Meet Our Editors
Background artwork by: Erikson Nogueira
As Our Shadows Try to Belong
"When I think of creativity, I think of it as a tool. One that can be used to bring about social change. It can shine a light on stories that are not being told."
Amina Yussuf
CreativityUnleashed Editorial Department
Lina Charki
Staff Liaison with LAET
“Born in London, raised in Tottenham and of Moroccan descent, my identity is a kaleidoscope. Beneath my myriad of cultural ties, a central strand that runs through me is a love of the arts and creativity. During my education, I witnessed the disappearing creative elements from school curriculums, and it became clear that the arts were not being given the respect they deserved. This saw the birth of CreativityUnleashed, a space that allows me to meet with like-minded individuals to celebrate, generate and promote the creative arts in all their forms.
Currently, I am the Programme Assistant for Chrysalis East in London Academy of Excellence Tottenham. ”
Ozge Erdur
Editor
“I believe that being a creative is almost always dismissed by the public. I never understood why. Born and raised in Tottenham by strict immigrant parents and having a school curriculum that heavily focused on mathematics, English and the Sciences had me feeling stuck. Stagnant. Lost. Having to plan out my entire life and career at such a young age was burdening and I did not have an outlet. That is, until I began writing.
Being creative was what always gave me relief. It helped me untangle all the knots and worries in my head. It helped me build and grow myself in ways only creativity could. To think that schools are planning on removing and overall dismissing something so great, is such a pain. Creativity and creative projects like this can save lives: it ensures safety, freedom, and is limitless unlike many other things in life. It’s therapy for me, one that I’ll continue to invest in for as long as I can.”
Heather Gilchrist
Social Media Coordinator
“I was born in London and grew up in Tottenham. I find that any type of art can hold a lot of emotions in any form and depending on who you are as a person, everyone interprets the same piece differently. I find that one piece of art can hold so much power and so much without having to say anything at all. This is why I am drawn to most mediums of art and also why I chose to study media in sixth form.
I am currently studying film in Bournemouth."
Mariah John-Leighton
Co-Director of Arts
"I am a Publishing and Creative Writing graduate from Hackney, London.
I've always had an infatuation with works of fiction. Growing up shy in a loud, Caribbean family, reading became an escape allowing me to take on the role of characters far different from myself with just a few pages. As much as I loved reading, it was very rare that I was able to see myself reflected in characters that I adored so much. I used to complain so often that my mother would tell me to write and draw my own stories so that I could finally see myself in them. This is where my love for the creative arts ignited and has continued to burn."
Ollie Opara
Notes from the Editor Coordinator
“Our creativity is an aspect of ourselves that I believe we should continuously cultivate and nurture. Through creativity is how we learn and develop ways that we can express ourselves and one creative way for me is writing. From journalistic writing to poetry/spoken word, writing of any form not only acts as a positive outlet but also enables me to better understand my passions, my values and my voice. Having grown up in a generation that is more outspoken, more attentive and socially aware, I have found that through finding and strengthening my voice, through my creativity, has allowed me to not only share my own story but the stories of others. My words not only have meaning but provoke thought and emotion for words have power."
Andreea Pavel
Editor
“I was born in Romania, but moved to England, in London, 6 years ago. Having to change everything and start from zero in a new country was such a challenge as everything was new and different. However, what has brought joy and helped me express myself has been the creative arts. When CreativityUnleashed was created, it became my safe place where art, in all forms and shapes, was celebrated and admired.
I am currently studying a BA in Mathematics at the University of Leicester.”
Monika Reich
Web Manager
“The arts played a vital role in teaching me about British culture when I moved to London at the age of sixteen. I grew up in Budapest, Hungary and was always encouraged to pursue creative interests by my family. Through the many forms of art, I have been able to express myself more easily, therefore chose to study creative subjects at college. Having a keen interest in story-telling and a passion for film led me to study Film Production at the University of Greenwich. While studying, I focused on producing and directing, which I have been pursuing ever since graduating.
Currently, I am hoping to get into graduate school for film."
Edith Sandulescu
Events Manager
“I was born in Romania, but moved to London 6 years ago after my mum passed away. Though I understand my father sought a fresh start for us, it was the hardest time of my life. I did not speak the language and felt like an outsider far from home. The creative arts became a very big part of my life, poetry specifically, as an outlet for escape. Poetry helped me to not feel so lonely, and to express my feelings without anger or negativity. I aim to help students like me who find themselves sitting alone at lunch. You don’t have to sit alone anymore!
Currently, I am a second year student at Durham University, studying Criminology."
Maysoon Sheikh
Editor
“I was born in Saudi Arabia and moved to London at the age of six; my anxiety ricocheted between venturing into a new life and the unpredictability of my future in a new world. Destinations, whether they be physical or mental, never keep you in the same place and are never definitely foreseeable, I've learned. The one thing that remains true and constant is the compulsion to take holding the pen a step further; this is the conscious attempt to reconcile us to the deepest human truths of love, of death, of purpose. What was once a form of escapism from the creative limitations of academic studies has now transformed into an awareness of the reality that we live in. It necessitates exhibiting this element of art to the wider world, as Maya Angelo reminds us that, "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you."
I am currently finishing up my final year of sixth form and look forward to university next year."
Joseph Unadike
Launch Production Manager
"I was born in Lagos, Nigeria and moved to the United Kingdom in July 2006 at the tender age of 7. From the busy marketplaces of Lagos to the council estates of South East London, my love for English and the art of storytelling stayed the same. I am extremely passionate about music, culture and art which have been tools in shaping my writing and the reason I decided to write poetry and to create podcasts.
I am currently studying Law at the University of West London."
Amina Yussuf
Newsletter Coordinator and Outreach Officer
“During a powerful TED Talk Titled 'The Danger of a Single Story,' Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie states that "Stories matter. Many stories matter. Stories have been used to dispossess and to malign but stories can also be used to empower and humanise." When I think of creativity, I think of it as a tool. One that can be used to bring about social change. It can shine a light on stories that are not being told. Being a part of CreativityUnleashed gives me and others a chance to use our voices to discuss important topics and share our stories.
I am a Somali Londoner currently studying History at Goldsmiths University of London."
