People’s Panel

Aysha is founder of Rosebuds Sisters, a women’s network in Havering that empowers women through spirituality, creativity, and culture. As an Ambassador for Thames Freeport and Co-opted Governor, she champions community leadership. Her work often uses art, workshops, and storytelling to build connections, celebrate diversity, and nurture belonging.

Charlotte has always been deeply fascinated by art and culture, taking interest in everything from theatre to literature, from the visual arts to heritage. Pursuing this passion, Charlotte graduated from university with a Master’s degree in Philosophy and the Arts. She has since built a career in Arts fundraising, having worked for Sadler’s Wells before landing a position at an established conservatoire.

Jade is a PhD student whose research focuses on experiences of home in Harold Hill. She has lived in Havering for seven years, and is excited to join the People’s Panel as there is so much to celebrate and showcase in the borough, including its communities, culture and creativity of residents.

Jordan is a designer, workshop facilitator, and creative producer working across arts, culture, and community engagement, primarily in East London. He came to this work by following his greatest passions: community work and diverse artforms.

Jordan has worked on projects with organisations such as the Barbican, UCL East, Blackhorse Workshop, and West End theatres. In these roles, he has designed and delivered workshops, exhibitions, and community-led events that centre co-design, accessibility, and participatory art.

Joan-Albert is a Music, Arts and Education Consultant and Researcher born in Barcelona. He has developed an extensive international career as a leader of music education institutions and programmes, consultant, researcher, lecturer, teacher, writer, producer, performer and composer. Joan-Albert believes in the transformative power of music and the arts, their potential to contribute to positive change in society, and their capacity to foster understanding among culturally diverse communities. Now happily based in Havering, it’s important for him to contribute to the cultural development of the borough that he calls home.

Kiran joined the People’s Panel as she’s interested in Public Health and art, and the positive impact that creative arts can have on our health and wellbeing. She wants to see more of the creativity that is here in Havering and ensure that it is accessible to all.

Lee grew up in Havering and currently lives in Hornchurch. He’s a filmmaker specialising in community, heritage, the arts and event videos many filmed in Havering. He has joined the panel so he can be a part of a growing community of creatives and to help Havering’s cultural scene grow. 

Natalie is the curator of the Appleby Gallery, a contemporary exhibition space onsite at Frances Bardsley School for Girls. 

Natalie studied History of Art, Architecture and Film at Kingston University and later, a Masters in Gallery Curation at the University of Essex. She has a varied background in media and the arts including stints at BBC’s Natural History department, the 4^th Plinth Project at Trafalgar Square, Madder Rose Art Gallery, London Architecture Week and Towner Gallery in Eastbourne.

More recently she moved back to Havering (where she grew up) and became involved with community arts; working with Havering Changing and Havering Council respectively, as both a project manager and freelance artist. She is passionate about supporting Havering London’s cultural development and is excited about creating more artistic opportunities to engage communities.

Nick is a Havering resident whose work sits at the intersection of technology, people and place. With a passion for digital art and placemaking, he helps build innovation ecosystems that empower communities through creative practice. Nick brings a background working on human-centred approaches to social impact and digital health projects.

Rebecca is a singer, songwriter, actress, musical director, choir leader, vocal coach and author. With over twenty years experience in the music industry she has worked with many artists and sung for King Charles on his 70th birthday at the London Palladium. Growing up in Havering, Rebecca wanted to join the People’s Panel to help people find their voice.

Ruth is an unpaid carer, writer, speaker, and social justice activist. She also writes theatre reviews for The Havering Daily and does her best to celebrate, uphold and amplify disabled children and carers in Havering and beyond. Ruth is passionate about radically rethinking art and culture so it’s inherently and meaningfully accessible to everyone.

Sam has over 25 years experience of working in the creative sector in East London, for Culture, Libraries, Outdoor Arts and Placemaking.  An Alumni of Royal Central School of Speech & Drama, she was a Romford Change Maker for 5 years with Havering Changing and currently sits on the board of Without Walls.

Having lived in Havering most of her life she is keen to support this project flourish, knowing the impact arts, culture and heritage can have on transforming communities and changing lives.

Serena has worked in theatre for 28 years and teaches at The Guildhall School of Music & Drama. She sits on the boards of Havering Museum and the Music & Drama Education Expo. Her PhD, British Muslim Communities’ Engagement with Theatre, is with Khayaal Theatre, Manchester Metropolitan University, funded by the NWCDTP.