Soraya Bowen

What is your role on national board?
Community Director

What are your objectives for your role in 2012?
As stated in the JCI UK plan of action and my intention to stand document:

• To embed social values across all areas of opportunity 
• To ensure JCI UK measure and understand their social impact in the UK society
• JCI UK to have five key voluntary sector partners to help raise our profile. 
• To provide local chambers with support and resources to execute local projects to address community needs.
• JCI UK’s first community campaign project which raises awareness about the UN MDG’s- again to raise our profile.

To have lots of fun and attend lots more conferences as my job will allow me to.

How long have you been involved?
2 years (since September 2010)

Where are you from?
East London- born and bred and lived here all my life!!

Which is your local chamber?
JCI London

Why did you join?
I was facing restructuring at work and the possibility of being made redundant which happened in the end. I wanted to find a network where I could volunteer and be involved in the local community. Well after attending my first AGM and managing to get on the council team- well the rest is history....

Which international events have you been to?
I have attended all European Conference and World Congress since joining. Well next year I will attend NOM to NOM, European Conference, Global Partnership Summit if I can stretch my annual leave to include World Congress . Anything else I can attend is a added bonus but there is so much choice in the JCI. I must not forget National Convention, if members can not make it international then I strongly recommend attending National Convention in Leeds.

What do you do in your spare time?
Lots- I'm volunteer sexual health trainer, bikram yoga and running. I hoping to get more creative and get back into crafting.

What's your profession?
That's interesting one I've had so many different job titles- I've always worked in health promotion, patient & public engagement and community development in the NHS and Third Sector. I'm currently working for the Epilepsy Society as Community Development Officer on a Department of Health project.

Share a little known fact about yourself?
I've met Andy Peters (Children's TV presenter)

How can we get in touch with you?
Email: soraya.bowen@jciuk.org.uk