“Bernice has always provided me with excellent advice. Most recently, she helped me with my university personal statement. She has been an incredible support.”
Dec 22, 2025
“Bernice has always provided me with excellent advice. Most recently, she helped me with my university personal statement. She has been an incredible support.”
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.
Marcia has been a member of One Community Development Trust since 2014, initially volunteering two days a week, where she was empowered with job-enhancing training and an updated CV. Her professional background is rooted in customer service and administration, having worked for the DWP for 17 years in different capacities. Marcia is also deeply involved in community and advocacy work. She is an Ambassador for the Women Global Support Hub and is a member of the Thurrock Council Resident Panel. Additionally, she works with S.M.I.L.E Ministries, a faith-based organisation established in London that supports and mentors single parents and is still in operation today.
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.
Lela is a Data, Reporting and Automation Specialist with a strong background in education and community development. With over 16 years’ experience across primary, secondary and adult learning, she progressed from teaching assistant to Head of Science before founding UXL4Life and UXLTech, where she continues to champion opportunities for young people from underrepresented communities.
As a Tilbury resident for over 15 years, Lela brings both shared and lived experience of the challenges and strengths within the community. This insight shapes her commitment to ensuring that local voices guide One Community’s decisions and future direction. She is passionate about digital transformation and is leading the organisation’s move towards stronger systems, AI literacy, governance and data-led decision making. Her recent completion of an MSc in Computer Science with Data Science and AI further supports this vision. Lela brings a community-first approach, a focus on equity, and a drive to help One Community grow sustainably and confidently into its next phase.