Lilian

Lela is a Data Analyst at Alcatel Submarine Networks (part of Nokia), a leader in telecom and offshore applications. With over 15 years’ experience in education—from primary to adult learning—she rose from teaching assistant to Head of Science. Now a founder of UXL4Life, she supports learners from low-income households. A former trustee of One Community, Lela also taught English to non-native speakers to promote inclusion. A fitness enthusiast and mental health advocate, she previously competed as a bodybuilder. Living in Tilbury for over 11 years after moving from London, she values its strong, evolving community spirit.

Arts graduate with creative, theatrical, teaching and youth work experience. Taught art at secondary and further education levels. Facilitated regular events for the local Christian Faith Community under the umbrella of Transformation Thurrock (2008-2018). Currently a freelance itinerant speaker at churches both locally and beyond. This includes providing creative and interactive contemplative spaces. He is also a writer and an artist, with a knowledge of local history as he has lived in Grays since the late 1960s – most of his life.

Marcia has been a member of One Community Development Trust since 2014, she was volunteering two days a week where she was empowered with job-enhancing training and an updated CV. She got a job in 2015 with Thurrock Lifestyle Solution.  Her background has always been in customer service and administration and she worked for DWP for 17 years in different capacities. She also works with S.M.I.L.E Ministries where she mentored single mothers for three years in London.

Michael is the Nigeria Country Director for the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), a Swiss-based foundation focused on making healthy food more accessible and affordable, especially for vulnerable communities. With over 20 years’ experience in policy and project management in the UK and West Africa—including a decade in international trade and development—he brings deep operational expertise. Formerly Country Director at WaterAid Nigeria, Michael holds degrees from the University of Ibadan and several UK institutions, including Warwick Business School. He aims to contribute strong leadership and strategic insight to elevate One Community’s impact across Tilbury, South Thurrock, and Essex.

A Chartered Accountant and former Chair of Governors at a nearby Tilbury primary school which under his leadership was given the rating of ‘Good’ by OFSTED after being in special measures for a number of years. He brings Project Management skills, financial management and auditing. He is a local resident of Tilbury and helps with the strategic planning and direction of One Community. He is also particularly keen to be part of changing the negative publicity that is often associated with the area.