Wow… where do I start?
What a life. What a legacy. What an extraordinary woman.
Constantia “Pennie” Pennie has spent her life opening doors so that others could walk through them.
Born in St Kitts, she came to London with determination, faith and a heart to serve. Even from a young age, it was clear she was destined to lead. During the 1960s, she became the first Black Head Girl at her school, a remarkable achievement at a time when opportunities for Black women were few and far between.
Her life’s work has always been about people.
Beginning her career as a social worker after studying psychology, she became a respected voice for Black families and Black professionals. At a time when Black perspectives were often overlooked, she co-founded the Association of Black Social Workers & Allied Professionals (ABSWAAP), creating a space where Black social workers could be supported, mentored and empowered.
Through her leadership, she inspired and guided hundreds of students and professionals across the UK. Many still speak of the impact she had on their lives. Her willingness to share her knowledge and encourage others has been a constant throughout her career.
As Head of Lambeth Family Finders, she worked tirelessly to ensure that Black children found loving Black adoptive and foster families. Her work helped change the lives of hundreds of children who deserved to grow up with a strong sense of identity, culture and belonging.
Her career continued to break barriers as Assistant Director of Children’s and Family Services for the London Borough of Lambeth. Never one to stop learning, she later qualified as a lawyer, adding another remarkable achievement to an already distinguished career.
She continues that commitment as the founder of Subari, a fostering agency built on love, excellence and advocacy for vulnerable children and families.
Education has always been one of her greatest passions. She has earned seven degrees throughout her lifetime, yet despite every title, qualification and achievement, she has remained humble, approachable and willing to help anyone in need.
If there is one thing that defines Pennie above everything else, it is her unwavering faith in God.
She is an outstanding Christian who serves faithfully in her local church and lives out her faith every day. Whether mentoring others, encouraging those who are struggling, opening her home, supporting families or quietly helping people behind the scenes, she gives without seeking recognition.
For decades, she has been a pioneer, a leader, an advocate and a mentor. Above all, she has been someone committed to serving others.
The impact of her life reaches far beyond the positions she has held. It can be seen in the children whose futures she has helped shape, the professionals she has mentored, the families she has fought for and the hope she has given to so many.
Pennie has shown that true leadership means serving others, creating opportunities where none existed and leaving every person and every place better than you found them. Those values run through her professional achievements and the quieter acts of kindness for which she asks nothing in return.
Thank you, Pennie, for your sacrifice, your wisdom, your resilience and your unwavering commitment to people. Your legacy is one of faith, justice, compassion and excellence, and it will continue to inspire generations to come.
What a privilege it is to celebrate such an incredible woman: a true pioneer, a woman of unwavering faith and a champion for children and families.