This page provides supplementary information to my feature on the video campaign "Be your personal best". This provides an expansive insight beyond the expression mentioned in the video campaign.
The information was based on the questions originally asked before the filming. When the script developed the expression I originally shared was reduced. Then after the filming was completed further expressions were reduced to the scripts planned.
So these expressions below provide full context to the original questions.
1. About me
I live in Birmingham and I'm an awareness campaigner, graphic designer & Salsa dancing participant.
2. What How would describe yourself in 3 words
Creative
Analytical
Solution solver
3. What are your hobbies
Dancing, music and discovering
4. What would you say that are you skilled at?
Analytical, the ability to analyse the bigger picture on topics and situations with creative projects have a different approach to developing artwork and content and not adopt creative styles which designers are expected to.
With my awareness projects provide a different angle with providing a wider perspective which many haven't considered
I was told at an awareness seminar last year as a change maker. However, I don't take anything for granted.
5. What is your biggest achievement ?
When Google nominated me for the thrive mental health award by the West Midlands Combined Authority. This was after my awareness website help the team support the key team members living with ADHD when Google hosted their digital garage in Birmingham.
Image copyright MYNE Records/Pritt Kalsi
To be involved in a unque music project which involves legendaey music producers and DJ's and cutting edgemusic makers.
Click here to find out more on my involvement of King of the Beats
In addition to be featured in a albulm cover for the Legendary Hip-Hop artist and producer Diamond D
Click here to find out more to find out more of the album cover participation
Also to present, an anniversary surprise to the founders of Birmingham-based Latinmotion with a specially deisgned anniversiary card by myself at their annual New Year's Eve festival at the NEC. This was in front of an audience of around 300 people in the same room.
Click here to visit the online special more on my participation this special celebration
6. What would you say is your 'Personal best' achievement?
To reach twenty over two of a variety of awareness projects, campaigns and activities. Why are you proud of this achievement? I was able to transfer the skills from my education to create a unique awareness project which provides a wider angle beyond understanding and acceptance. Because it incorporates, art & design, digital marketing, and analytical abilities to provide ground-level insight. A Being a participant in salsa-related dance class events that are supported by my input.
Click here for to find out more of Plus Value Awareness
Click here to visit the Plus Value Awareness website
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This also applies to the major salsa dancing convention whch I have participated twice a year at the NEC but also supported to provide. In addition and supported to provide forward-thinking possibilities to improve inclusivity regulars of abilities or difficulties. This approach can adapt to any environment and location. You can only do this through ground-level experience, insight, context and an adequate amount of practical know-how.
Click here for more of my particiaption of dancing concventions
7. Why are you proud of this achievement?
I was able to transfer the skills from my education to create a unique awareness project which provides a wider angle beyond understanding and acceptance.
All these and other examples mean I can provide a smarter approach to provide suggestions, solutions and unique awareness ideas which enable open mind and forward think possibilities. Being a participant in salsa-related dance class events who are supported for my input.
8. Have you have any goals that you're working towards ?
To transfer my awareness project as part of a social enterprise idea. To provide unique possibilities in providing potential services, products and social responsibility projects to benefit communities.
9. What is on top of your bucket list?
9. What is the top of your bucket list?
I was uneasy with the question which incluldes the phrase bucket list. This is becuase it would see this phrase "bucket list" as too complacent with being idealistic and materialistic with this question. However, I am reminded of the opposite every day.
So instead I renamed the question (shown below)
What is the "ultimate goal"?
So, my ultimate goal is to break the boundaries on opportunities which most people take for granted. To maintain my sense of purpose, for most of my life I had the constant door closed in my face. Too many people don't see a person beyond their difficulties and instead wrongly categorise people like me as demoralising to others or a burden.
10. What If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
I would like to present a TEDx-style presentation to the decision-makers to enable open minds. Then use my influence to participate in the process to make improvements. Also present a similar presentation TEDx-style to influential people in music, sport and entertainment to encourage them to see a person beyond perceptions and stereotypes.
I do not feel society is in touch with context and insight of how a person myself and others with similar difficulties. Having a sufficient amount of training and understanding of information does gain an adequate amount of insight and context. This can lead to bad decision-making with no implications for a person's circumstances. There is more to hidden differences than medical awareness reports, care & support recipients.
11. Who do you look up to & why?
There are so many and would take all day to list them.
As the first generation of my ethnicity, my family & relatives are vital role models a part of the Windrush generation who sacrificed everything in their lives to move to the UK to enable our families to have a forward and sustainable life. Including my Mum, my immediate family and my late Dad.
There are so many awareness role models out there.
This includes Anna Kennedy (embracing autistic young people) and Paula McGowan, who has dedicated herself to changing how the healthcare system treats autistic patients.
Recently, I had contact with two extraordinary awareness role models in London as part a network whichembraces multicultural aspects of awareness and acceptance of autism and other hidden differences.
Also, campaigners and advocates, including Siena Caleston, Judy Singer, Carrie and David Grant, and many more, are enabling positive change with neurodiversity.
The variety of achievers and role models living with hidden differences
(Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Social Anxiety)
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Personally, three important people who have been involved and beloved in me. Including a good friend Pritt Kalsi (Project Director of King of the Beats Records) who is an extraordinary music producer, filmmaker & creative artist involving me in a variety of video and music projects.
Also, two extraordinary awareness advocates & friends Bernie & Stephen who have hosted guest speakers from around the world who have been involved in my awareness projects to communities and believed in me to use my awareness projects in a social enterprise.
Not to forget a great friend of the salsa dancing family. Pauline Caffrey has been extremely supportive and has encouraged me to be an assistant at her salsa dance classes in the local community. In addition the rest of the salsa dancing community which has enabled me to be a participant, not just an attendee.
Other role models include:
Sir Trevor McDonald
The icon from my childhood since his news reports to a news anchor
Sir Lenny Henry
A local and regional legend of entertainment, the arts, fundraising and diversity.
Chuck D from Public Enemy
An innovative musician and groundbreaking with digital technology and projects over the decades
Wolf Blitzer
The American-based journalist who provides his unique approach to presenting news stories and live events stands out.
Tanni Grey-Thompson
Paralympic medalist turn politician who speaks up to disabled people from all backgrounds
Van Jones
Former advisor to Barack Obama and hosted a series of television specials that try to enable people with a divided viewpoint to create a unified common ground.
Freed Zakaria
The news anchor and Washington Post journalist provides unique issues on global issues which most people would not consider or think of.
12. What motivates you to work hard?
Despite the boundaries, I gave I have to fight to have a sense of purpose. I have to challenge and fight against those who have wrongly defined me. With the prejudice & stigma, I refused to accept how others have wrongly defined me. I will do anything I can to improve inclusivity. This is an important legacy which is not emphasised enough in my city & region.
View the video campaign online featuring me via the
official Birmingham City Council social media channels
Select the links below to view the video online
The video was produced by Liquid in conjunction with Birmingham City Council
As the video is the property of Birmingham City Council, I am not responsible for the content on the link provided
View the video via Birmingham City Council's YouTube channel
Useful links
For more information on my background, history & ethics
please visit the about me section of the website
The access webpage will be available soon