YOUNG AMBASSADORS
Young Ambassadors are the young voice of Exeter Respect Festival and hold the ethos of Exeter Respect “All different, all equal”.
The Young Ambassadors are a role model who especially, champions their own aspirations, creativity and values in their lives. The Young Ambassador are allowed the freedom to choose how to not only increase awareness and opportunities for others within the community, but also how to welcome participation.
The Young Ambassadors choose whatever mode of expression is best suited for them, they can influence decision making process. They are able to inspire other young people, especially to turn their lives around.
Through sharing stories, raising awareness through their local community, campaigning and representing Exeter Respect at events; personal potential, pride and a sense of achievement can become a reality.
NAABIL KHAN
Naabil Khan is a third-year medical student studying the University of Exeter. As well as completing a medical degree, she is a podcast host, website creator and activist for representation and diversity in healthcare and medical education.
“I am actively involved in various initiatives to raise awareness about Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic issues as well as presenting to the British Medical Association (BMA) Student Conference, the University of Exeter and platforms like Future Frontline on decolonising healthcare. I recently spoke on a panel at the Exeter Respect Festival launch where I delved into the racial inequities seen in medical education and the impact this has had on perspectives within the NHS and medical school. I have also hosted multiple presentations to students, academics and the public on the issues present in medical education regarding the under-representation of skin tones and dangerous generalisations found in Medical literature.
“Through my various initiatives, I am making a significant impact in promoting diversity, inclusion, and representation within the medical community and healthcare system. My commitment to creating a more equitable and accessible healthcare system has also been witnessed with the creation of Skin For All, an online educational platform that represents the most commonly seen skin conditions on various skin tones.”Diversity is at the heart of this website and it aims to support every patient we have sworn to provide for as healthcare students. I hope everyone can feel seen, heard, represented and respected when they use Skin For All.”
RUBY MAY SPENCER
Ruby May Spencer initially gained an internship working in the offices of Exeter Respect in January 2014. Working closely alongside the Director Dr Suaad George, Ruby experienced first hand what went into the organisation of Exeter’s biggest community festival, and was personally made charge of gathering and collating information for volunteer applicants.
Ruby says:
“I became more involved, learning about all aspects of diversity, I decided to have my own stall which was headed ‘What does peace mean to you?” People were invited to write or draw their thoughts on material provided.
Later in the summer, I also joined Young Citizens Academy, CHRSE CIC as a Young Ambassador. My personal concerns as a young person are with regards to child exploitation and domestic abuse amongst young people, I believe that we should all be educated from a young age about unacceptable behaviour”.
By the time preparations had begun for the 2019 Exeter Respect festival, I had been involved in numerous fundraising and celebratory events supporting not only Respect & the Academy, but also International Women’s Day & Respect’s International Fest. I had also written a song, aptly titled, “Respect” inspired by my role of Young Ambassador within Exeter Respect. I also performed an acoustic set on the Cafe stage and then – compered for other acts throughout the weekend for the Acoustic stage.
As Respect enters it’s 22th year and my involvement, in it’s 5th year, being one of many people of the Widrush generation who were lucky to find organisations to foster and believe on me, to become their young ambassador. I know that my time whilst volunteering with the Respect team has gained me invaluable experience. My confidence and self esteem has grown and I have been made aware of many social issues that I wouldn’t have otherwise known much about. I have a voice, that I use when I write my songs and feel very fortunate that I have had access to this learning.
Ruby May Spencer is an up and coming solo singer/songwriter based in Exeter, Devon. Her music is a blend of soul, blues and jazz with a hint of folk. She released her debut EP ‘The Prologue’ back in December 2014 – at the age of 14yrs. Influences such as Amy Winehouse, Etta James, Nina Simone & Alabama Shakes inspire her music. The BBC Introducing in Devon artist, was recently chosen to record 2 original tracks as part of the Radio One Big Weekend Academy, which resulted in her performing at R1’s closing showcase. RMS is currently in the recording process of creating her 1st album, with plans for release by summer 2017!