i-am-possible

Film maker and producer; Sheila Nortley tells us why she’s part of the summer edition of the I’mPOSSIBLE conversation

Posted by admin on May 17th, 2012

Sheila Nortley, a 26 year old, award-winning film maker and producer caught up with us to share why she’s taking part in the summer edition of the I’mPOSSIBLE conversation on June 6.

Sheila Nortley, Kingdom Entertainment

What interested you in taking part in the I’mPOSSIBLE conversation?

I just love the theme, the positivity of the event. There’s a great energy that’s created when black women come together to talk and share. And it’s not all ‘Waiting-to-Exhale’ with us, it’s not always ‘doom and gloom’ *laughs*. We are a mirror of each other so we want to encourage each other to progress.

What are you most looking forward to about the event?

The opportunity just to relax and vibe and have a chat with some really interesting and inspirational women, and to contribute the little I can to such a positive event.

What do you hope the audience will take away from the event?

I hope each person takes away whatever it is they need in order to realise or to confirm that they are ‘possible’ – I hope everyone takes away something different, something personal for them. I believe God has a way of giving out very personalised messages and blessings for different people.

Who on the panel are you most looking forward to meeting/ sharing ideas with?

I’m looking forward to meeting everyone. I really look forward to meeting Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock. She’s a space scientist, which I find fascinating. As a writer, I often focus a lot on the universe and space within my mind. I’m looking forward to meeting an expert in the science of the universe and space outside, and the earth. She sounds like an amazing woman. The whole panel sounds amazing.

The next I’mPOSSIBLE conversation is taking place on Wednesday June 6 at 6pm.

Tickets are available via eventbrite and cost £25 (concessions available)

The I’mPOSSIBLE. conversation
Wednesday June 6, 2012
6pm – 9pm

Pearson plc
80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL
Tickets: £25 concessions available for group bookings
Enquiries: events@i-am-possible.com or call 07405 138 000

L’Oreal’s Mizani UK returns as sponsor of the I’mPOSSIBLE conversation

Posted by admin on May 11th, 2012

The I’mPOSSIBLE conversation event has gone from strength to strength in just a year of its existence. Having attracted panellists such as Bonnie Greer OBE, Charlene White, Angela Ferreira, Margaret Casely-Hayford, Michelle Gayle, Hope Powell CBE and many many more stellar British women of colour who constantly and unapologetically define success on their own terms. The ultimate embodiment of I’mPOSSIBLE.

Because of the uniqueness and effective way the event brings women of colour in Britain together in an empowering, positive, inspirational and nurturing environment it continues to grow and gain support from the likes of Global FTSE 100 brands such as Pearson plc. and the world’s leading beauty company L’Oreal and their premium Afro hair care brand; MIZANI UK.

We caught up with Tumi Soyinka, MIZANI UK’s product manager to see why they continue to power the imagination of I’mPOSSIBLE.

You supported the very first I’mPOSSIBLE conversation a year ago, what attracted you to continue your sponsorship?

The I’mPOSSIBLE conversation is simply an extraordinary event that places value on empowering women of colour. The execution of the event is premium yet intimate – almost with an exclusive feel. All these elements compliments the MIZANI brand ethos.

How do you think I’mPOSSIBLE fits in with the MIZANI brand?

The keyword to answer this question is, ‘ASPIRATIONAL’. MIZANI is an aspirational brand and our core value lies within beauty & innovation in balance. The formulas of our products are luxurious and are created in our dedicated Institute for Ethnic Hair & Skin Research in Chicago. There is a substantial amount of investment that goes into the research of formulas that work best on our skin tones and hair types. If the formula isn’t right, it doesn’t leave the labs. We seek perfection in our products, in order for women to experience sensational results with their hair.

I’mPOSSIBLE is also an aspirational brand, drawing inspiration from women of colour in high places who have achieved great successes (not without struggle however). These women are clear signifiers that all becomes possible when you dedicate time, effort and perseverance in balance. Effectively, MIZANI and I’mPOSSIBLE share the same attitude of determination, progress and success.

What does MIZANI stand for, and where do you see it heading in the future?

MIZANI stands for several things: professional and premium beauty, innovation and aspiration.

MIZANI actually means ‘BALANCE’ in Swahili and this is based on maintaining the correct equilibrium of protein and moisture in the hair to maintain our hair types.

I see MIZANI growing and reaching a wider audience in the coming years. It will continue to be the haircare brand that women of colour will reach to, for that premium beauty but on a somewhat larger scale. The demand for this brand is huge, which only indicates the potential that we can reach, given time

Why is MIZANI a must have for women of colour?

Because you can be rest assured that the technology and innovation behind our products are specifically formulated for our hair types.

What makes MIZANI ‘possible’?

Women of colour and those with excessively curly hair textures are what makes us possible. You are the reason why we are driven to create the best products to care for your hair.

We often hear that Afro hair is ‘unruly’, ‘difficult to manage’, ‘nappy’ and other not-so-complimentary expressions, when actually it is beautiful and full of character – whether it is naturally worn or relaxed. With the right routine and great products like ours, our hair is possible, so let’s be proud and celebrate our individual hair textures.

Tumi Soyinka, product manager, MIZANI UK

The next I’mPOSSIBLE conversation is taking place on Wednesday June 6 at 6pm.

Tickets are available via eventbrite and cost £25 (concessions available)

The I’mPOSSIBLE. conversation
Wednesday June 6, 2012
6pm – 9pm

Pearson plc
80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL
Tickets: £25 concessions available for group bookings
Enquiries: events@i-am-possible.com or call 07405 138 000

The I’mPOSSIBLE conversation returns for a summer edition – Wednesday, June 6

Posted by admin on April 23rd, 2012

Hot on the heels of the mind blowing February edition of The I’mPOSSIBLE conversation; the empowering event is back on Wednesday, June 6, at 6pm.

No other event is putting women of colour in Britain’s stories and life experiences in the public domain, unabridged, with no interruptions or apologies. I’mPOSSIBLE is creating history and widening the access to a group of women’s stories that inspire, empower and uplift, for everyone to enjoy.

For this edition, we are joined by:

Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock

is a space scientist whose passion is presenting science to a general audience and demonstrating that you ‘don’t need a brain the size of a small planet’ to understand, participate in and enjoy science. Her recently broadcast programme; ‘Do We Really Need the Moon? on BBC 2 earned Maggie the Talkback Thames new talent award at the prestigious; Women in Film and TV Awards in December 2011.

Maggie had an unsettled education, attending 13 different schools and then being diagnosed with dyslexia and shunted into a remedial class. As she says ‘a government statistician would have forecast a pretty bleak future for me’, she was saved by the children’s TV programme the Clangers and the idea of ‘space travel’ entered her young brain. Her father nurtured her hopes and dreams and coupled with hard work she studied at Imperial College where she obtained her degree in Physics and her PhD in Mechanical Engineering. Since then she has spent her career making novel, bespoke instrumentation in both the industrial and academic environments. In her words, she was enabled as ‘a black girl with learning difficulties to travel from inner London to outer space!’

Brenda Emmanus

Brenda’s media career has been long-standing and consistent. She is currently the BBC’s London News, Art, Culture and Entertainment Correspondent and started as one of few British women of colour presenters in the 1980s on BBC One’s The Clothes Show, which she contributed to for five years.

Previously an arts and features editor for The Voice Newspaper, Brenda has also been a facilitating judge for two anthologies commissioned by Penguin Books and has also had several short stories published.

Sheila Nortley

is female film producer and writer who produced her first short film Eddie’s Bar back in 2003. By 2006, whilst studying for her degree in Media she launched a production company with two friends, which specialised in music video production, documentary and short films. This led to her producing the neo-noir short film The Hydra which scooped Best Film at the 2009 BFM awards.

Her latest production, a highly anticipated short film called Zion premiered at The Ritzy, Brixton in December 2011 and received rave reviews. March 2012 saw the release of ‘Illegal Activity’ – a reading campaign with a difference which played on the discourse of stereotypical urban films to challenge pre-conceptions and engage youth.

Hannah Pool

is a journalist, author and commentator who writes regularly in the national media on gender, race and identity. A Guardian journalist for over 14 years, now freelance, Hannah’s work appears in The Guardian, The Times, Grazia, Arise magazine amongst others. Hannah was the Guardian Weekend’s Beauty, editor for five years, during which time she wrote the hugely successful ‘New Black’ column, the first beauty column for women of colour in a mainstream newspaper.

Hannah’s book; ‘My Fathers’ Daughter: A story of family and belonging’ is a memoir of her journey back to Eritrea to find her birth family. Published in the UK, US, France and Holland to critical acclaim and described by the Washington Post as “a significant and moving book.”

Hannah is chair of the board of UK Feminista and features editor of Arise magazine, she is also one of the curators for the forthcoming Africa Utopia festival, at the Southbank centre from July 3-29.

Hope Powell

was the youngest ever and the first female England coach. Appointed as the first ever full-time National Coach of the England Women’s team in June 1998. Hope started out as a footballer with Millwall Lionesses at the age of eleven and eventually won The FA Women’s Cup twice, including the League and Cup double as captain of Croydon in 1996. In 2003, she became the first woman to achieve the UEFA Pro Licence – the highest coaching award available.

In 2002, Hope was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list and was again recognised for her work with the award of a CBE in 2010. Hope works to promote the women’s game and is patron of the ‘Kick It Out’ campaign and the Women’s Sports Foundation. As well as taking charge of the England senior team, she oversees the whole set-up from U15s to the U23s, a coach mentoring scheme and she works closely with The FA Centres of Excellence to align to the international programme.

Eva Simpson (host)

is an award-winning journalist who has worked in the newspaper industry for almost 15 years. After starting out on local newspapers she was recruited by Piers Morgan to launch the Daily Mirror’s 3am showbiz column. During her time as the column’s editor Eva covered countless awards ceremonies including the Academy Awards and interviewed some of the biggest names in entertainment.

She left to join thelondonpaper before moving onto The Times. After two years as Assistant Home News Editor, Eva is now a writer on the highly regarded Times2 feature section.

No other event is putting women of colour in Britain’s stories and life experiences in the public domain, unabridged, with no interruptions or apologies. I’mPOSSIBLE is creating history and widening the access to stories that inspire, empower and uplift for everyone to enjoy. Supported by Mizani UK and Pearson plc, which has enabled us to continue doing this important work. Come be a part of history…

Tickets are available via eventbrite and cost £25, concessions available.

The I’mPOSSIBLE. conversation
Wednesday June 6, 2012
6pm – 9pm

Pearson plc
80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL
Tickets: £25 concessions available for group bookings
Enquiries: events@i-am-possible.com or call 07405 138 000

Buy tickets

I’mPOSSIBLE founder joins Angie LeMar on the Ladies Lounge on BBC London 94.9FM

Posted by admin on April 1st, 2012

Founder of I’mPOSSIBLE; Simone Bresi-Ando joined Angie LeMar on BBC London 94.9FM’s ‘Ladies Lounge’ on Saturday March 31st with guest Kim Woodburn star of 2009′s I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’ and Channel 4′s ‘How Clean Is Your House’ to talk about the week’s news stories that have got under their skin.

L-R: Angie LeMar (host), I'mPOSSIBLE founder; Simone Bresi-Ando and Kim Woodburn

Take a listen:

“Speak for me, because I can’t speak for myself” – and other ways of helping charity have a long-term role in Africa

Posted by admin on March 22nd, 2012

By Jorden Berkeley.

Within a matter of days the Kony 2012 campaign video went viral created by the NGO ‘Invisible Children’ which was edited to perfection to cause an emotive response on the very basic level of human understanding; good vs. bad. Joseph Kony; the leader of the Ugandan guerrilla group the ‘Lord’s Resistance Army’ (LRA), has terrorised at least four African countries, abducting children, raping girls and women as well as burning villages. Topping the most wanted list of the International Criminal Court since 2005 interestingly, he’s never been apprehended or caught but in early March he became (in) famous due to a Californian filmmaker and do-gooder, an unlikely match for Kony, but a very 2012 version of a hero.

The idea of the campaign is to make Joseph Kony ‘famous’ for his crimes against humanity which include kidnapping thousands of children from their homes; forcing many to murder their own parents and turning girls into sex slaves and boys into child soldiers. The numerous images of black children intimidatingly holding guns with blank expressions on their faces with no real back story as to how they came to be part of Kony’s army, were strategically placed, in contrast, to the filmmakers young, blonde (interchange with ‘innocent’ as you like) son, who had a back story that the viewers could easily relate to as he was the stuff of Disney proportions – a regular rhetoric in the media we consume daily. The 30 minute film was a viral success with over 84 million YouTube views and rising and over 1.3 million ‘likes’ (so far) on Facebook. This is humanitarian support 2012 style; show some stereotypical images of good and bad, link them to race, a highly misrepresented continent and bob’s your uncle, you got a viral which you can click ‘like’ and the world will be right. One click and you’ve become part of the ‘solution’.

The numbers of people clicking ‘like’ on the video is more symbolic of Western attitudes to Africa and Africans simply due to the way the film pushes the viewer’s emotions down an dead end of anger, confusion, frustration and (ultimately) donation. The term ‘disaster pornography’ seems aptly applied to this video; coined by human rights activists Rakiya Omaar and Alexander de Waal, it describes the need for the Western media to demonise the African continent through images of poverty and disease, in order to assert the dominance of the West. They were definitely on to something; how many times do you see Africa and Africans linked to images of death, poverty, disease, needless destruction. This type of pornography is usually topped and tailed with a Bono or Bob Geldof type figure; totally removed from their experience, but worthy enough to speak on their behalf.

Is international aid and charity truly altruistic or is it just an opportunity for the West to assert themselves as the stereotypical ‘white knights’ assuaging their guilt of privilege? The author; Teju Cole recently wrote about the Kony issue in The Atlantic regarding the widespread coverage of his Twitter comments on #Kony2012: “… [I] compare American sentimentality to a “wounded hippo”. His good heart does not always allow him to think constellationally”. And nor do gap year placements; in 2006 VSO claimed that gap years were a new form of colonialism, simply put by VSO director Judith Brodie: “The prevailing attitude to gap years risks becoming outdated and colonial as it tends to focus on how British youngsters can help poor communities overseas, rather than on what we can learn from them.” Gap years also help sustain unemployment as jobs that can be done by citizens are taken up by gap year students.

The main complaints of #Kony2012 was the over-done stereotypes of the white West helping poor Africa; TV critic; Charlie Brooker summed up all that was wrong with #Kony2012 convincingly with a stinging analysis of the film. The over simplified theme of good verses bad and misconstrued facts; took away from the true horror and trauma caused by the Kony and the LRA and also the action Ugandans and other parties have taken to combat his army.

A new approach in helping those in need has to be adopted to encourage, sustainable, effective and positive solutions for people who deserve respect on the same level as those willing to help. To be in need, does not mean you automatically have to forego your dignity to fit into the helpers’ idea of gratefulness. As Teju Cole says: “…there is much more to doing good work than “making a difference.” There is the principle of first do no harm.”

I’mPOSSIBLE founder; Simone Bresi-Ando joins Dotun Adebayo on BBC London 94.9FM, March 11

Posted by admin on March 12th, 2012

On Sunday March 11, I’mPOSSIBLE founder; Simone Bresi-Ando joined the Dotun Adebayo on Sunday show in observance of International Women’s Day. One of the many questions Dotun will be asking is: What do women want, and how do they hope to achieve it?

Dotun Adebayo

Take a listen:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Part 4:

In conversation with brilliance; British women of colour share their life stories to inspire. February 8, 2012

Posted by admin on February 9th, 2012

Yesterday (Wednesday, February 8 ) Pearson’s London headquarters saw a trailblazing panel of British women of colour share their life stories with an attentive, eager to learn, engaged and positive audience for the second; I’mPOSSIBLE conversation.

The panel, in conversation

Beautifully hosted by Charlene White, ITN news presenter and journalist; the five-strong panel of company secretary and chief legal head of Waitrose and John Lewis; Margaret Caseley-Hayford, actress, singer and now author; Michelle Gayle, Hackney Vicar and chaplain to the speaker of the House of Commons; Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin, official dentist on Channel 4’s ’10 Years Younger’ and clinical director of London Smiling group; Dr Uchenna Okoye and the first black female consultant orthopaedic consultant; Miss Samantha Tross.

L-R: Charlene White (host), Miss Samantha Tross, Michelle Gayle, Simone Bresi-Ando, Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin and Dr Uchenna Okoye

Abu Bundu-Kamara, Head of Diversity, Pearson commented:

“Pearson is incredibly proud to support the second I’mPOSSIBLE conversation, which recognises and celebrates the outstanding achievements and talent of British women of colour. Our support for the event is all about recognising talent and diversity in whatever form it takes. On behalf of everyone at Pearson, I’d like to congratulate Simone Bresi-Ando and her team for a truly inspirational event. We look forward to their accomplishments still to come.”

Abu Bundu-Kamara, Head of Diversity, Pearson

Check out what people tweeted about the event:

What a great night @IAMPOSSIBIL3 fantastic women supporting and inspiring each other. Well done Simone.

February 8, 2012 10:26 PM via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@michellegayle1

michelle gayle

Thanks to @IAMPOSSIBIL3 for last night's conversation-an encouraging evening with a fantastic panel + great atmosphere.

February 9, 2012 1:21 PM via webReply RetweetFavorite

@enviews

Shirley Anstis

Congratulations once more Simone on a fantastic evening! #ImPconvo @IAMPOSSIBIL3

February 9, 2012 11:20 AM via Mobile Web ReplyRetweetFavorite

@SolomonDaughter

solomonsdaughter

Thank you Simone for inviting us to the @iampossibil3 event w inspirational black women including Nigerian celeb dentist Dr Uchenna Okoye.

February 9, 2012 9:32 AM via UberSocial for BlackBerry ReplyRetweetFavorite

@OKNigeria

OK! Nigeria

Morning London :-) still feeling supa inspired by last nites event, aaamazing panel of spkers, g8t humour + insight TU @IAMPOSSIBIL3

February 9, 2012 7:45 AM via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@JackieKing101

Jackie King

Great night @IAMPOSSIBIL3 conversation event.Lots of inspirational women & @CharleneWhite was brilliant host.Looking forward to next one!

February 9, 2012 12:31 AM via Twitter for iPhone ReplyRetweetFavorite

@UP_Live

Unleashed Potential

@IAMPOSSIBIL3 #ImPconvo Was a fabulous event. Congrats to you and the panelist. Amazing, inspirational and necessary! #WomenLeaders

February 8, 2012 10:48 PM via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@IAm_LisaBent

LISA BENT

Congrats to Simone for v a super inspiring event of successful black women at the top of their game!! @IAMPOSSIBIL3

February 8, 2012 10:12 PM via UberSocial for BlackBerry ReplyRetweetFavorite

@Afridiziak

Sophia A Jackson

Brilliant event tonight. Well done @IAMPOSSIBIL3 #ImPConvo

February 8, 2012 9:53 PM via UberSocial for BlackBerry ReplyRetweetFavorite

@madnewsblog

Mad News

Laughed & smiled so much tonight. Loved chatting to @michellegayle1 and Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkins. #ImPconvo http://t.co/heBm7uVo

February 8, 2012 9:12 PM via Twitter for iPhone ReplyRetweetFavorite

@dianne_ll

DSL

The @IAMPOSSIBIL3 women are so interesting I've noticed there's a small throng of men at the back trying to gatecrash #imPconvo

February 8, 2012 7:35 PM via UberSocial for BlackBerry ReplyRetweetFavorite

@BizPears

Biz Pears

sorry to have missed the #ImPconvo event, tweets make it sound like one I would have fitted right in with

February 8, 2012 7:18 PM via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@ninapavlova

Nina Kelly

Now at the @IAMPOSSIBIL3 #ImPconvo conversation supported by @PDSIP. Packed room filled some very powerful, influential & positive women.

February 8, 2012 7:11 PM via HootSuite ReplyRetweetFavorite

@Inspirational_U

Inspirational YOU

And the event in pictures:

See you at the next one

I’mPOSSIBLE founder appears on Vox Africa TV’s ‘Shoot the Messenger’ with Henry Bonsu

Posted by admin on February 9th, 2012

On Sunday February 5; founder of I’mPOSSIBLE; Simone Bresi-Ando appeared on ‘Shoot the Messenger’ programme on Vox Africa, Sky channel 218 (UK) to talk about her goals with the social enterprise and the series of events she holds called ‘the I’mPOSSIBLE conversation‘.

Miss Samantha Tross tells us why she’ll be in the conversation, this Wednesday (Feb 8)

Posted by admin on February 6th, 2012

Miss Samantha Tross, the first black British female to become a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, tells us why she is excited about taking part in the I’mPOSSIBLE conversation on Wednesday (Feb 8).

What interested you in taking part in the I’mPOSSIBLE conversation?

I agreed to be involved as I see the event as an extension of the mentoring that I do at Imperial College Medical School and via organisations such as Generating Genius. As a student I always wished I had a role model of similar background that could identify with the unique challenges I faced. Faced now with an opportunity to be that role model for a young student, I would regret not doing so.

What are you most looking forward to about the event?

I look forward to networking.

What do you hope the audience will take away from the event?

I hope the audience will find the evening stimulating and that they will feel motivated and better equipped to deal with their own particular challenges.

Who on the panel are you most looking forward to meeting/ sharing ideas with?

I look forward to meeting Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin. We met many years ago at a dinner hosted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. I found her a very charismatic and interesting lady and I look forward to renewing the acquaintance.

The February edition of the I’mPOSSIBLE conversation supported by Pearson plc. is part of a series of intimate events staged in central London where a panel of British women of colour, from all walks of life, come together, to share their stories on the theme of ‘how I became POSSIBLE.’ It’s a purely inspirational and empowering event which gives a platform for British women of colour an opportunity to share their journey on how they became POSSIBLE with no interruptions or apologies.
The I’mPOSSIBLE Conversation
February 8, 6pm. – 9pm
Pearson plc 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL
Tickets £25 concessions and group discounts available

Dr Uchenna Okoye looks forward to the February 8 I’mPOSSIBLE conversation

Posted by admin on February 5th, 2012

Dr Uchenna Okoye; the clinical director of the London Smiling Dental Group and official dentist of Channel 4 TV programme; ‘10 Years Younger’ dropped by to tell us why the I’mPOSSIBLE conversation appeals so much to her.

What interested you to take part in the I’mPOSSIBLE conversation?

It’s a great idea, an opportunity to share and also encourage other women. There’s not many forums like this in the UK for women, certainly not for women of colour. A fabulous idea!

What are you most looking forward to about the event?

Hearing what others have to say, brainstorming ideas, inspiring and being inspired.

What do you hope the audience will take away from the event?

That ANYTHING is possible. No short cuts, the bottom line is focus and hard work. Women need to support each other more, as no matter how successful we are, we all have the same issues. For instance; I am eating cake right now; I’m supposed to be on a diet so I have failed – eek! But, tomorrow is another day and I will start again .

Who on the panel are you most looking forward to meeting/ sharing ideas with?

Everyone! A diverse panel with different backgrounds and I am sure different stories to tell. Really looking forward to learning from everyone.

The February edition of the I’mPOSSIBLE conversation supported by Pearson plc. is part of a series of intimate events staged in central London where a panel of British women of colour, from all walks of life, come together, to share their stories on the theme of ‘how I became POSSIBLE.’ It’s a purely inspirational and empowering event which gives a platform for British women of colour an opportunity to share their journey on how they became POSSIBLE with no interruptions or apologies.

The I’mPOSSIBLE Conversation
February 8, 6pm. – 9pm
Pearson plc 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL
Tickets £25 concessions and group discounts available.

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Film maker and producer; Sheila Nortley tells us why she’s part of the summer edition of the I’mPOSSIBLE conversation

The I’mPOSSIBLE. conversation
Wednesday June 6, 2012
6pm – 9pm