Council-appointed representatives

I joined in summer 2023. I am currently studying history, politics and Spanish for my A-Levels. I'm passionate about youth voice having had the pleasure of engaging with council-run youth voice programs from a young age, I have seen first-hand what it can do for a young person like me, which is why I am so committed to ensuring that every young person can have the same opportunities that I had.

I’m a passionate young co-operator, member of the CMYG and Policy Officer for Co-operatives UK. I live and breathe our movement’s values. As an elected councillor I have experience of representation, holding decision makers to account. Therefore I believe I can work with other NMC members and the board to deliver strategies to grow our membership, make it more diverse and hold the board to account, safeguarding our mutual status for present and future members.

Having worked as a Team Leader in our Food stores, in addition to working for the Transformation and CBS teams within our support centre (plus a Masters degree in Global Energy Management), I have quickly developed a strong understanding of what our business needs to do to break down societal inequalities, solve the challenges presented by the climate crisis and how to grow the economic value of our Co-op for the benefit of our member-owners.

My passion for Cooperatives began from teen age, where I was introduced into Co-operatives by my late mother from the Caribbean. I established a financial Co-operative in London in 1999, a credit union, which has grown strong membership across London. I've qualifications in forensic science and law, and authored five books, one is about Leadership and Management. I would like to contribute to the Co-op Group. I am in the London region.

I’ve been involved in the Co-operative Movement for many years, through my community work and governance roles. Campaigning for co-operative polices, securing funding to support people facing hardship and organising various community initiatives. With experience serving on charitable boards and local government council, I bring expertise in collaboration, policy and member engagement. Coming from a diverse community, I understand the importance of inclusion and representation. I will ensure members’ voices shape Co-op’s future.

I am a Labour and Co-operative Councillor, vice-chair of my local Co-operative Party, and proud lifelong advocate for the Co-operative Movement. I have governance skills, having previously been a trustee of a national charity, on an audit and risk committee, as well as now supporting both budget forming and local communities on Local Government scrutiny committees.

I want to help the Co-op communicate it's mission to a new generation, outlining the unique position that allows it to deliver high-quality goods at great value, benefiting producers, suppliers and staff all through the value chain. We must stand as a proud alternative to other businesses and as a shining beacon of hope, setting an example for the wider Co-operative Movement to follow!

As someone who is passionate about the Co-op values, particularly putting our members and community first, I see being a member of our Council as an opportunity to use the key skills gained in my role as President of Newcastle University Students’ Union to benefit our members. This includes representation, governance and finance such as successfully securing funding to help students with exam equipment and food costs in response to the cost-of-living crisis.