Full Team Biographies
Asher Craig
chair
Asher Craig is a dynamic and highly accomplished political and community leader with a proven track record of motivating organisations to achieve real transformational change.
As the former Deputy Mayor of Bristol, she demonstrated exceptional resilience and leadership in addressing some of the most urgent challenges urban cities face today. With her unique blend of political acumen, strategic vision, and grassroots experience, Asher empowers organisations to drive impactful change. Her diverse expertise inspires leaders and delivers lasting results for clients confronting today's pressing issues.
In addition to her consultancy work Asher is a sought after speaker, engaging audiences around the world through paid speaking engagements. Her compelling presentations cover a range of topics including leadership, equity and cross-cultural partnership working, empowering and inspiring attendees to take meaningful action in their own contexts.
Elaine Walker
treasurer
Elaine Walker is our Treasurer. She is an experienced and integrity-driven Finance Director, CFO, Business Coach and Treasurer with over 20 years’ experience in financial management, strategic planning, and governance. A qualified FMAAT, she is trusted by boards and stakeholders for insightful financial leadership, strong regulatory compliance, and a proven ability to guide organisations towards financial stability. Expert at working collaboratively with trustees, auditors, and external bodies to ensure transparency, risk mitigation and long-term growth.
Jendayi Serwah
trustee
Jendayi is a Public Speaker, Trainer, Facilitator, Community Developer, and Reparations Activist specialising in race equity and its intersections, personal and organisational strategic development and psychosocial education for change. You can listen to Jendayi’s Radio Show Glocal which focuses on Afrikan political, cultural, and social affairs, on Ujima every Friday. Jendayi is also the convenor of AfrikanConneXions Consortium, a lobbying group promoting the interest of Afrikan Heritage people in Bristol and the South West.
Marti Burgess
trustee
Since 1999, Marti has practised as a lawyer. She is a partner at Knights, a national law firm with over 23 offices throughout the UK. She is an experienced corporate lawyer looking to build longstanding relationships with all her clients.
In 1994 before she became a lawyer, Marty and her brother secured VC finance to acquire a 1200 capacity nightclub. She was one of the key strategists in turning ‘Lakota’ into an internationally renowned music venue specialising in underground music. In the early days at Lakota she implemented an innovative marketing strategy to establish the brand. Lakota is now an established fixture in Bristol’s cultural landscape. While Marti has limited involvement in the day to day running she continues to help set strategy and work with the promotions and marketing team to ensure Lakota remains current whilst retaining its underground ethos.
Hannah John
CEO (Interim)
Hannah is a cultural strategist, producer and organisational leader working at the intersection of art, storytelling and social impact. Her work centres on using culture as a tool for dialogue, reflection and positive social change.
She has previously held an executive leadership role at Black Cultural Archives managing key operations. Having worked for over a decade in not-for-profit she has settled in the creative industry working and enjoys contributing to organisations to strengthen governance, systems and delivery so that ambitious social impact work can thrive. Her work also connects to international cultural dialogue through the British Council creative economy programme, she holds governance roles as Chair of Governors at a primary school and a trustee of Photofusion.
When not wearing her many hats, Hannah can be found sharing her experiences and holding space for her peers and the next generation. She guest lectures and convenes and hosts panels and events to support the re-imagining of a more equitable future.
Carol Ng
Administrator
Carol Ng is an experienced administrative professional who brings a calm, organised and people‑centred approach to supporting teams and keeping operations running smoothly. With over 15 years’ experience across corporate and community settings, she is trusted for her attention to detail, clear communication and steady judgement.
Since making Bristol her home, Carol has deepened her understanding of local working culture through the Women’s Work Lab programme and her volunteer role providing confidential emotional support to vulnerable individuals. She enjoys creating clear systems, supporting colleagues and contributing to community‑focused work that helps organisations deliver meaningful impact.
Makeda Quashie
Community Engagement Mobiliser
Makeda Quashie is the new Community Mobiliser at Bristol Legacy Foundation (BLF), bringing a strong professional background in economics, statistics, financial regulation and research, alongside more than thirty years of dedicated community involvement. Throughout her career and voluntary work, she has contributed to a wide range of initiatives in both leadership and hands-on roles, including serving as a director of Rebel with A Cause, befriending people experiencing homelessness, Black history events, working as a school governor, mobilising communities with Citizens for Culture, mentoring young African entrepreneurs through Envision, and leading on Zenzele Village with ACC. A passionate advocate for reparative justice and community-led change, Makeda has long admired the work of BLF and is committed to helping build and deliver a repaired future for Afrikan Heritage Communities in Bristol. Beyond her role at BLF, she continues to mentor young people and teach online courses. In her personal life, she enjoys socialising with her large extended family, attending theatre, arts and cultural events, and spending time outdoors on country walks. Last, but not least, she is the mother of two daughters who are by far her greatest creation.