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.
WASIM GEORGE – EXETER COMMUNITY CREATIVE AND OPEN-MIC HOST
Wasim Lewis George is an Exeter-based creative involved in music, performance and community events. He is best known locally through Waz Open Mic, an initiative that provides an inclusive and supportive stage for singers, musicians, spoken-word performers and other emerging talent. His events have also been associated with the Exeter Respect Festival, where Waz Open Mic has hosted an open-mic stage.
Wasim describes himself as having a varied creative background spanning music, art and modelling. His Waz Open Mic biography says these experiences helped give him the foundation to host events where people of different backgrounds and levels of experience can perform in a welcoming environment. He also states that he is studying in the area of Creative Mental and Physical Health Therapy.
His modelling work predates his Exeter open-mic activities. In 2018, fashion publication F*****g Young! featured Wasim Lewis George, then associated with Nevs Models, in a photographic editorial alongside Jamie Baah-Mensah.
A central theme of Wasim’s current public work is inclusivity and participation. Waz Open Mic promotes the idea that performers do not need to be established professionals to take part; musicians, singers and spoken-word artists are encouraged to get involved. This community-focused approach connects his artistic background with his interest in creating spaces where people can express themselves and develop confidence through performance.
Overall, Wasim George’s public profile in Exeter combines creativity, performance and community engagement. Through Waz Open Mic and his involvement with local events, he has developed a platform centred on giving people an opportunity to perform, connect with others and enjoy live creative expression.
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.”