How Do it Now Now Keeps Lived Experience at the Centre

Nureen Glaves

Nureen Glaves brings the lens of health equity, food justice, disability justice, and community-led innovation. As the founder of Feed Me Good, her work has shown what becomes possible when health education is culturally relevant, accessible, and built around the real needs of marginalised communities. Her journey with DiNN through the Innovate Now Programme and the Impact on Urban Health Climate Action and Health Fund reinforced the importance of honest conversations, inclusive funding pathways, and support that helps social entrepreneurs grow without losing sight of purpose. On the Advisory Board, Nureen helps us think strategically about access, sustainability, and the systems that Black-led organisations need in order to thrive.

Julian Hall

Julian Hall brings decades of insight into youth entrepreneurship, education, technology, and long-term community empowerment. Through Ultra Education, he has built pathways for young people to turn their ideas into businesses and their passions into purpose. What matters to Julian is that support is not tokenistic or short-lived. It must be culturally relevant, systemically informed, and consistent. His relationship with DiNN is grounded in shared values: community transformation, practical support, care, and progress. On the Board, he helps us think about beneficiary-led programme design, long-term strategy, and how emerging tools such as artificial intelligence can strengthen service delivery for Black-led organisations.

Gen Puni

Gen Puni brings together HR leadership, counselling, coaching, and organisational development. Her work across RecTrain Services and EvolveWithGen sits at the intersection of people, systems, wellbeing, and growth. Her connection with DiNN began through the Build, Hustle, Grow programme, which became a turning point for both her HR and counselling businesses. What mattered was not only the practical support, but the invitation to innovate, reflect, and build with purpose. On the Advisory Board, Gen contributes expertise in HR systems, stakeholder engagement, coaching, business operations, and equity, helping ensure that access and inclusion are embedded across DiNN’s programme design and partnerships.

Farah Mohammoud

Farah Mohammoud brings the power of creative expression, youth empowerment, and storytelling. As the founder of You Press, he has created platforms for underrepresented young creatives to be seen, heard, and supported into meaningful careers. His alignment with DiNN is rooted in shared values: community-led innovation, economic empowerment, and the amplification of Black voices. Farah recognises DiNN as part of a wider ecosystem that offers support beyond surface-level solutions. On the Board, he brings knowledge from the creative sector, experience in social impact delivery, and a deep understanding of how to build sustainable, inclusive initiatives that centre lived experience.

Priscilla Vivian

Priscilla Vivian brings mental health, therapeutic practice, and a clear commitment to founder wellbeing. As the founder of Vivify Therapy, she has built work that recognises entrepreneurs as whole people, not just business owners. Her connection with DiNN began through Black and Good, where she found clarity, structure, and a type of support she had not experienced elsewhere. What mattered to her was being part of a community that understood the challenges Black founders face and was committed to action. On the Advisory Board, Priscilla helps ensure that wellbeing is not treated as an afterthought, but as a central part of sustainability, leadership, and impact.

Kemi Olaniyi

Kemi Olaniyi brings strategy, warmth, programme management, and community-rooted leadership. Through Kemz Solutions, she supports grassroots organisations and social enterprises to strengthen their operations, secure funding, and turn ideas into action. Her relationship with DiNN began as a participant and grew into roles as a guest speaker, facilitator, and now a second-year Advisory Board member. What mattered to Kemi was the combination of knowledge, access, mentorship, and belief. On the Board, she brings a practical mindset and a genuine love for community, helping ensure that feedback from participants and alumni reaches the heart of strategic decision-making.

Chantal M’Biki

Chantal M’Biki brings storytelling, brand strategy, visibility, and a deep understanding of what it takes to build as a Black woman in business. Through HOUSE OF LILIAH, she has experienced first-hand the barriers around funding, visibility, and sustainable growth. Her journey through DiNN’s entrepreneurship programme gave her practical tools, a supportive network, and renewed confidence in her mission. What mattered was being seen and supported in a way that recognised both ambition and reality. On the Advisory Board, Chantal helps us think about how DiNN tells its story, reaches more people, builds partnerships, and ensures Black-led organisations are visible on their own terms.

Emmanuel Balogun

Emmanuel Balogun brings insight into infrastructure, employability, creative industries, and sustainable pathways for Black creatives and entrepreneurs. Through Find Your Feet CIC, he works with young people from marginalised backgrounds to build skills, networks, and access to creative and digital careers. Emmanuel’s relationship with DiNN is grounded in shared values and strategic alignment. He understands that Black-led organisations do not simply need one-off support; they need capacity-building, infrastructure, funding access, and long-term investment. On the Board, he helps us think about accessible funding models, scalable initiatives, and how to ensure Black communities are prioritised in conversations about policy, growth, and opportunity.

Ali Kakande

Ali Kakande brings community care, food, culture, emotional intelligence, and connection. Through Carib Eats and Kakande Enterprises, she creates spaces where people feel welcomed, heard, nourished, and valued. Her journey with DiNN began through its programmes, which deepened her commitment to community-led change. What mattered to Ali was the affirmation that support must be responsive, inclusive, and grounded in people’s lived realities. On the Advisory Board, she contributes insight shaped by lived experience, business knowledge, and deep-rooted care, helping DiNN strengthen its approach to training, funding, and leadership development.

Nadine Robinson

Nadine Robinson brings writing, therapy, creativity, and healing. As the founder of New Pathway Narratives, she uses writing therapies to support young people and Black women to reconnect with themselves, process experience, and build confidence. Her connection with DiNN began as a programme participant, grew into a facilitation role, and then developed into her place on the Advisory Board. What matters to Nadine is the creation of safe spaces where Black people, especially women and young people, can express themselves freely and reclaim their sense of agency. On the Board, she brings empathy, reflection, and a commitment to healing as part of community leadership.