory of receiving a free school uniform, the only one she wore until joining the Royal Air Force.

As a Black woman navigating positions of influence, Moraa carries her Kenyan heritage with immense pride. She says that her Kenyan roots are an intrinsic part of her identity. Regardless of her professional achievements, she acknowledges her background whenever she walks the streets of the UK. This connection extends to her children and grandchildren, all bearing Kisii names a testament to her lasting bond with her homeland. As the first woman to hold the position of Lord-Lieutenant, Moraa understands the significance of her role and the perception people have of her. At 61 years old, Moraa's diverse background includes roles as a social entrepreneur, a former social worker and children's guardian in the UK, and an International Child Protection Consultant for the UN and various NGOs in Africa.

In addition to her groundbreaking appointment by King Charles III, Moraa achieved another milestone when she was named the Royal Air Force (RAF) Honorary Air Commodore. Furthermore, in recognition of her service to Kenya, she received the prestigious Moran of Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) from former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2022. Moraa's childhood was marked by an undiagnosed learning difficulty. Struggling with reading, she discovered her strengths in creativity and communication, a common adaptation for individuals with dyslexia. This realization came later in life after her sister received a diagnosis at the age of 40.

Despite building a life in the UK alongside her British husband, Moraa maintains a strong connection to Kenya through frequent visits. Moraa attributes her success to her maternal grandmother Christine Boisabi who played a crucial role in Moraa's formative years before they relocated to the UK. Moraa fondly remembers her grandmother who lived a long and fulfilling life, reaching the age of 104.