Community has always been at the heart of who I am – it’s something I grew up with and something I’ve carried into every part of my life. I come from a family where food, stories, and open doors created connection, even during the most difficult times. That sense of belonging and the belief that we are stronger when we come together inspired me to found 91 Ways – an organisation rooted in food, storytelling and shared humanity. We cook, we connect, we listen – creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard and valued. I’ve had the privilege of leading the BBC Natural History Unit, founding BeOnBoard to support diverse leadership, and serving as High Sheriff of the City and County of Bristol (2025–26). The common thread throughout my work has always been about bringing people together, celebrating diversity, and building kinder, more connected communities where everyone feels they belong.

I joined 91 Ways during the pandemic, when I was looking for work that felt more connected – something rooted in people and purpose. I’ve personally found that community plays a big part in how we find meaning and belonging in the world, and for me that means inclusion, kindness, and standing up to inequality. 91 Ways felt like home from the start. My background spans hospitality, photojournalism and videography – all driven by a love of people and a curiosity about their stories. I help to manage our wide range of projects, which are always evolving, and take care of the inner workings at 91 Ways. I often have the privilege of facilitating our community cooking classes, which are a reminder of just how powerful food can be as a tool for connection. I now have a young son, and I’m proud he gets to see the values we live and work by in action.

Having spent 17 years working as a chef, 8 of them running my own small restaurant, Flow, in central Bristol, I joined 91 Ways in October 2024. I had long wanted to move into working within the community; boots on the ground, sharing food and ideas with people from all walks of life. Food connects us all and the work we do at 91 Ways allows stories to be told, safe spaces to be created and bonds to be made all over the city. Working alongside the rest of our team and our amazing partner organisations I help facilitate our programme; cooking courses and nutritional guidance for young people and those on lower incomes, food provision for refugee communities, supper clubs and a wealth of other beneficial schemes and events.

To me, community means security, it’s about people coming together with care and a shared purpose. It’s having a family that extends beyond your parents and siblings, one that supports you through life’s highs and lows. Community is about belonging, connection, and feeling safe, even in difficult times. That’s why I choose to work for 91 Ways. The team is genuinely committed to the mission of uniting Bristol’s communities through the power of food. I’m constantly inspired by the care and determination shown by everyone involved. Being part of 91 Ways means being part of something bigger, a movement rooted in kindness, unity, and shared humanity. It’s meaningful work, and I’m proud to contribute to it.

After a career in teaching and publishing, I now dedicate my time to my passions: cooking, photography, and styling. I came to England in 1991 and have always recognised the importance of being part of a community. We all need to feel loved and connected to others, and for me, community means connection. 91 Ways uses the power of food to bring people from all cultures and walks of life together, giving us all a sense of belonging. It is an honour to be part of this wonderful community as a photographer, a cook, a volunteer, and a friend.

I have worked in Higher Education for 34 years, and for nearly 20 years as a senior leader. I have always focussed on ensuring that everyone has access to education and once in education has an equitable experience that enables them to have their best futures. This has meant working closely with the communities in which I live and work. 91 Ways is such a brilliant concept in the way that, through the amazing Kalpna, food starts those conversations and really does make such a positive difference. I have seen the effect that it has on so many people which makes me proud to be part of 91 ways.

I’m Natasha McKenzie, a brand strategist and lifelong connector who believes community is built when we listen first, celebrate difference, and create spaces where everyone feels they belong. Growing up in a multicultural family, I learned that sharing food and stories is the quickest way to turn strangers into friends. We founded 91 Ways on this principle, using food as social glue to unite Bristol’s 91 language communities and turn conversation into action. Promoting understanding, wellbeing, and potential for growth. I’m proud to be a trustee of the 91 Ways family.

I joined 91 Ways as a trustee in 2023, having first encountered the charity as a guest at one of its inspiring supper clubs. I’ve always been interested in purpose-led organisations and began volunteering as a community cook in 2017. More recently, I cooked with my sister for a special Diwali supper club fundraiser. With 20 years of experience in business administration, I bring expertise in operations and strategy. I’m passionate about culture and community, and recently completed a Postgraduate Diploma in the Arts of Asia to deepen my appreciation for global heritage and storytelling through food.

I’m currently a Senior Food Editor & Podcast Editor at the UK’s largest food media brand as well as being Chair of the Guild of Food Writers and a cookbook author. In my previous career, I was Head of Food Technology and Head of Year 10 & 11 at Clifton High School, in Bristol. I started working with Kalpna and 91 Ways when she founded it over 10 years ago. Today, community has never been so important and 91 Ways aim to bring language communities together is exactly what the world needs to become more inclusive and tolerant.

I’m a Partner at Knights plc, as a corporate lawyer, I advise businesses on growth, investment and M&A, and I also chair the Black South West Network, where I champion racial equity and inclusive economic development. I’m co-owner of Lakota nightclub, one of Bristol’s most iconic music venues, and serve on the boards of Bristol Legacy Foundation, Bristol Beacon and 91 Ways. My career has spanned law, culture and community leadership, and I’m passionate about bridging business and civic life to shape Bristol’s growth with creativity, values and inclusion.

For me, community means belonging and sharing. I love 91 Ways as it is about Bristol, its people and the sharing of food and stories.

I have worked for St Monica Trust for the last 9 years, a charitable foundation that supports older people. Before that, I spent 18 years in education at City of Bristol College.

I love working in the community and have always believed that food is a powerful way to bring happiness and people together. I’ve been involved in lots of local projects including Food Leaders, Caring at Christmas, Market Breakfasts, Empire Fighting Chance Cookery School, Bristol Food Connections, and of course, 91 Ways.

91 Ways is dear to my heart—as I helped Kalpna run the very first supper club with City of Bristol College. I love that 91 Ways supports people in the community through food, learning to cook, and sharing food stories. I really enjoyed telling my own food story with my recipe in the cookbook Eat, Share, Love. Kalpna is a true inspiration to us all.

Hi, I’m Zaleha Olpin, some of you may know me as, “That Rendang Lady.” I’m a Malaysian living in Bristol and I run a catering business and cookery school. I love sharing the bold vibrant flavours of Malaysia. Community, to me, means connection, belonging and storytelling, especially through food. That’s why I chose to be part of 91 Ways. Their mission to unite the various communities of Bristol through food resonates with what I do. As a cookbook author, I love using food to bridge cultures and celebrate identity.

I moved to Bristol in 2009 with three small children, and now I’m a mum of four and run my own catering business, cooking the Turkish food I grew up with. I use special ingredients my mum makes in Turkey, like homemade pepper and tomato paste, pomegranate syrup, and nuts from her garden – they’re at the heart of my food here in Bristol. Community is very important to me, and I love learning about other cultures and cooking styles. When I heard the title of 91 Ways’ book Eat Share Love, I felt so happy to be working with them because the sentiment is exactly true for me.

Born in Bosnia & Herzegovina and shaped by the conflicts of the 1990s, I developed a deep commitment to social justice and bringing people together. I have lived in Bristol for over 25 years, gaining BA and MA degrees in History and becoming a passionate supporter of 91 Ways. I run Balkan Bites Bristol and Real Escape Travel, and founded the Ministry of Botany, where my love of orchids and history earned me a Silver-Gilt medal at the Chelsea Flower Show. Whether through food, travel, or plants, my mission is to use stories to connect communities and build understanding.