CALF-Events CIC

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How We Work

   Mission: CALF-Events CIC delivers enriching and inclusive literature-inspired programmes that engage children and young people aged 0–16 culture and the arts, while supporting African, Caribbean dual-heritage, multi-heritage and other underrepresented creatives to develop their practice and produce high-quality work for young audiences.

  Vision: A world where every child feels proud of their identity, connected to diverse cultures, and empowered through storytelling and the arts fostering wellbeing and social harmony, and supported by a more inclusive and representative creative sector.

Governance 

CALF-Events CIC is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company governed by a Board of Directors who provide strategic oversight and ensure all activities deliver public benefit. The organisation operates through a lean, project-based management model, commissioning and coordinating teams of creatives, educators, and professionals to design and deliver funded programmes. This approach enables us to remain flexible, responsive, and to invest directly in creative talent while ensuring high-quality delivery for children, families, and communities.

 Our Values

Our values guide everything we do: we celebrate diversity, champion culture and heritage, nurture creativity, act with openness and integrity, build meaningful partnerships, and place community at the heart of our work.

Our Directors

DIRECTOR,
Community & Audience Development

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Sade FADIPE 
Of Nigerian heritage and holds a BA in English Linguistics, QTS in Primary Education , MA in Creative Writing & Publishing. As both a traditionally published and self-published author, Sade brings a unique perspective to the world of children’s storytelling, having spent her younger years in rural Kent and visiting her grandparents within countryside settings, in Nigeria.
Her published works, including A Fun ABC and Snowy Joy, celebrate African heritage and universal themes such as identity, migration, and belonging. Through her writing and outreach, Sade passionately advocates for the power of culturally inclusive literature as a pathway to social harmony and interracial collaboration from an early age.
Since 2018, with the Kiddie-writers’ forum, and now the  CIC, she skilfully curates, alongside the regional coordinators, vibrant literary experiences that connect authors, educators, and young readers. Her mission is to ensure that children from all backgrounds see themselves reflected in books and grow up with a deep respect for diverse voices and shared humanity.
DIRECTOR
Policy & Compliance
Florence Olajide
Florence OLAJIDE 
An educator and writer, she holds a BA and an MA honours degree in Education. She was a teacher and headteacher for many years in Greater London before becoming one of Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Schools in England. In 2014, she established Florence Elizabeth Publishing Limited with her daughter, the celebrated author of Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun, Tola Okogwu. Together, they published the Daddy Do My Hair series.
Currently, Florence runs her own educational consultancy providing school improvement services to educational establishments and an advocacy service for parents. Her memoir Coconut, an Amazon Best Seller, was published in 2021. She is also the author of The Stolen Daughter, a Historical Fiction novel set in the 1880s West Africa (Modern day Nigeria), at the dawn of colonisation.
She lives in Kent, England, and is married with three adult children and two grandchildren.
DIRECTOR
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Margaret OMONIYI
Committed to celebrating culturally diverse children’s literature and performance through interactive events, workshops, and storytelling, is one of our dynamic directors. She brings on board her extensive experience in arts education, community outreach, and performance production.
The founder of Margaret’s Music Ltd, an outfit she established in 2014 following her career as a full-time primary school teacher. Her company offers high-quality music and performing arts education to children aged 0–17, with additional training pathways for young adults developing their teaching and creative skills. Based in South London, Margaret’s Music is rooted in inclusion, ensuring accessibility to families from all economic backgrounds.
As an LMDA-accredited drama instructor and passionate arts advocate, Margaret brings this ethos to CALFE. She is committed to providing underrepresented children with access to literary and performance spaces, ensuring they see themselves reflected on the page and stage. Through her leadership, CALFE continues to grow as a platform for empowerment, joy, and cultural representation.
DIRECTOR
Jennifer Foster
Jennifer FOSTER 
As a non-executive director, Jennifer brings a dynamic blend of journalism, broadcasting, and literary achievement to the board. Beginning her career as a financial journalist in London, she developed a strong foundation in storytelling, analysis, and communication before expanding into broadcasting and publishing.
As a published author and the founder of Littoral Publishing Ltd, Jennifer has demonstrated a deep commitment to amplifying diverse voices and fostering creative talent. Her passion for literature and community engagement aligns closely with our mission to inspire young audiences through storytelling and the arts.
Jennifer’s creative leadership, editorial expertise, and strategic insight add a distinctive perspective to the organisation, supporting both our cultural vision and long-term growth.
DIRECTOR
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 Charles SOMORIN
Charles is a seasoned business leader and strategic advisor with over 30 years of cross-sector experience in governance, organisational design, and execution. A Fellow of the British Computer Society and Member of the Institute of Directors, he has advised at board and executive level across public sector, fintech, and major infrastructure programmes, including the City of London Corporation and Transport for Greater Manchester’s Bee Network.
His expertise spans governance framework design, target operating model development, and translating strategy into measurable outcomes. Charles brings particular depth in equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion — having led institution-wide EEDI reviews for major public bodies.
As a Non-Executive Director of CALFE CIC, he contributes a rigorous yet people-centred lens to governance, ensuring the organisation remains strategically grounded, accountable, and purposefully aligned to its community mission.
Project & Management SUPPORT

Alongside our small team is a network of creatives  helping us reach communities and grow our impact each year. This flexible approach ensures we bring the right expertise to every project, creating high-quality experiences for children and families.

Project coordinator
GURPREET Tumber is a dynamic and passionate educator with a diverse background in law, languages, and inclusive teaching. Holding an LLB Law degree, a Primary PGCE with a specialism in languages and SEN, as well as CELTA certification, she brings a rich, interdisciplinary approach to her work in education and community engagement.
With over 15 years of experience as a primary school teacher, Gurpreet has witnessed the transformative power of storytelling particularly in reaching children who need it most. A trained Bhangra dance instructor and certified Forest School Leader, she integrates movement, culture, and nature to foster holistic development in both children and adults.
Essex raised, Gurpreet supports author Sade Fadipe in developing outreach and events that celebrate cultural diversity and inclusion. She also teaches English to migrant women, serves as a Trustee for Culture Chelmsford, and leads youth groups and cultural dance workshops across the region. Her work is rooted in the belief that arts and education should empower learners of all ages and backgrounds, making her a vital force in CALFE’s mission to amplify underrepresented voices and build joyful, inclusive communities.
Project coordinator
Carrol May Coleman-NELSON is the author of the much-loved Dolly May children’s book series. Her goals are to promote the representation of African-Caribbean and dual heritage children in literature. To help children to see themselves represented positively, fostering self-esteem, confidence, and academic success. Inspired by her struggles to find inclusive books for her children and grandchildren, Carrol began writing to fill the gap. Since publication delivered reading workshops in schools giving pupils, parents, and educators access to empowering, relatable stories that reflect their lived experiences.
As well as the creator of her Dolly May Children’s Wear Brand to accompany her books perfect for all little adventurers. Member of the Kiddie-Writers Forum, now the Regional Coordinator for Manchester with CALFE CIC (Children & Authors’ Literary Fanfare Events). Carrol played a leading role in CALFE’s first northern event in partnership with The University of Manchester Museum and secured partnership with the Manchester Literature Festival for 2025.      
Carrol’s extensive community experience includes Volunteering for 3 years as one of the Board of Directors for the Voice of Black and Asian Ethnic Minority Trafford (VBMET).  Continues to champion inclusivity through storytelling and aims to expand CALFE’s reach across Greater Manchester and beyond.
Advisor
Jumoke QUADRI is a seasoned education management professional with over 20 years of experience and a strong background in Accounting. As a School Business Manager, Education Consultant, and Strategist, she has led impactful, community-based initiatives across education, youth development, health inequalities, civic engagement, and NGO management.
Renowned for her expertise, leadership, and communication skills, Jumoke works across multiple sectors, advising and mentoring emerging leaders. She is a member of the Institute of Administrative Management (UK), a professional mentor with the Prince’s Trust, and serves on the Advisory Board of NCVO. She also holds governance roles in several UK educational institutions, chairs a trust of academy schools, and has been a member of the Kiddie-Writes Forum since its inception.
Jumoke is the CEO of Nurturing Foundations, an award-winning initiative dedicated to supporting governments and education ministries. The organisation empowers individuals—especially children and young people—by developing their skills, capacity, and confidence, enabling them to thrive as global citizens. Creative, hardworking, and purpose-driven, she is deeply committed to leadership development and nurturing the next generation.
     Advisor
Tolu SHOFULE,  member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Association of Illustrators, Tolu serves as the Branding and Media Advisor for CALFE CIC (Children & Authors’ Literary Fanfare Events), a UK-based initiative championing culturally diverse literature for children aged 4–11. Based in London, Tolu is an accomplished illustrator, author, creative designer, and international publisher of children’s books. His multidisciplinary background in architecture, illustration, and character animation combined with a lifelong passion for drawing, enables him to bring originality, technical precision, and storytelling depth to every creative project.
At CALFE, Tolu plays a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s visual identity and creative direction. He leads the development and visualisation of annual themes, designs compelling digital assets for campaigns, and ensures a cohesive, vibrant presence across all platforms. His work translates CALFE’s mission into engaging visual narratives that resonate with children, families, and communities.
 Tolu continues to strengthen CALFE’s brand presence and enhance its ability to inspire young audiences through inclusive storytelling.

Doyin LANA

 Doyin LANA  a member of the management team, yearly hosts the Calfe Online and gives her time to supporting other hosts. Doyin provides sound advise on Safeguarding and risk assessment to the team.
Amaka Ekwegh

Amaka EKWEGH

Amaka EKWEGH, a member of the management team, Yearly Amaka, hosts the CALFE Bookstall. She also gives her time to curating the organisation’s LinkedIn presence. 
Helping CALF-E GROW

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