10.00am Host Lydia Julien

Conference Introduction discussing the themes of this summit style conference and kinship systems in practice within our communities.

10.20am Ima Aura

Ima leads a grounding session and discussing her practice to open the conference.

10.45am Marian Faye

Discussing grassroots community work in Gambia

11.10am Fiona Quadri

Founder of Zinetopia, Fiona talks about her practice, creativity and research.

11.30am Connie Bell

Connie discusses her work as a Consultant, Memory Worker and Cultural Producer. We will explore decolonial methodologies and memory as technology within archives.

12.15 Juliet Coley and Yazmin McKenzie

Juliet, award-winning educator, author and publisher of Black books written by Black children aged 6 to 16 years, discusses her projects and new launch of ‘Unsung’ Kidszine, an online magazine that profiles incredible community champions that is written by children authors. .

Yazmin, talks about her vast experience as the founder of entertainment PR agency Twenty9Twelve, representing talent across Film, TV, Fashion, Philanthropy and Sport.

13.00-13.45 pm Lunch and Rest plus exclusive preview of pre-recorded sessions with Rena Williams.

13.45pm Janet Sebastian

Janet talks about her research and exploration of Black British literature as an archive.

14.10pm Isatou Sowe

With a passion for knowledge management, digital transformation, and sustainable development, Isatou talks about her significant contributions to the advancement of library services and information accessibility.

14.45pm Nadine Grant

Nadine has over 30 years experience in the Finance industry and is also an advocate for women's empowerment. She unpacks and discusses themes around leadership , kinship systems in the workplace and initiative.

15.30pm Emily Lewis

With over 30yrs experience in Mental Health and wellbeing, Emily, founder of I Found Me Therapeutic Counselling, discusses her work in providing therapeutic services for children and adults.

16.00pm Closing Reflections with Lydia Julien and announcing special pre-recorded sessions.

We will close with any final thoughts on the day and sharing of resources.

There will follow an exclusive opportunity for conference attendes to view pre-recorded interviews and discussion with special guests Alicia Graham , Rena Williams and Nichole Ama.

Rena Willams

Pre-recorded interview.
Community Activist, Rena discusses her wealth of experience and reflects on Carnival traditions, Sound System culture and collaboration in this educative and transformative talk. Do not miss!

Alicia Graham

Pre-recorded interview

Alicia creator of sound art, podcasts and Reel Rebel Radio's audio-art and activism project talks about her lived experiences and Kinship Care in a wide ranging and inspiring session.

Nichole Ama

Pre-recorded interview
Nichole reflects on corporate social mobility and collaborating with ICAEW on past campaigns to drive meaningful change in the profession.