Jazz charity emphasises inclusive values with refresh of board and leadership team

The jazz development organisation that spawned Ezra Collective has announced a refresh of its senior leadership, cementing a commitment to diversity and inclusion with a management team that is predominantly female and from the global majority.

Tomorrow’s Warriors has welcomed former BBC senior executive and chief executive of London Sport, TOVE OKUNNIWA MBE, as its new chair, taking over from VIV BROUGHTON, who remains a trustee.

Also joining the board are broadcaster and media executive JEZ NELSON MBE and executive and organisational development consultant GLORIA FAGBEMIRO, a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, who will serve as secretary.

Additionally, former chief of organisational effectiveness at the Africa-rooted hub for girls activism, Purposeful, SIAN LORD-BAPTISTE, takes up the role of chief operating officer, while creative learning specialist ERIN BARNES will head up learning, outreach and engagement.

“Representation at the highest level of leadership isn’t just symbolic, it’s essential,” said the organisation’s co-founder and chief executive, JANINE IRONS. “Having leaders who reflect the diverse communities we serve means our young people can see themselves in positions of influence and power. It strengthens our voice, deepens our impact, and ensures that the values of equity and inclusion are not just spoken about, but lived at every level of the organisation.”

Dr GARY CROSBY OBE, co-founder and artistic director, added: “With this incredible team, we can push even further and ensure that people from all backgrounds are welcome, supported and can find a place and future for themselves in jazz.”