I came from the Caribbean aged 13, so have lived here nearly all my life. I’ve experienced the good, the bad, and the in-between – I’ve used all of those to empower people whom I see as the three Ls – the Least, the Lost, and the Last. First and foremost, I believe in helping people to get involved and to get their voices heard. I’m an advocate for being positive and believing that there can be change. If we don’t play a part, then there will be no change.

From the empowerment sessions that I’ve been having and the feedback that I’ve received, I feel very heartened to see that people are coming out of the box and speaking up.

Coming from a Christian background and as an ordained minister of religion, I’m influenced by a lady called Joyce Asbury, whom I met on a course before going to university. At that time, I lacked confidence and self-esteem, but she was such an encourager and she really inspired me. There are other influences that I see in the media, like Martin Luther King, but Joyce is my main influence.

In 2022, I was recognised as a Black Elder by the Centre for Aging Better which can be viewed here https://ageing-better.org.uk/black-history-month-2022. Being a Black Elder means being able to listen to others. My own family is a credit to me, I’ve got three children and they’re my heartbeat. I was divorced and brought them up alone, with the help of God. My children have done me proud. People look at the seeds that I’ve sowed and the fruits that it’s bringing.