Meet our Amazing Team!

We have a mixture of Trustees and Employees who make SGREN great, from diverse backgrounds, providing rich experience and culture. Find out below what drives and inspires us!

Carmen

(Interim) Chair

I have both worked and lived in South Gloucestershire for over 15 years and have witnessed and experienced racism and inequality here during this time, which has further driven me in my determination to seek race equality within my community.
I have been an active committee member for SGREN for over 8 years and have witnessed and aided our growth and determination to engage and serve our thriving communities.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Lildonia

Trustee

I am a wellbeing coach and equality & diversity trainer and have worked in the field since 2009. I am passionate about all things health, wellbeing and diversity. My specialist areas are BIPOC wellbeing and workplace wellbeing. I believe that everyone should have access to high-quality mental health and wellbeing education especially those who may be socially excluded or marginalised. My mission is to provide inclusive and accessible services that inspire, educate, and equip people with the tools for long-lasting positive mental and physical health.

Melody

Project Manager

I'm a Project Manager for SGREN and also run a community venue in Staple Hill. I am Jewish American (with a mix of Algerian, Polish and French thrown in!) and love sharing my heritage with others. I'm passionate about bringing people together through the arts and food and organise a number of cultural events for SGREN. I believe the work of SGREN is imperative in building diverse communities where all people feel connected and seen.

Ann

Trustee

I am a senior lecturer at the University of the West of England (UWE) and an architect by training, covering gender, culture, race and ethnicity, disability.
I have been very involved in pushing for greater race equality in society as well as other equality areas.I was a founder member of the Bristol Commission on Race Equality
(CORE) from 2018-2020 and prior to that a member of Bristol Race Equality Manifesto Steering Group.

I was a member of Bristol’s Race Equality in Education Group (REEG) and of the Education Task and Finish Group of the Coalition for Action on Racial Equity and Justice – (CAREJ).

As an educator I have particularly been involved in advancing participatory and inclusive learning vehicles for students.

Isabelle

Community Development Officer

Born in France, I've dedicated years to teaching French before settling in Bristol.

Despite initial challenges in securing a teaching position, I discovered SGREN through networking while volunteering for a local organisation.

Becoming a Community Development Worker sparked my passion for social justice and helped me develop valuable skills and confidence.

I take pride in witnessing the positive impact our events have on communities.

Albert

Trustee

I work as a Social emotional mental health practitioner
within a Multi-Academy Trust. Since leaving school, I
have always been involved in education and youth and
community work.
I have extensive experience of working in the Voluntary
and Community Sector, have, and continue to serve on
numerous Boards. I currently serve as Chair of
Governors at a large secondary school in South Bristol.
In addition, I chair Bristol’s Black and Minoritised
Governors Network and am a member of both the Bristol
City Council’s and South Gloucestershire Council’s Race

Equality in Education Task force groups.
I became a Trustee to challenge myself and to be able to develop in an area
outside of my normal day-to-day role, where I could use my skills and experience
to provide assistance to the education system. It is also an opportunity to work
with those who are responsible for educating the future generations.

Dan

Trustee

I have worked in the area of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for nearly 30 years. Over this time, I have worked with over 200 organisations in the UK and beyond. I grew up in Bristol and have spent nearly all my life living here. I am extremely passionate about the work of SGREN and I seek to do everything I can to make a positive difference. I have also been a school governor for 20 years and have a keen interest in supporting young people to thrive. I am always eager to hear the voices of people and communities and ensure that they directly influence positive change.

Judith

Trustee

I live in Hanham and have lived and worked around South Glos for most of my life. I was born in Bristol and my parents were part of the Windrush generation. I have seen how racism and inequality has changed but has not been eradicated.

I started my career in social housing as a positive action trainee and will always be grateful for opportunity this gave me and other ethnically diverse trainees to forge a career. I have worked in variety of housing associations for nearly 30 years, leading property management teams and have seen how inequality affect housing conditions and choices.

In my last housing association, I co-founded the first race equality staff network to support my colleagues and raise awareness within the organisation.

I now work for the GPs Federation as a project manager with the awareness of the health inequality in service delivery and health outcomes.

I am also a Trustee with Citizens Advice Bristol and want to ensure that free, impartial advice is available to all and provided by a diverse team with lived experience.

I joined SGREN to be more active in the changes I would like to see in South Gloucestershire and help create communities where everyone feels they truly belong.