I am passionate about our city and community, a unique place where the Moors meets the Coast and there is always somewhere to find your happy place! I am married to Alan who is in the Army and based at the Citadel. I have two children Evie, 12 – who gives me perspective and is always a reminder to look at how others see the world and Leo, 9 – who’s quietness should never be assumed for a lack of passion or curiosity.

I grew up in Plymouth, on a council estate in Southway, I went to University in Plymouth to study Geography and then took up a job as a researcher in Cornwall. I went on to work for Devon County Council, my current employer. I pursued my interest in sustainable living and was able to undertake part time study to complete a MSc in Sustainable development. During this time, I worked with a number of the County’s large employers such as the Met Office, Exeter University and Exeter Chiefs, to put in place low carbon and sustainable plans.

I now manage a Major Developments team of planners, urban designers’ ecologists, and engineers. I have had to grow my team, navigate local government cuts and the impact of the pandemic.

I have led teams though very difficult projects engaging stakeholders and maintaining relationships despite often very different agendas. When I can, I get involved in Women in STEM events and keen to elevate the role of women in construction. I am a director of Sherford Community Trust which aims to create social enterprise and supporting the community to interact and develop their own projects to grow its social capital, it requires reciprocity, the key to any relationship that wants to bring about progress.

I believe that a diverse team is better equipped to solve problems, to innovate and to learn from others and good leadership should enable this. I believe in the collective genius – not just one person’s idea but supporting and growing ideas from the people we are trying to reach. I hope to bring to the board my experience and passion for sustainability, and enthusiasm for meaningful participation to learn and create belonging. It feels exciting that ‘theatre’ can happen anywhere in any context, it’s what happens in that moment. I am about to complete an MBA in Senior Leadership, so as much as I hope to give, I also want to grow as a leader.

I look forward to being part of a board whose energy is focused on sustainable growth in all its dimensions, creating space for people to have a voice, have fun and to embrace difference.

Favourite quote: “The best and most beautiful things in life, cannot be seen or even touched they must be felt with the heart” – Helen Keller.