Trustees
What a joy it is to return to the board of Trustees after almost a decade! I have been on a journey with this brilliant organisation since I moved to Oxford in 2012. First as a fan/supporter, then a trustee, then working alongside the team and now, I’m back!
What YWMP offer is totally unique, and I’m honoured to have my name on their board.
Ruba [co-chair]
I joined as a trustee after taking part in a course delivered by YWMP. I got to see, first-hand, YWMP's work and its value for communities in Oxford. Being immersed in the city's cultural scene, I aim to bring more attention, opportunities and longevity to YWMP and its wonderful initiatives.
Sammara [secretary]
Having long admired the work of YWMP, as a trustee I endeavour to support and nurture the sense of community care that creates the foundation of such a fantastic organisation. As director of the Cowley Community Closet, I’ve been inspired by the sense of cohesion and love in East Oxford and am nothing short of ecstatic to get further involved in the kinship of our neighbourhood. In my day to day I study medicine with the goal of practising holistic psychiatric care; which will hopefully involve the power of music to unite us and still restlessness.
Connie [co-chair]
Laura [safeguarding]
As a trustee, I’m fortunate to support YWMP in making space for care, creativity, and community in Oxford’s historically narrow and inequitable music scene and beyond. In my day job, I work in the aid and development sector on protection against sexual exploitation and abuse, where my approach is informed by survivor-led and intersectional feminist lenses.
Christine
In my journey as an early childhood consultant, I’ve discovered a profound truth: children move to a rhythm of their own choreography, a melody that echoes the heartbeat of life itself. This rhythm is the key to creating therapeutic spaces that not only nurture children but also inspire educators. When we design with the child’s well-being at the forefront, we create a symphony of growth and learning that resonates with everyone involved. YWMP inspires me to take this understanding and using it to create therapeutic spaces that support wellbeing for all.
I moved to Oxford to study my MFA at The Ruskin School of Art, University of Oxford in 2016 and I am a current lecturer and Subject Coordinator for the Oxford Brookes University Fine Art BA. From 2019 – 2022 I led the City as Studio programme at Modern Art Oxford. As a YWMP trustee, I wish to use my experience using DIY methods of making as practicing artist, musician (Shake Chain/ Rainham Sheds/ Orange Dance Group) curator and educator to help make live events happen, share resources and connect people and opportunities to embolden young people to reach their full potential.
Kate
Rowan
I grew up in Byron Bay, Australia, before moving to Oxford in 2015. I was lucky enough to have incredible community music initiatives when I was a teenager and know first-hand how projects like YWMP can support young people to develop lifelong skills – creativity, teamwork, organisation, independence – not to mention an enduring appreciation for local art. In my day job, I'm a mental health researcher and community worker for LGBTQ+ youth in the south of England. I am honoured to bring my experience to the YWMP trustee board as a new member for 2024.
Louise
My journey with YWMP started in 2004 when I joined as a participant. It had a hugely positive impact on me, giving me confidence, a community and a space to explore music on my own terms. Since then I have built a career in community music and now work as an Executive Director at Readipop, where my focus is on programmes and participation. I am passionate about making music accessible to everyone and helping young people find their voice through music, just as YWMP did for me.
Jess
Jess brings a background in arts management and hospitality, having gone on to run her own businesses before becoming a trustee. She is passionate about creating spaces where people feel supported, confident and inspired, and believes strongly in the power and creativity of the arts and hospitality to build connection and opportunity. Jess genuinely loves her community in Oxford and is proud to support work that helps young people thrive.
