Amanda Dagnall
Service Manager
West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Amanda Dagnall, With an extensive career rooted in the Third Sector, I bring broad, cross-functional expertise spanning end-to-end project management, and the successful launch and embedding of new groups, services, and strategic initiatives.
A strong focus has expanded to cover strategic facilities management, procurement, event and conference management, policy development, and the design and delivery of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) training. A proven track record of diagnosing operational challenges, leading collaborative problem-solving, and delivering sustainable, successful outcomes for every project I lead on has led to a fruitful and exciting career that I am very proud of.
My greatest strength is my excellent communication skills—applied consistently and effectively when engaging with stakeholders at every level, from frontline teams to senior leadership, partners, and communities.

Cllr Abigail Marshall Katung
Former Lord Mayor of Leeds

Counsellor Abigail Marshall Katung is a passionate public servant, changemaker, and community advocate with a deep commitment to equity and inclusion. Born in Zaria, Nigeria, and now proudly rooted in Leeds, she made history as the first African born 130^TH Lord Mayor of Leeds (2024–2025). During her term, she championed fairness through her chosen charity, Leeds Community Foundation, raising over £100,000 to support grassroots projects across the city. Her leadership has been marked by breaking barriers, building bridges, and giving voice to underrepresented communities.

Beyond her mayoral service, Abigail has played key roles across local government, health, and education boards, contributing to strategic decision making and advocating for social justice. She has been honoured both locally and internationally for her work in promoting diversity, including her induction into the Nigerian Women Hall of Fame. A proud wife, mother and athlete, she holds a postgraduate degree from the University of Leeds and continues to mentor and inspire emerging leaders. Her unwavering belief in the power of community and public service underpins everything she does.

Matthew Dakin
Associate Director
GiveBradford

Matthew Dakin is Associate Director at GiveBradford, the Bradford District Community Foundation, where he leads partnerships, fundraising and strategic initiatives that connect businesses, philanthropists and communities to create lasting social impact across the district.

With extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, sponsorship and community development, Matthew has built successful partnerships with a range of local and national organisations. He previously played a leading role as part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, where he led on sponsorship and helped secure support from businesses and partners across the region.

Passionate about place-based philanthropy and social change, Matthew is committed to championing initiatives that strengthen communities, tackle inequalities and create opportunities for people across Bradford and beyond.

SJ Adams
Director
HerPathway

“SJ Adams is a multi-award-winning women’s confidence coach, speaker and HealthTech founder from West Yorkshire, passionate about helping women rediscover their confidence, visibility and voice. After years working in style, wellbeing and empowerment, and navigating her own personal challenges as a mother and carer, SJ created HerPathway™ – an innovative platform designed to support women through key life and career transitions such as burnout, menopause, maternity and returning to work. Her work blends authenticity, emotional wellbeing and empowerment, helping women feel seen, supported and able to thrive without shrinking themselves.

SJ has been recognised for her impact through regional funding and awards, including support from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, seed funding from the University of Huddersfield and, most recently, winning Start-Up of the Year at the Yorkshire Black Business Awards 2026″

Charlie Jerram
Technical Education Project Lead
SkillsHouse, CBMDC

Charlie Jerram is a Careers and Technical Education Project Lead within SkillsHouse, CBMDC. Working closely with employers and stakeholders to identify industry led skills gaps, Charlie works collaboratively to develop curriculum materials and pathways for priority sector areas. Sector-based programmes of learning are created for Bradford learners, bringing their academic studies to life, to gain industry-led credentials. These programmes of learning improve learners’ employability, work-ready confidence and provide increased opportunities to access routes into employment.

Chris Iheuwa
Actor/Director
Yorkshire Film Festival

Christopher Iheuwa aka CHRIS IHEUWA is an acclaimed Nigerian-born actor, playwright, filmmaker, and festival director whose career spans theatre, television, and film across three continents. 

A Theatre Arts Master’s graduate of the University of Lagos (UNILAG),honoured as a UK Global Talent recipient , a prestigious endorsement from Arts Council England in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the creative arts. 

From his pioneering days in Nollywood to his leadership in the UK, his work bridges cultures and elevates storytelling on both local and international stages.

As Festival Director of the Yorkshire Film Festival and *Theatre & Film Performance Director for BAFA, Chris brings over two decades of experience and more than 200 productions to his leadership roles. 

His celebrated stage play “Palm Tree in London” , alongside other touring works such as ‘Second Thoughts’ and ‘The Coffee Shop’ has been performed across the UK, Nigeria, and the United States, cementing his reputation as a powerful voice in contemporary theatre. 

Toyosi Olosunde
Director
Fly Africans

Toyosi Olosunde is a Nigerian media personality, broadcaster, interviewer and event host with a media career spanning Nigeria and the United Kingdom. She is the founder and host of Fly Africans, a platform profiling exceptional Africans making a global impact.

Renowned for her engaging interview style and dynamic stage presence, Toyosi has interviewed Grammy Award-winning artists and other notable personalities, while hosting major concerts, red carpets, corporate events and special occasions across Nigeria and the UK. 

Pamela Victor Ibitamuno
Delegate
UN Ai Dialogue

Pamela Victor Ibitamuno is a Young Leader and International Cyber Lawyer recognised for her contributions to internet governance, artificial intelligence and cybercrime policy on the global stage. A member of UN Women UK, she has been invited to sit at global discussions convened by the UN Internet Governance Forum (UNIGF), the Council of Europe and the United Nations. She serves as a Member of the Board of Trustees for the Cyberspace Society, and founded a specialised society at Northumbria University that had never existed before. Her work was recognised with the Impact Award at Northumbria University, presented by the Staff and Educational Development Association (SEDA/JISC), an international award recognising students for their impact and contribution to education worldwide. Pamela is widely known for her contributions to social impact across the North East of England. 

Henry Aderibigbe
Chief Commercial Strategy Manager
Pilgrims Africa

Henry Aderibigbe is a transformational coach, pastor, and peak performance trainer whose life’s work is dedicated to helping people unlock purpose, maximize potential, and live impactful lives. A certified high-impact coach and alumnus of the prestigious Franklin Covey Academy, Henry blends practical wisdom with spiritual depth to inspire growth in individuals, professionals, and organizations.

A seasoned pastor with The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Henry has been called to help “nobodies become somebodies.” His speaking style is heartfelt, practical, and deeply convicting—igniting hope, courage, and action wherever he goes.

Henry is joyfully married to Temitayo Aderibigbe, the creative force behind Nsoleke Handiwork, a makeup and beauty firm. Together, they are raising three energetic boys—whom Henry fondly describes as “future European Premier League players.”