Mandela8 welcomes three new trustees bringing creativity, culture and community focus to the board

Mandela8 has announced the appointment of three new trustees – each bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to social justice, creativity, and community to the table.

Joining the Mandela8 board are Lesley Woodbridge, a seasoned urban design and heritage specialist; Michelle Cox, a passionate advocate for anti-racism and inclusion within the NHS and beyond; and Joe Campbell, filmmaker, creative entrepreneur and founder of Culture City.

These appointments reflect Mandela8’s mission to continue driving forward its powerful work promoting equality, amplifying unheard voices, and honouring the legacy of Nelson Mandela here in Liverpool.

Michelle Cox is no stranger to championing change. With a background in nursing and a strong track record in equality, diversity and inclusion, she’s long been a voice for racial equity across health and public services. Her policy expertise and unwavering commitment to challenging injustice will help Mandela8 build on its community-led programmes and campaigns.

Joe Campbell, a long-time Mandela8 collaborator, is well-known in Liverpool’s creative circles. Back in 2012, he founded Culture City as a university project focused on celebrating Liverpool’s culture – and it’s since grown into a thriving content hub based in the Royal Liver Building. Joe’s worked with everyone from emerging local artists to major global brands, telling stories that matter. His previous work with Mandela8’s Young Media Group, including on a series of powerful documentaries, brings a creative voice to the board with a strong community focus.

Also joining is Lesley Woodbridge, who brings over three decades of experience in the arts, heritage, and regeneration. Until recently, she worked with Liverpool City Council as part of the urban design and placemaking team, championing sustainable and people-focused design in the city. Lesley was also Liverpool’s World Heritage Site co-ordinator and has worked closely with UNESCO, Historic England and DCMS. Her career includes key roles with the V&A, galleries across the UK, and one of Scotland’s leading public art agencies – even advising on the art programme for the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood.

Sonia Bassey MBE, Chair of Mandela8, said:

“We’re delighted to have Lesley, Michelle and Joe join us as Trustees at Mandela8. They are all shining examples of excellence in their fields, and passionate champions of their communities. We’ve worked with them in different ways over the years, and we’re so excited to now have them as part of the team helping to shape the future of Mandela8.”

Mandela8 continues to lead powerful conversations and community initiatives rooted in social justice, education, and heritage – most recently with its work on the Nelson Mandela memorial in Princes Park, a lasting symbol of hope and equality in the city.

For more about Mandela8 and its work across Liverpool, visit the Mandela8 website.

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