Lennina is a skilled ethnographer, researcher, and consultant dedicated to driving systemic change through storytelling, advocacy, and participatory democracy. With over 20 years of experience working alongside marginalised communities, diverse corporate teams, and statutory organisations, she brings a deep understanding of intersectionality and lived experiences that exist beyond dominant structures, resulting in millions of pounds of funding catalysed through her research and advocacy.
Her consultancy supports public and private institutions in embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in a way that goes beyond surface-level commitments. By using ethnographic storytelling and qualitative research, Lennina amplifies the voices of stakeholders, enabling power-sharing and long-term transformation within organisations and communities.
“I have worked with Lennina on social impact fundraising projects, diversity training/inclusion, and building employment opportunities for young people. Her background lends incredibly well to the work she does and she is living proof of what is possible. She is a highly skilled orator and storyteller who has engaged well within our creative community. We have enjoyed having Lennina consult with Arts Alliance/Garden Studios on various projects and look forward to supporting her work in the future.”
She has collaborated with national and global clients, including HS2, Sainsbury Family Charitable Trust, VIVIDA, and BBC Children in Need, to design and implement strategies for sustainable change. Her work is informed by both academic rigor and lived experience—holding an MA in Theatre and the Criminal Justice System from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and currently pursuing a Doctorate in Children and Young People Services: Storytelling for System Change.
As the author of ADVOCATE: A Voice From the Margins, Lennina explores race, gender, and class through autoethnography and research, highlighting barriers to long-term DEI progress. She is adept at bridging different parts of ‘the system’—from grassroots communities to corporate boardrooms—to create impactful, co-productive, and participatory change.
“Lennina presented at Barnardo’s ‘Festival of Learning’ in 2023 to an audience of 100+ She shared her insights and experiences of working with children and young people using creative storytelling techniques. The feedback from the Barnardo’s crowd was fantastic-they found Lennina’s engaging and authentic voice utterly compelling and immensely powerful. On a more personal note I really enjoyed working with Lennina. She was a professional and really delightful colleague to work with and hope we find opportunities for collaboration in the future!”