Strategic Partners

  • Emmanuelle is a visionary cultural arts leader whose work spans education, entertainment, Pan-Africanism and Rastafari.

    As Founder of House of Emanuel I&I C.I.C, he champions cultural heritage, creative expression and community empowerment, particularly for people of African origin.

    His collaborations with Block Radio and the Imagineers Transformations Programme highlight his talent for using storytelling and arts to inspire connection.

    Emmanuelle has also led impactful international and historical projects, including ADDIS X COVENTRY and the Digital Douglass audio trail.

    His career reflects a deep commitment to preserving cultural legacies and transforming the arts into powerful tools for identity, learning and upliftment.

  • Usifu Jalloh is an award‑winning performer, educator and researcher with over 30 years’ experience in arts education.

    Rooted in multicultural Sierra Leone, he has developed a dynamic storytelling style that blends international languages, music, dance and global themes.

    Passionate about inspiring young people through culture, he founded Maambena Fest and the National Storytelling Festival in Sierra Leone.

    A keynote speaker at UK universities, he is widely referenced in publications and co‑authored the play Sweet Peter, exploring slavery, colonialism and war.

    His creative influence includes co‑curating the This is Africa exhibition with The Highlife Centre for Coventry City of Culture 2021.

  • Dr Samuel is an experienced researcher with over 15 years in research, data analysis and policy, specialising in improving patient and population health.

    Holding a PhD in Health Services Research, he has worked across public, private and voluntary sectors, leading research and evaluation projects focused on service improvement and education.

    He contributed to the establishment of the AHCN through his work on the African Heritage Resilience Project and values the collaborative relationships built through the network.

    Outside of work, Samuel enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly walking, hiking and exploring local cafés.

  • Dr Quaye Botchway is an accomplished Urban Planner and Public Policy Consultant with over 30 years’ experience across academia, consultancy and the public sector.

    Specialising in local economic development, regeneration and business competitiveness, he has delivered national and international research projects and holds a doctorate from Cranfield University.

    A strategic thinker committed to impactful, high‑quality research, he is also a respected community and business leader.

    His roles have included President of the Ghana Union Greater Birmingham, Chair of the African Business Chamber and Director of QBQ Research & Consultancy Ltd.

    His contributions have earned honours including Coventry University’s BHM Award and the Freedom of the City of London.

  • Daisy Oppon is an innovative entrepreneur with over 20 years’ experience in community engagement, dedicated to empowering families and strengthening community ties.

    As Founder of Young Beacons CIC, she leads programmes that support children and young people in Coventry’s BME community, offering educational support, cultural activities and wellbeing initiatives.

    Since 2017, Young Beacons has delivered cultural dance, intergenerational discussions and Black History Month activities, inspiring children of African and Caribbean descent to reach their potential.

    Daisy also collaborates widely with local organisations, including providing vital support during COVID‑19, and serves as a trustee for a growing community organisation.


  • Simon is a highly motivated and versatile professional with over ten years’ experience across multicultural creativity, youth leadership, education, advocacy, project management and social work.

    Simon brings strong interpersonal, communication and people‑management skills to his role.

    A multi‑talented singer and songwriter, he also teaches traditional African instruments and dance, with one album and recent singles released in 2023 and 2025.

    Creative and proactive, Simon adapts easily to new environments and champions environmental sustainability.

    He holds an MSc in Energy and Environmental Management from Teesside University.

  • Lynette is a Creative and Facilitator with over 30 years’ experience across the voluntary sector, local government and the arts.

    Beginning her career in London’s Black Arts movement, she later served as Marketing Officer at Shrewsbury Music Hall before leading pioneering adoption and fostering recruitment campaigns for Birmingham City Council.

    Since 2018, she has balanced caring for her disabled adult son with curating arts projects celebrating Sierra Leonean, Nigerian and Caribbean heritage.

    A committed community advocate, she is a Volunteer Community Ambassador for Meningitis Now and The Sickle Cell Society, and serves on several advisory boards and community organisations.

  • Ophelia is a committed community development advocate from Freetown, Sierra Leone, shaped by a culturally diverse upbringing and parents who were educators.

    With a management degree, she serves as a local councillor and holds executive roles in organisations that promote community support and Sierra Leonean arts, heritage and culture.

    Her background in adult social care and independent advocacy enables her to champion the rights of the elderly and vulnerable.

    As Founding Director of Action Speaks CIC, she leads cultural programmes, youth and family activities, national celebrations and a community café.

    Ophelia is driven by empowerment and building inclusive, connected communities.

  • Ruth is a Ghanaian who previously lived in the Netherlands and now resides in the UK, speaking fluent Dutch alongside several Ghanaian languages.

    With a lifelong commitment to caring for others, she has worked for many years in rehabilitation settings, where listening to people’s stories strengthened her belief in supporting one another across all backgrounds.

    A passionate cook, she works as a caterer in a care home and runs her own catering service, Country Kitchen Africa. Ruth is deeply community‑minded, regularly visiting homeless shelters and providing meals for rough sleepers and vulnerable people each December to ensure they feel valued and loved.

  • Kwaku is an experienced Safeguarding Consultant with over 23 years’ service as a Child Protection Chair and Independent Reviewing Officer across multiple Local Authorities and Children’s Trusts.

    His career spans roles as a Practice Educator, Safeguarding Parent Governor, and Founder and President of the Ghanaian Social Workers Association (GHASWA), as well as CEO of AFRIFASS CIC.

    He also serves as the Keeping the Church Family Safe Officer at Bearwood SDA Church and contributes to the National Working Group for Spiritual and Ritual Abuse.

    A committed advocate for Black and ethnic minority children, Kwaku works tirelessly to improve safety, rights and outcomes for vulnerable families.

  • Aji Sosseh is a dedicated entrepreneur committed to tackling food insecurity and social isolation within her community.

    As Founder and Director of Brighter Moments CIC, she leads organisational operations, develops programmes and works closely with local partners to ensure residents have access to nutritious food—a right she firmly believes everyone deserves.

    Her work includes delivering healthy food initiatives, organising events and running workshops that strengthen community cohesion.

    Through creating supportive, inclusive spaces, Aji empowers individuals, fosters meaningful connections and enhances overall wellbeing.

    Her leadership is driven by a deep commitment to improving quality of life and ensuring no one feels left behind.

  • Dr Christabell Amoakoh is a business and community development consultant and researcher with sixteen years’ experience supporting individuals and organisations to build entrepreneurial ambition, leadership capacity, strategic focus and financial resilience.

    She has led a successful organisation for fourteen years, creating meaningful impact for Global Majority communities.

    Her work centres on organisational purpose, team development, income generation and strong stakeholder collaboration.

    Christabell specialises in coaching leaders from marginalised enterprises and brings expertise in culture and heritage management, festival curation and sustainability.

    A lifetime‑accredited SFEDI mentor, she recently completed a PhD at Coventry University on Black‑led community businesses and economic regeneration.