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Hazel Aggrey-Orleans
Hazel Aggrey-Orleans, born in Germany in 1976, spent her childhood and most of her teenage years in Lagos, Nigeria. She currently lives in England with her family. She attended Queen Mary, University of London (1996-2000) and graduated with BA (Hons) in European and Hispanic Studies. She began her career in the city in banking and finance with JP Morgan (2001-2006), where her role in European Marketing included responsibilities for managing the marketing financial literature for Germany, Italy and Netherlands. She held a similar position at BGI (Barclays Global Investor), which is now known as BlackRock, where she worked in the European Marketing department and was responsible for looking after marketing literature for Europe.
Hazel is the founder and creative director of the London-based fashion house Eki Orleans. Her creative and business skills are self-taught, but the boldness of her love for fashion, which dared her to leave the comfort of her career in the corporate world, is something she has always naturally had in her possession. The Eki Orleans aesthetic can be best be described as a stunning memory reel of Hazel’s childhood and adult life experiences. Each fabric print, designed by herself on African silks, is a collage of some of the most memorable moments of her life journey, such as her first school trip to the turquoise serenity of a lake in Abraka, Nigeria.
Her dresses are a beautiful reflection of her African heritage and personality, where earthy and fearlessly vibrant colours are perfectly married with elegant and feminine silhouettes. This aesthetic is very much synchronous with the meaning behind her Nigerian name and the name for her fashion label, as Eki means the “centre of attraction”. The pieces from the Eki Orleans fashion line are certainly attractive and captivate your attention, but most importantly do so without being “loud”, very much like the designer herself.
In addition to the notable success of her collection being sold in Selfridges, Hazel’s garments have also been worn by many celebrities. For example, Congolese international model and humanitarian Noella Coursaris Musunka wore one of her dresses when she received an award from Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons for her humanitarian works. Her dresses have also been worn by MNet TV presenter Jumai Shuba, singing sensation Tiwa Savage, as well as America’s Next Top Model Cycle 12 finalist Aminat Ayinde amongst many others.
Hazel enjoys travelling and experiencing different cultures around the world. She loves to cook Oriental cuisine and enjoys sports.
Janine Bradbury
Born in the UK in 1984, Janine Bradbury is a PhD student in The School of English at the reputable University of Sheffield, and has been a member of staff since 2008.
Prior to pursuing a PhD, she completed her Master’s degree in American Literature (2004-5) and studied for a Bachelor’s in American Studies at the University of Sheffield. She is writing up her PhD thesis on African American women’s writing.
Her research interests include the representations of race and ethnicity in literature and the arts, and the under-representation of black women in UK Higher Education. As Janine herself puts it, "I love when women do clever things with 'men’s stuff', when black people do clever things with 'white [people’s] stuff', and even better, when black women do clever things with 'white men’s stuff'.”
Outside of her focus as a doctoral researcher, Janine works actively to engage the public, and widen participation of black and ethnic minorities in her areas of interest. In September 2011, she co-founded the Race Research Network at the University of Sheffield, bringing students and staff together to disseminate research ideas on 'race', ethnicity, colour, and identity.
Also in 2011, she established We Are Here, an ambitious widening participation project that seeks to use Arts and Humanities subjects to encourage the aspirations of young black and ethnic minority people in Sheffield. The project has been involved in several events throughout the city, including the Annual Learning and Teaching Conference at the University of Sheffield.
Miss Bradbury has received recognition for her work and research, including the Arthur Markham Memorial Prize for best overall performance on an MA course in Literature, at the University of Sheffield (2008). She is also a member of the British Association of American Studies and part of the Emerging Scholars Forum at the Runnymede Trust.
In her spare time, Janine loves watching box sets, reading for pleasure, and jogging.
Monique Charles
Monique Charles is a PhD student in the department of Sociology at Warwick University. Prior to commencing her PhD, she completed an MSc in Race and Ethnic Relations at Birbeck University, and an undergraduate degree at Middlesex University in Psychology with Race and Cultural Studies.
Her PhD focuses on a unique area of research, as highlighted in her thesis ‘Hallowed be thy Grime?: A musicological and sociological genealogy of Grime music and its relation to black Atlantic religious discourse’.
Monique’s fascinating research highlights her interest in music, religion, the African Diaspora and her ambition to fill the current knowledge gap which exists in Grime music. Monique is especially interested in sound signatures of the African Diaspora, which she views Grime, Garage and Jungle music to be rooted in. She is also passionate about bringing to light how these British musical genres are worthy of intellectual study like other musical genres.
Monique is a member of the American Academy of Religion and the British Sociological Society, and has been a guest Lecturer at the University of Canterbury, where she delivered a lecture entitled Hallowed be thy Grime.
Monique has a love for music and singing, as demonstrated through the numerous vocal and music qualifications she holds. These include grades 7 and 8 in vocals skills (Trinity Music), level 2 vocal skills in Urban Arts (PointBlank), and an award in Understanding the Music Business (BTWSC). In addition, she has received vocal training at Vivace Music School and sight singing training at Morley College and CityLit. Her vocal talent has enabled her to sing in various church choirs in different languages such as Latin, French, Spanish, German and many South African dialects. She has also sung at Wigmore Hall and Paddington Basin’s open air theatre.
Keeping fit and healthy is important to Monique, and so she works out several times a week at the gym. Monique also enjoys eating out, attending comedy shows, open mic sessions, talks and lectures – especially about black history or of an Afro-centric or liberal perspective.
Olufemi Sallyanne Decker
Born in Freetown, Sierra Leone Dr Olufemi Sallyanne Decker’s parents were also educators. Her mother a French teacher and her father a science teacher and education administrator. Between the ages of 7 and 16 years, she grew up on the university campus of Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone - West Africa’s oldest university. Here, her father worked as Warden of Students.
She is a Principal Lecturer in Banking and Finance and Director of the MSc Finance suite of programmes at the University of Greenwich (2011- present). Prior to joining the University of Greenwich, she was a senior lecturer and course organiser for 11 years at London Metropolitan University Business School, where she taught courses in Banking and International Banking Systems, Financial Regulation and Microeconomics to name a few.
She holds a PhD in Financial Economics from London Guildhall University – her thesis was on the subject of structural change in French banking. She also has an MBA in International Banking and Finance from the University of Birmingham, as well as a BSc in Economics with honours in Accounting from the University of Sierra Leone. She is also a member of the Association of Business Executives.
Dr Decker is a visiting lecturer in Global Financial Markets at a French Business School in Poitiers, France (2007 - present). She has a love for learning and breaking down complex concepts for young people. She has held various positions as an external examiner and assessor, and is currently an Associate Consultant at the Association of British Credit Unions (2003- present).
Dr Decker enjoys activities that help her relax in her downtime such as dancing and taking long walks.
Marie-Maimoona Jeannot
Marie-Maimoona Jeannot, born in 1968 in France to Martiniquais parents, is a jewellery designer. In 2008, Marie’s decision to enrol for a silver jewellery making, at East London’s Forest Gate Learning Zone, sparked an entrepreneurial and creative flair to start her own business. She is the founder and creative director of Light Of Marie Jewels, launched in 2010, which specialises in jewellery hand-made from precious metals and stones. Her sophisticated jewellery pieces speak to her desire for reflecting the natural and elegant inner beauty of women. She has been featured in magazines in Africa and the U.K., and has participated in fashion events and catwalk shows. Her goal is to continue to grow her business so that her jewellery can be worn on women of all ethnicities and colour all over the world. One of her next ventures will be to design and make ties for menswear.
She has been working as an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) tutor (2011-present) for ELS. In her role as an ESOL tutor, Marie teaches the English language to foreign students for whom English is not their mother tongue, coordinates ESOL courses, and also manages other volunteer teachers. When she wears her other hat, she works as an Employability Coordinator. In this capacity, she is responsible for providing support and guidance to immigrants, in the UK, who face obstacles in entering training or employment.
Marie’s endeavours are a testimony to her passion for empowering others. She is affiliated with a Renal Focus Group as a representative of a dialysis unit (Jan 2013-present), where she discusses dialysis-related issues on behalf of Sickle-cell carriers like herself. Partnering with her brother, Marie is working on setting up a foundation to promote awareness about sickle-cell within the black community in France, and provide pastoral care and community support for sickle-cell sufferers.
Marie currently resides in London with her son, and to relax, she enjoys knitting, crocheting, and reading.
Amma Osei
Amma Osei is a 24-year-old a fashion designer from East London. She is the founder of Sarf’O, a footwear and accessories label recognised by its African-inspired aesthetic with a modern fashion-forward twist. She is fascinated with the symmetry, patterns and colours found within African textiles, which she also uses to make uniquely crafted bags, shoes and jewellery.
Amma graduated from De Montfort University with a BA (Hons) in Media Production. Recently, she turned her talent in producing custom-made accessories for friends and family, into a business. Her success to date is underpinned by her genuine passion for creating distinct fashion pieces that beautifully interpret and celebrate her African heritage.
Amma has already shown her work in several fashion shows organized by FashionMist in 2012 and 2013. In addition she has made bespoke footwear for BEFFTA (Black Entertainment Film Fashion Television and Arts) founder Pauline Long, which she wore to the 2012 awards. Furthermore, Amma uses her photography skills, which she honed during her Media Production degree, to do her own editorial shoots.
Amma is proud of her Ghanaian and British heritage. She envisions her business as an opportunity to promote the talent, beauty and cultural richness of African fashion and designers on the continent, and in the diaspora. She is excited about the future of Sarf’O, and has plans to develop and expand the brand so that it becomes a credible fashion house on British high-streets.
In her spare time, Amma enjoys reading and researching to understand the fashion trends for the current and upcoming season. Her research interests also allow her to explore how she can make her designs timeless so that they remain relevant for all the seasons. In addition, Amma is a keen traveller and enjoys experiencing the different ways in which people live their lives around the world.
Belinda Otas
An award-winning journalist, Belinda Otas is the Assistant Editor of New African Woman magazine. She has a passionate interest in Africa, politics, social development, arts and culture, gender issues and the African diaspora. She has contributed to various international publications, including Al Jazeera, CNN, and BBC News Online.
Belinda’s love for writing extends beyond her journalism profession. She has written articles for Madame Noire (U.S) and Belletrista (U.S), where she focused on women writers from different parts of the world. Her love for literature makes her a well sought after voice and she has contributed to the Africa Book Club, an online portal, on African literature and publishing industry.
An enthusiastic soul, she describes herself as “an accidental journalist, who stumbled upon journalism after falling out of love with Law”. A journey that has taken her to some of the UK’s leading newsrooms including The Voice Newspaper, where she did her first journalism internship, The Guardian, the Financial Times, and Pride magazine, the UK’s most successful lifestyle publication aimed at women of African and Afro-Caribbean descent.
Her work has led her to an array of interesting places and notable personalities, including the highly revered author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, described as one of Africa’s leading literary voices, and Leymah Gbowee, Nobel Peace Laureate and renowned Liberian peace and women’s rights activist.
A creative spirit, avid reader and writer, Belinda is currently working on her first full length play. She has worked with prestigious theatre companies like the Royal Shakespeare Company and Tiata Fahodzi as an arts journalist.
Belinda is a graduate of Creative Writing and Journalism from Middlesex University, and also has a degree in Newspaper Journalism from the National Council for the Training of Journalists.
Toyin Owoseje
Toyin Owoseje is a young, strongly-opinionated, ambitious woman blazing her own trail in the world of media as a lifestyle and entertainment journalist for International Business Times. Born to Nigerian parents and raised in the U.K., Toyin has learned to hold onto her traditional African roots while going through the diversity of life experiences her British culture has given her to date.
Toyin is a firm believer in being empowered by education, and holds a BA Honours degree from Kingston University (2006-2009) in Journalism with Media and Cultural Studies, and has been a Kingston University alumni at postgraduate level.
Undoubtedly, Toyin epitomises the grind and hustle of achieving the beautiful dream. Not one to shy away from creating her own opportunities, she pounded the streets to personally hand out her CV at media and publication offices around London. With a determination that may shock but will definitely be admired, she cheekily found her a way into the Heat magazine offices to land her first internship. Since then, Toyin has worked for several online and print publication houses including More magazine, Closer magazine, Mobile magazine, and Noble House Media to name a few. This has given her a broad spectrum of journalism experience in many industries ranging from lifestyle, showbiz entertainment, technology to construction. In her current role at International Business (IB) Times UK (2011-present), she is the chief lifestyle and entertainment journalist. Toyin is the CEO her own media platform called Word Is, which brings news in print, online and video format (November 2011-present).
Toyin also volunteers her time to tutor GCSE English and Media Studies. She enjoys reading a broad range of local and national publications for the latest news and criticism, and delights in the experiences of discovering new cultures on her travels. To relax the mind, body and spirit, Toyin loves watching movies, enjoys going to concerts to indulge her eclectic taste in music, and likes to maintain her fitness by doing pilates.
Natalie Yaa Obenewa Thompson
Bespoke Binny is a young interior designs company specializing in cushions, lampshades and oyster-card holders. Its founder is Natalie Yaa Obenewa Thompson, who is also a high-intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT), and currently undertaking a doctorate in Counselling Psychology.
Natalie is captivated by the vibrancy of African textiles, which she uses in her work to illustrate her love for bright colours and her Ghanaian heritage. Her products reflect a meticulous appreciation for patterns, durability and versatility, reinforcing her desire for Bespoke Binny to become a recognisable brand that is associated with affordability, quality and vibrancy.
Equally creative as she is academic, Natalie has achieved success in both fields. For Bespoke Binny, she has showcased her products at high profile events like Africa at Spitalfields, The Glassworks Pop up Shop in Covent Garden, and was one of the exhibitors at Africa Fashion Week London 2013. As a Psychology professional, she is highly committed to learning and development, as seen through an impressive throng of Postgraduate qualifications she has obtained. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from Kingston University, a postgraduate diploma in IAPT Low Intensity CBT Training from University College London (UCL), and a MSc in Psychological Therapies (Distinction) from Royal Holloway University. These accomplishments highlight Natalie’s discipline and determination to combine and practice both careers.
Natalie is optimistic about the future, and has ambitions to stock some of her products in some shops, and successfully complete her doctorate.
Antonietta Torsiello
Antonietta Torsiello is a young Visual Artist and Textile Designer based in Newham East London, with an impressive portfolio of work drawn from historical textile patterns, architecture, African culture and the 1960′s. For Antonietta, Art enables her to express her feelings and thoughts without words, and provides her with an unrestrained ability to explore her heritage (Italian and Jamaican), her curiosity about Africa, and the depths of her imagination.
Dedicated to widening her artistic knowledge and skills, Antonietta possesses qualifications in a diverse range of fields. These include a Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Fashion, Clothing & Textiles from Westminster Kingsway College (2005 - 2007) and a Level 3 BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art & Design from Waltham Forest College (2007 - 2008). From the University for the Creative Arts, she recieved a BA in Illustration (2008 - 2009) and a BA Hons in Fashion Promotion and Imaging (2009 - 2012).
Since 2010, Antonietta has showcased her work in over 20 exhibitions, illustrating her talent and drive to make an indelible mark within an extremely competitive industry. Exhibitions include: Oh! Open People And Portraiture (Oxford House Gallery), London Black Women in Focus (TUC Congress House), The Space We Live In (Rosetta Windows Gallery), London and When The Walls Come Down (Norlington Road Studios). A highlight of Antonietta’s career was in June 2013, where her work was exhibited at a private exhibition at KPMG's Headquarters in Canary Wharf, London.
In addition to an array of exhibitions under her belt, her work has been been showcased in photography projects such as the Hackney Community College International brochure (2011/12). She is currently represented by Kamba Gallery in Mayfair, London and her work is stocked at numerous East London emporiums and galleries such as Number 8 (8 Sebert Road, London E7 ONQ), Established (1 The Street, London E20 1EN, and The Residence Gallery (229 Victoria Park Road, London E9 7HD).
Antonietta has ambitious plans to start her own business in the near future, specialising in selling framed art and interior furnishings with her prints on them. In addition, she would like to her business to provide art workshops to children and adults, especially those with learning difficulties. In her spare time, Antonietta enjoys visiting exhibitions, participating in community development activities and promoting the Arts to younger generations.
Cecile Wright
Cecile Wright, born in 1957 and of Jamaican origin, is currently an Honorary Professor at the University of Nottingham (2013-present). She graduated from the University of Nottingham (1978-1981) with a BA (Hons) in Psychology with Sociology (second upper-class). She then pursued a PhD in Sociology at the University of Keele (1982-1985).
Cecile has a held several positions in academia over an impressive career spanning twenty-seven years to date. She was a Lecturer in Sociology of Education at the University of Sheffield (1986-1988) and the University of Leicester (1988-1992). In the Sociology department at Nottingham Trent University, she was a Senior Lecturer (1993-1996), Reader in Sociology (1996-2004) and Professor (2000-2012).
Cecile's community involvement is highlighted by her roles with the Derby Mental Health Foundation Trust (Non-Executive Director, 1997-2005), the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority’s Equal Opportunities and Access Team (Committee member, 1998-present), the Advisory Group for the Children and Young People Unit at the DFEE/Home Office (Member, 2000-2001), and the National Children's Bureau (Trustee, 2008-present).
Cecile has been a member of the Economic and Social Research Council Review College since 2009, and has held the position of Chair for the Nottingham City Council's Fairness and Equality Commission since 2012.
