Elisha has been an unwavering advocate for her community since the age of 12. Starting as a junior representative at the Blaen Y Maes Drop in Centre, she now co-runs the Center in the heart of Swansea, an area known for its economic challenges. Passionate about showing everyone the possibilities available to access learning and progress, she has used her skills and knowledge developed from her on-going work at the Drop-in Centre to support her role within the Widening Access/Outreach department at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD).

Working across her network, she engages with third sector organisations and educational providers to promote opportunities for under-represented individuals Donna Williams, Senior Widening Access Officer at UWTSD says, “Elisha is creating pathways for adult learners in Swansea to thrive, she has built partnerships with organisations like ROOTS, Pobl, Swansea Council, and local colleges. Working with academics, student support services, and local organisations ensures that support continues long after individuals have taken their first steps, and she continues to advocate and support students all the way to the finishing line of enrolling at university no matter what barriers they are faced with.”

As a graduate of UWTSD with a fine art degree, Elisha brings creativity and innovation to her community sessions, including art and well-being workshops, taster courses and experience days. Her collaboration with
Crisis Skylight has helped members who were experiencing homelessness access facilities, advice, and workshops. Some have enrolled at the university or participated in evening courses, she says, “Community engagement has been embedded into my life. I used to dodge any conversation that involved people knowing I was brought up on a council estate, but my experience has given me a purpose and a passion to speak up and to chase the gaps.”

One of her learners said, “Elisha has been such a light in my life since I met her at the centre. I was very isolated
at home with my young children with no family or friends nearby. Elisha has encouraged me to attend the craft and budgeting sessions. This has brought out confidence and enabled me to make friends in the local community and given me a safe space. I now volunteer and I have run sessions myself which I never thought would be possible.”Her ability to tailor her approach to the needs of her participants has made her a cherished figure in the community, she says, “I believe the most powerful engagement happens when it is participant-led as this allows individuals to feel heard and valued. I have achieved the most when others have supported and encouraged me to chase the unimaginable, no matter what.”