OUR TEAM

Kava (Avz)- CEO & Founder

I grew up in North Herts and have worked in the voluntary and community sector in the region since my late teens, starting as a volunteer at my local church. Having studied Community Development at the University of East London, I then built a career working for local community groups and over time I also worked as a Social Worker for Hertfordshire County Council.

I've gained more than 15 years’ experience of working as an advocate for people in the community, supporting their needs with problems including signposting to mental health services, housing and homelessness services and providing benefits advice. But it was the dire and unjust fate of Black people, like Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and Mark Duggan, that motivated me and others to advocate for the African and African Caribbean community. So, in 2020, the NHACC was formed.

Today, as CEO of the NHACC, I am dedicated more than ever to promoting the cultural preservation, well-being and empowerment of people from the African diaspora.

  • Ruth- Windrush Justice Advocate

    Hi I’m Ruth. I feel strongly that everyone should be treated fairly. So, when I got the chance to be an advocate for Windrush Justice at the NHACC, I jumped at it. The work is challenging but I’m fully committed to supporting people who are affected by the Windrush scandal and to contribute to all the work Avz is doing for the Black community in North Herts.

  • Sophia- Administrator

    Mbalamusizza! (Hi people!) I'm Sophia and I'm a Buganda woman, originally born in Uganda. I do admin work at the NHACC and help Avz, our CEO. I’m very passionate about justice because I have suffered injustice myself. I believe in the work we do, helping to uplift and empower Black people - just as the NHACC has helped me personally in many ways to engage with the local community.

The NHACC is governed by five volunteer Trustees who guide the organisation and directly supervise the CEO. For decades they’ve worked and volunteered for our community. Their skills and experience range from accounting, health and fitness and human resources to occupational therapy and managing large community groups.

NHACC Trustees

  • Maria

    CHAIR

  • Dorrel

    VICE CHAIR

  • Sherlyn

    SECRETARY

  • Herbert

    TREASURER

  • Winston

    SAGE