The Power of Presentation: Why Having Romany Trustees is More than Just a Practicality

For a long time, I’ve been fortunate to have an incredible group of trustees supporting me and the work we do. I am eternally grateful to our non-Romany trustees. They are passionate advocates, pushing the boundaries to ensure that our voice is heard, our culture celebrated, and our struggles acknowledged. We wouldn’t have reached the heights we’ve achieved without their dedication.

But today, I want to focus on something personal: what it means to have Romany trustees by my side, particularly those from the Romanichal community here in England.

More Than Just a Role—It’s Family

Having Romany trustees, especially fellow Romanichal, isn’t just about ticking a box or fulfilling a diversity requirement. It’s so much deeper than that. These individuals are people I can call at any moment—like family. They offer unwavering support, not just professionally but personally. When I’m facing challenges, I don’t need to explain our shared culture—they just get it. Their advice is rooted in lived experience, bringing a perspective that feels familiar and true.

Strength in Unity

My Romanichal trustees give me a strength I can’t quite put into words. Together, we bounce ideas off one another, collaborate organically, and share an understanding that goes beyond words. There’s an unspoken bond that makes our work not just effective, but powerful. It’s almost like having extra sisters and brothers, working alongside me with a shared pride and commitment to our people.

A Collective Force for Change

It was our non-Romany trustees who recognized the need for more Romany voices at the table. And when we were told, “Here’s your seat,” we made a statement: “When we come, we’ll bring our people.” And we did. With more Romanichal trustees on board, the impact was clear. Together, we reached over 33,000 people at our gala and exhibitions. These trustees tirelessly advocated for our cause, pushing our message out into the world.

Gratitude and Partnership

To my Romanichal trustees: thank you. You’ve been a constant source of support, not just as colleagues, but as family. Your wisdom and shared experiences fuel our progress. I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved together, and I’m grateful to have you by my side.

The Future of Romanichal Leadership

As much as I value our non-Romany trustees, having Romanichal voices in leadership is essential. It’s not just about visibility; it’s about lived experience. When we come together as Romany and Romanichal leaders, there’s a shared sense of pride, a commitment to our people, and a magic that drives us forward. Our collective strength reminds me every day that we’re not walking this path alone.

In the end, we’re all part of the same family—Romanichal and non-Romany. Together, we stand as advocates for our community, pushing for change, and lifting our people higher. And that unity is what makes all the difference.