We are delighted to announce that five new Trustees have joined the Attitude is Everything team, this summer 2024.
You can find out more about the new additions to the Board of Trustees here.
Ruben Govinden
An acclaimed PR professional, Ruben has worked on ground-breaking campaigns across the public, private and voluntary sectors for over 26 years.
These range from the London 2012 games, a exploration of the legacy of the Windrush generation to London transport to working on an ‘above the line’ advertisting campaign promoting the positive lives of men living with HIV and AIDS at a time when some voices were meant to be silenced.
A devoted music lover, he divides his sonic passions between exploring recorded sounds and live events.
I am delighted to join the Board of Trustees of Attitude is Everything. As a passionate music lover living with a neurodisability, it is vital that the needs of everyone with accessibility needs are welcomed into all areas of the music industry.
Jess Jones
Jess studied Peace and Development at Bradford University, where she discovered her passion for creating events. From student trips abroad, to gigs and protests, she has been organizing events in both professional and voluntary capacities ever since. Her journey eventually led her to becoming Head of Festival Ops for Greenbelt Festival, a place where she could not only apply her event-organizing skills but also feel at home with her activism, faith, passion for people, and love of debate.
Jess lives in Yorkshire with her husband Will, and their collie dog Juno, who loves rambling across the countryside and playing fetch at every opportunity.
I’ve been really encouraged by the work of Attitude is Everything and I’m excited to partner with them for this great opportunity to join the Board. I’m hopeful that I can help support the impressive work and have a meaningful impact on the charity’s future. It’s my first time in a trustee role, so I’m keen to work hard and can’t wait to see the organisation journey through the next chapter.
Sam Oldham
Sam Oldham joined The O2 in October 2022 as Venue Director, bringing with her a wealth of experience from over 20 years working in venue management.
As the former Venue Director at The Roundhouse in Camden, London, Sam was responsible for venue operations, events, visitor experience, sustainability, security, technical and production, special project, and health and safety. Additionally, Sam oversaw the development of a new facility dedicated to hosting arts programmes for young people.
Sam’s expertise has cemented her place as a trusted voice within the industry and is often invited to share her knowledge on a number of security, safeguarding, and health and safety related panels.
I’ve worked professionally with Attitude is Everything for well over ten years now, and I’m a huge supporter of their vision and their values as an organisation. I’m so proud to be a trustee for the charity and to work alongside the incredibly dedicated board in championing the importance of inclusivity and access at venues and festivals across the country.
Esta Rae
Esta is an Events Manager and a neurodiversity advocate with a MA in Music Business Management. She was listed as one of the top 50 neurodivergent women by Women Beyond the Box, and was also part of the 2023 POWER UP cohort for 40 Black industry professionals.
Esta has dyslexia and dyspraxia and was affected by the challenges she faced in the music industry. Along with managing her own freelance event company, No Limit Management, she continues to champion the importance of a neuro-inclusive music industry through educating businesses on neurodiversity.
Esta loves working across live events such as the GRM Daily gala, Aim Awards and has worked on shows with artists such as Stormzy, The Libertines, Lethal B and more.
I wanted to be a trustee for Attitude is Everything to not only play a part in raising awareness about disabled representation in the music industry, but also to contribute to ensuring that disabled people are valued, seen and heard as audience members. Barriers need to be removed and I want to play a part in that.
Becki Wingell (Shadow Trustee)
Becki Wingell is Events Manager at the British Pharmacological Society where she creates numerous scientific conferences and exhibitions throughout the year aimed at Pharmacologists, Industry specialists and lecturers.
During her spare time Becki is also an Events Assistant for Cancer Research UK, where she assists with the running of Pretty Muddy and Race For Life events. Becki joined the events industry relatively late in her career but has loved every minute of the chaos this industry brings.
As a disabled person, Becki has a passion in making events accessible and inclusive for everyone. She is the EDI representative for the British Pharmacological Society and is working hard to ensure the society is providing accessible content and events.
Being a disabled person myself, I am passionate about improving the events industry as a whole enhancing experiences of all disabled customers. The work Attitude is Everything has achieved up until now is astounding, especially the incredible work around the Live Events Access Charter. I am extremely delighted to be the Shadow Trustee and cannot wait to see what the role brings.
