Ever since I was a child, social justice and fighting for equality has been my driving mission. My early experiences of marching for the miners in Wales as a child has helped shape me as a person and my commitment to fighting for human rights. I have lived and worked in Swansea, South Wales for most of my life and am passionate about both the city and the people.

Please get in touch if you would like a chat!

charlotte@madswansea.com

I joined Swansea MAD so that I could make use of the broad range of technologies I’ve learnt over the years and to support those who do not currently use technology and develop those already on their journey.

dave@madswansea.com

From a young age, the arts scene, music and live entertainment have been an integral part of my life. Attending shows, playing instruments, and immersing myself in diverse digital content has cultivated a deep appreciation for the power that media holds as a form of expression and connection.

As a BSc Media Production graduate, I gained three years of study and knowledge in social media, audio production, graphic design, photography, post-production for video and film and television documentary production. My passion has only grown stronger over time, leading me to pursue a career in this industry.

Since graduating, I have actively sought more opportunities for development and growth. I  regularly attended Music Production workshops with Swansea MAD and volunteer as a sound engineer for local festivals and venues. I have also had the opportunity of working independently as a sound technician, setting up backstage and mixing sound for various events hosted at Tŷ Tawe, a Welsh music venue in Swansea.

Moreover, I have obtained valuable skills through my own personal pursuits. As a musician and content creator for my band, I produce and conceptualise multimedia content across various digital and social media platforms.

Attending weekly workshops with Swansea MAD for over a year has provided me with invaluable opportunities for growth. It provided me with an environment to produce and collaborate with like-minded individuals from a diverse range of cultures and backgrounds.

I am very excited about the opportunity to work with a team that is dedicated to breaking down barriers, and to continue supporting the incredible talents and events within Swansea MAD and the Swansea community as a whole.

 freddy@madswansea.com

With over 7 years of experience as a dedicated Family and Young Person Officer, I have passionately supported families in accessing the education and resources necessary to meet their additional learning needs. I am committed to ensuring that every individual receives the help and support they require to thrive. Excited to join Swansea MAD, I look forward to continuing my mission of empowering and advocating for people.

madeline@madswansea.com

I’m a Gen-Z Welsh-Hongkonger activist who’s super passionate about pro-democracy, human rights, and equality. I graduated with a BA in Journalism, Media, and Communication from Swansea University, and for two years I served as an elected officer at Swansea University Students’ Union — first as Women’s Officer and then as Welfare Officer. I loved supporting students, creating a more inclusive campus, and helping with mental wellbeing.

I’m a classic “superslash” — always juggling lots of different things! While studying, I gained experience in over 10 industries. I founded my own district magazine at 16, worked as a Councillor’s Assistant, did freelance writing, led activities at a summer school, and even performed as an actress in a children’s musical theatre show.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me swimming, dancing, writing, or acting — I love exploring new things and staying creative. Most of all, I’m passionate about empowering young people and disadvantaged communities. I enjoy building connections, advocating for their needs, and using my social media and storytelling skills to uplift and celebrate talented young artists.

I’m currently the Executive Assistant at Swansea MAD, and I’m really excited to keep supporting the team and continuing my mission of creating positive change.

I came to Swansea to study Medical Sciences at the university. During my studies I was working as a waitress in a Portuguese restaurant and as a healthcare assistant in the local nursing home. After I graduated I took on my first company job in clinical research. 

Outside working hours I’ve been a Personal Trainer, passionate about graphic design and social media marketing. I’ve been using my science background and exceptional communication skills to actively promote health and wellbeing across various social media platforms.

As I have explored different career opportunities I was no longer looking for a job, I was looking to serve people with purpose, help them take care of and believe in themselves and pursue their passions with confidence. I believe that there are no limits to how much we can learn hence I am always seeking new opportunities to nurture and evolve my creative flair. This is the reason why I have joined Swansea MAD: it is very much aligned with my mission of providing equal opportunities to everyone.

I am delighted to add my expertise and passion for social media to such a progressive team and see myself grow and develop with Swansea MAD. 

michalina@madswansea.com

With over 15 years’ experience in the voluntary sector, I specialise in grant writing, project and programme development, participation and youth engagement.

My work focuses on securing and stewarding funding that enables inclusive, rights‑based youth and community work. I lead on multi‑year fundraising plans, trust and foundation bids, partnership development and funder reporting, ensuring that Swansea MAD’s work is well‑resourced and evidence‑informed.

I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Youth and Community Work and an MA in Education (Community Practice). My approach is grounded in anti‑oppressive practice and a commitment to fairness, belonging and social justice.

rachel@madswansea.com

A proud mother of five from the Vale of Glamorgan, Candice’s career started in Early Years Education where her team won the Pearson Award for Education. She has since worked across Local Government, Education and the Third Sector to become a highly experienced and solution-focused Trainer, Advocate and Programme Author. She currently works as Service Manager for NYAS Cymru (working with Care-experienced young people) and is the Director and Founder of Folk Training. Candice is a Safeguarding Trainer for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and lead for Camerados Community Connection Volunteering group in Barry.  

Candice is a passionate advocate for people’s rights and working with and experimenting with creative methodologies that inspire real change. Her focus over the last few years has been working to create systems and spaces to support young people’s mental health and wellbeing. She is the co-founder of Do Idea Co., a social design company.  

Quote: “Swansea MAD are brilliant! I am so proud to be part of such a wonderful group of individuals, who really reach out and make huge changes in the community and wider areas. Innovation and compassion lie at the heart of all the work they do and they really are changing the landscape of the charity sector.”

Skills: Youth Work and Education, Volunteer Management, Wellbeing, Facilitation, Creation of Educational Resources, Co-production, Evaluation, Inspirational Speaker, Advocacy, Training, Design, Safeguarding, Train the Trainer, Makaton 

The majority of Leigh’s career has been in Youth Work. He started as a Youth Worker in 1998, doing over 40 hours of face-to-face Youth Work each week. He became the Project Manager involved in developing Randomz, an award-winning Social Enterprise Academy which was recognised throughout Europe as a pioneer project. He also progressed through the London School of Social Entrepreneurs. He was then appointed Chief Executive Officer at the Cwmbran Centre for Young People, which was the first organisation throughout Wales to achieve the Gold Level Quality Mark for Youth Work in Wales. At present, he runs his own business in Property, Mortgages, Lettings and Insurances. He is passionate about supporting young people to find their first homes. 

Quote: “It is a great honour for me to be involved with a Charity such as Swansea MAD. When I was approached to be on the Board, it was very flattering knowing that I would be surrounded by such talented and visionary people, both on the Board and within the charity as a whole. I am literally overwhelmed by the development of the Charity and the quality of the service which it provides. I have learnt so much from my fellow Board members and the Senior Management Team at Swansea MAD which has helped my personal development which I can then migrate into my personal life and my business. I can’t thank the whole of Swansea MAD enough for the opportunity to be involved.”

Skills: Critical Leadership, Project Management, Recruitment Liaison, Consultancy, Human Resources, Budget Forecasting, Active Listening, Management, Finance, Social Enterprise, Training, Youth Work, Communications and Marketing, Fundraising, Partnership Management, Safeguarding, Data Protection

Quote: “Being able to volunteer as a Trustee at Swansea MAD is a privilege and I hope I bring a breadth of life experience and knowledge to my work within the charity sector. It is an absolute honour to be appointed as the Treasurer. I am so grateful to be part of the team that works to support some great work in Swansea and across Wales with such a talented and innovative group of people. We are seeing the charity flourish, making a real difference in the lives of so many people. I feel humbled to be working towards supporting opportunities for young people and community members who need them.” 

Skills: Change Management, Sustainability, Medicine, Legal Services, Management, Finance Auditing, Accounts Preparation, Music Law, Strategic Planning, Public Relations, Risk Management.

Mymuna is of Somali origin and was born and bred in Cardiff, Wales. She has a huge passion for equality and diversity but most importantly equal representation for Muslim women of colour. She studied Health and Social Care at undergraduate level and has a Masters in Public Health; both obtained from Cardiff Metropolitan University.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, she set up The Privilege Café as she was frustrated with the lack of diversity and couldn’t express herself as a woman of colour in spaces filled with privilege. She facilitated weekly sessions on Zoom covering various themes including mental health, ‘unconscious’ bias and privilege in the recruitment process. The level of engagement has been incredible and the guest speaker’s insight, knowledge and expertise have brought nothing but positivity to all those who have attended the sessions. The Café is open to all, it’s a safe space for all to engage, learn and to use their privilege for good. 

Quote: “I am delighted to be part of the wonderfully diverse Board at Swansea MAD. Swansea MAD heads up great work, works compassionately with people within communities from all backgrounds without any judgement, stereotype or biases. Swansea MAD’s values, driven by the advancement of Social Justice and Equity, align with my values which are woven by enthusiasm of unpicking structural systems that create barriers for so many within society. I truly believe in the ethos of being an anti-poverty, anti-racist and pro-equality organisation, as a charity, as people and as individuals which always aim to increase the impact their work has within communities.”

Skills: Facilitation, Anti-racism, Community Consultation, Activism, Public Health, Equality and Diversity and Representation, Public Speaking, Campaigning, Education and Training, Change Management, Inclusive Practice, Welsh Language, Public Policy

Anna is a youth worker with experience of coordinating projects for young people at a National Youth Charity and managing live events. Anna is currently Head of Production at It’s My Shout, which provides training for people interested in gaining experience in Film and Television Production. Her previous specialist experience is in creative arts projects, developing and delivering music sessions aimed at empowering young people to reach their potential through artistic expression.

She has designed and coordinated projects in the areas of creative arts, well-being, financial capability, democracy and equal rights. She has experience developing resources for young people, as well as developing and facilitating training sessions for youth-facing professionals in the Youth and Community sector. Since leaving school, she has committed her professional life to the Third Sector. Building on her skills and experience, she is also a Trustee for the National Theatre Wales. In her spare time she sings and performs and reviews local food spots on her @flavahoodwatch Instagram page.

Quote: “I’m on the Swansea MAD Board because I love the ethos of the organisation. The work they do for people and the community of Swansea is person-centred and led by staff who are not only experts in their fields, but are also committed to changing people’s lives. I feel this purpose aligns with my morals and values and I love being part of the Board of such an inclusive and open organisation. Swansea MAD’s approach and way of working is different to anything I’ve seen in the sector, they set standards and working practices that I think other organisations should follow. Swansea MAD are not ‘gatekeepers’, they collaborate and work with others in the sector for the benefit of community members. I am proud to be on the Board where my opinions and voice is heard and valued”.

Skills: Change, Sustainability, Community Engagement, Equality and Diversity, Equal opportunities, Fighting Ageism, Youth Work, Music, Film and TV, Event, Location and Stage Management, Casting, Sound and Audio, Project Management, Communications and Marketing, Media

Dr Matthew Howell is a Lecturer in Criminology and Sociology at Swansea University and Programme Director for the BSc Criminology and Sociology. His teaching and research are centred on social inclusion, social justice, youth and community experiences, and the ways people interact with the spaces and institutions around them.

His current research works collaboratively with community members to explore how shared public spaces can be made safer, more accessible and more inclusive for the different people who use them. This work brings together lived experience and community knowledge to better understand the challenges people encounter in shared spaces and to develop locally meaningful solutions.

Matthew also has substantial experience working directly with young people, having spent ten years as a youth worker in Swansea and Cardiff. This experience continues to shape his commitment to participatory and community-focused approaches that ensure the voices of young people and communities are meaningfully represented in research and decision-making.