I did not grow up with politics - I learnt after realising how it impacts my life. 

I moved to the UK as a teenager and, like many people, I did not vote because I did not see politicians representing me. It was my experience as a young person struggling with work and housing, while navigating complex government systems that politicised me in my 20s. 

My route into formal politics was through local action for the rights of some of the most disadvantaged communities. After working in research, project management and teaching at university during my PhD studies, I co-founded a non-profit company, where I'm currently its Finance Manager. Working for almost a decade in the not-for-profit sector taught me how to fundraise effectively for community projects, run successful campaigns and bring people and stakeholder coalitions together asking for difficult and long-term change, with limited resources.

I have a pragmatic approach to local politics. Local council funding is challenging and I won’t pretend everything that is needed can be done quickly - the question always is, what to prioritise and how to make it more efficient to get the best value for taxpayer money.

We need more councillors who are proactive and present, speaking to residents all year round, holding councillor surgeries, raising local issues in meetings and delivering results for our towns and villages. While I cannot promise I will sort out every issue, I can promise that I will be visible, vocal and responsive.