Building Bridges and Transforming Communities: Reflections from the CLARITY+ Event

There are certain people whose company always leaves you feeling energized and fulfilled. Stephanie Ejegi-Memeh, PhD is one of those people for me. She has a unique ability to create a welcoming space, a sense of family, and an environment where connections flourish. Monday’s CLARITY+ event at Israac in Sheffield was no exception. This was the second event I’ve attended that she organized, and, like before, I felt both connected and inspired.

Israac: A Space Built for Connection and Unity

The event was held at Israac, a Sheffield-based charity embodying unity, community, and belonging. Over the years, I’ve spent a lot of time at Israac, connecting with remarkable individuals like Adam Yusuf , my lifelong friend ahmed mohamoud , and Ahmed Mohamed MEd MA , a rising star in Sheffield’s community and co-founder of Infinite Skills CiC. Israac is a place where friendships flourish, and ideas are exchanged freely—a space that embodies its purpose as a center for connection.

At the event, I had the honour of speaking with Mr. Ali, one of Israac’s founders. He is a figure of wisdom, an elder with insight and deep knowledge, and it felt like talking to a sage. When I mentioned I was from Zimbabwe, he shared his knowledge of my homeland, reflecting experiences that only someone well-traveled and worldly could have. Mr Ali expressed his pride in seeing Israac being used for its intended purpose: bringing together diverse communities, fostering unity, and supporting positive interactions.

And, of course, we were treated to lunch, reinforcing my belief that an event without food is best kept as an email!

Dr. Stephanie Ejegi-Memeh: A Natural Connector

Dr. Stephanie’s influence extends far beyond her role as an organizer. She has a gift for creating spaces that feel like family gatherings, where people can talk, laugh, and build connections. Every time I see her, I’m reminded of my niece—a nonchalant, confident person who has an effortless way of making others feel welcome. Dr. Stephanie’s work as a researcher at the University of Sheffield focuses on health equity and finding solutions to address inequalities impacting marginalized communities. Her aim with CLARITY+ is to create spaces that bring people together to tackle health disparities through conversation, connection, and collaboration.

Dr. Stephanie’s long-term vision is to recognize and measure the true impact of community organizations—an impact that often goes beyond numbers or metrics. Whether it’s saving a life, keeping a space open, or lending a listening ear, her approach values the essential, often unseen work that makes a real difference. This commitment to making space for meaningful connections makes her one of my favourite people to be around.

Rhonda Allen: Championing Community and Youth Engagement

It was also great to reconnect with my friend @Rhonda Allen, a researcher and advocate whose work I admire. Rhonda serves as a Research Associate for the Roots and Futures Project, helping ensure the voices of underserved communities are heard and embedded in Sheffield’s heritage. Her work with the Sheffield City Council as a Youth Prevention Worker further underscores her dedication to supporting the community. Rhonda shared, “I see my role as helping young people understand their heritage, their role in the future, and that their voices matter.” Her passion for community and commitment to empowering young people deeply resonate with me.

Celebrating Sheffield’s Rich, Diverse Community

Throughout the day, I met individuals and representatives from organizations that make Sheffield the vibrant city it is. I had the pleasure of connecting with my friend Rosa Cisneros—a filmmaker, professional dancer, Romani studies scholar, and sociologist who works closely with Sheffield’s Roma community. Rosa’s dedication to cultural connection and advocacy work is truly inspiring, and her creativity and warmth make her a joy to be around.

Also present were representatives from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Services, Andalusia Community Centre, Compassionate Sheffield, Utopia Theatre, Infinite Skills CiC, Faces (focused on employment support), Apna Haq(aiding women in Rotherham facing domestic violence), and Adira, which provides culturally sensitive mental health support for Black people. Dr Stephanie described the event as creating a “web” of support, where each organisation connects to form a powerful network of collaboration and shared resources.

Summing Up the CLARITY+ Event

In so many ways, CLARITY+ embodies what makes Sheffield unique. This city is a melting pot of people from all walks of life who bring creativity, dedication, and a profound sense of community. If I had to describe this event, I would say it was about humanity and unity. It provided a space where people could come together, share stories, and build a collective vision for a healthier, more connected Sheffield.

Events like CLARITY+ remind me how fortunate I am to be part of such a creative and community-driven city. Thank you to Dr. Stephanie Ejegi-Memeh and everyone who made this event possible. Together, we’re working toward a stronger, more unified Sheffield—a place where community, joy, and family come first. This event was a powerful reminder that when we come together, we don’t just talk about change; we make it happen.