CALF-Events CIC

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Our Governing Board

Trustee & DIRECTOR, Community & Project Coordination

Sade Fadipe

Sade Fadipe is 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.

Trustee & DIRECTOR Creativity & Programming

Margaret Omoniyi

Margaret, 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.

Trustee & DIRECTOR Policy & Compliance

Florence Olajide

Florence is 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.

regional coordinator & Advisor

Carrol May Nelson

Carrol is the author of her much-loved children books Dolly May stories. 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.

regional coordinator & Advisor

Gurpreet Tumber

Gurpreet 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.

As CALFE’s Regional Coordinator for Essex, 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.

Advisor

Jumoke Quadri

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

Tolu, a member of SCBWI – Society of Children’s Book Writings and Illustrators and AOI – Association of Illustrators, is 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. With a professional background in Architecture, Illustration, and Character Animation—and a lifelong passion for drawing—he brings both depth and originality to every creative endeavour.

At CALFE, Tolu plays a significant role in shaping the organisation’s visual identity. He leads the concept development and visualisation of CALFE’s annual themes, designs digital assets for campaigns, and ensures a cohesive, vibrant presence across all platforms. His work helps bring CALFE’s mission to life—amplifying inclusive storytelling through engaging, meaningful visuals.

Deeply passionate about creating high-quality, empowering content for underrepresented children, Tolu has contributed to a wide range of creative projects, including children’s books, household products, and interactive games. His artistic vision continues to make a lasting impact on CALFE’s outreach and the children it serves.

Helping CALF-E GROW

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