Paula Akpan
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Paula Akpan

freelance journalistLondon, United Kingdom
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Paula Akpan
Available

Paula Akpan

freelance journalistLondon, United Kingdom
About me
Co-founder of the "I'm Tired" Project, director of Black Girl Festival, communications coordinator at a disability charity, writer & social media editor at gal-dem magazine.
Projects
  • RegistHER to Vote
    RegistHER to VoteI was asked by RegistHERtoVote why I was voting on 8 June, 2017. Why vote? Voting allows you to be part of the political process and, though a small contribution, it has the power to effect change. The voices of young women are becoming louder as we further develop the language to demand what we want - voting is just another tool in our arsenal. What will you be voting for? I’m voting to protect the interests of black and minority ethnic communities, particularly with recent racial enforced prof
  • 'Two Women Put On The UK's First Ever Black Girl Festival And People Absolutely Loved It'
    'Two Women Put On The UK's First Ever Black Girl Festival And People Absolutely Loved It'Article originally published by Buzzfeed Written by Victoria Sanusi Images: Amaka Nwosu for BuzzFeed
  • Time Out: 64 Women Pay Tribute to their Icons
    Time Out: 64 Women Pay Tribute to their Icons" It’s been 100 years since the first women in the UK got the vote. To mark the centenary, 64 women who are changing perceptions in 2018 pay tribute to the heroines who blazed a trail before them" Words: Isabelle Aron Publication: Time Out
  • the "i'm tired" project
    the "i'm tired" projectThe “I’m Tired” Project utilizes photography, the human body and written words as a tools highlight the lasting impact of everyday micro-aggressions, assumptions & stereotypes and pull back the layers of discrimination to reveal thoughts and feelings that aren’t usually voiced through fear of backlash and lack of being relatable. Co-creators Paula Akpan and Harriet Evans use Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Instagram to share photos of what participants are most tired of, which is displayed across
  • gal-dem articles
    gal-dem articlesWriter & social media coordinator at gal-dem. See my articles here.
  • The UK's first black girl festival
    The UK's first black girl festivalA day festival celebrating Black British women past, present & future with arts, workshops, panels & entertainment for all ages. Click here to view the Kickstarter campaign. The UK's first Black British festival for women and girls is designed to celebrate and explore what it means to be a Black woman in the UK. We want to create a space for Black British women to see themselves within their local London community through a combination of the arts, music, culture and conversation.
Projects credited in
  • Getting Sh*t Done - November 2018
    Getting Sh*t Done - November 2018Our second event had four 'In Conversation' style talks intertwined with performances and opportunities for attendees to take the mic to share what they're doing to create a difference. It was sooo beautiful to create something with such amazing people involved. The theme of getting sh*t done was covered by all 4 speakers who had so much to say - they've done so much �In the 2 years since this event, we've continued to witness everyone go from strength to strength. Thanks to all who made it
  • This Black History Month 2020, meet 100 rising stars inspiring change
    This Black History Month 2020, meet 100 rising stars inspiring changeWe still have a long way to go when it comes to conquering the lack of diversity in all industries – which is why it is so important for us, as a platform, to use our force for good. True diversity at every level is the key to innovation and success, so we celebrate and promote Black talent throughout the year, including via our list of brilliant Black leaders. This is definitely not an exhaustive list, so we’re always looking to unearth more incredible rising stars to feature and promote, to h
  • Nike London Presents Galentines Day
    Nike London Presents Galentines DayNike London Presents Galentines Day - A panel event hosted at Allbright Mayfair to celebrate the launch of the Nike Valentines Blazer Sneaker. Panellists: Chloe Pierre of thy.self, Jess Young of Boys In Polish, Desthy Dee, Toni Blaze of Wonderland Magazine and Paula Akpan Photos by Meara Kallista Morse
  • Career Girls: A podcast about women, work & winning
    Career Girls: A podcast about women, work & winningAce & Tate introduces a new podcast celebrating influential women & their work
  • Zine making for Black Girl Fest
    Zine making for Black Girl FestWas honoured to be invited to hold a zine making workshop with young black girls for the first BGF!
  • the gal-hood issue
    the gal-hood issuegal-dem is a magazine (online and in print) where all of the content is produced by women and non-binary people of colour which launched in September 2015. The aim of gal-dem is to open up our take on the world to a wider audience. We want people from all backgrounds to engage with the work we are doing. It’s no secret that the mainstream media doesn’t represent or reflect us, so we are doing it for ourselves. gal-dem was founded by Liv Little who, frustrated with the lack of diversity at Bristo
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Work history
    Black Girl Festival logo
    Black Girl Festival logo
    DirectorBlack Girl Festival
    London, United KingdomFreelance
    Director at Black Girl Festival, the UK's first festival celebrating black women and girls. Duties include scheduling and uploading content on social media channels, creating and sending out press releases, increasing engagement and our following which has reached over 11,000 followers across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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    Communications CoordinatorBack Up
    London, United KingdomFull Time
    Communications coordinator at Back Up, a disability charity. Duties include scheduling social media content, running paid promotions and campaigns, providing cross-team support on their communications, managing the website, managing and organising photo and video assets, copy-writing, sending out major email communications, and generating national and regional press interest.
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Skills
  • Copywriting
  • Social Media Management
  • Ceative Writing
  • Press Relations
Education
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    GCSEThe Latymer School
     - London, United Kingdom
    2007 to 2010 – 9 GCSE subjects - Business Studies (A*), Core Science (A*), English Language (A*), English Literature (A*), History (A*), Mathematics (A*), Additional Science (A), Drama (A), French (A).
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    Bachelor's degree, SociologyUniversity of Nottingham
     - Nottingham, United Kingdom
    Graduated with a 2:1 in BA (Hons) Sociology at The University of Nottingham.
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Awards
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    Points of Light awardUK Prime Minister's Office
    Was awarded the Points of Light award on behalf of former Prime Minister David Cameron for The "I'm Tired" Project, an award-wining social media campaign which aims to highlight the significance of micro-aggressions and stereotypes.