Teakisi (pronounced Tea-key-sea) is a unique North East of England based Community Interest Company with a social enterprise element and charitable aims and services; incorporated as a CIC in 2020.

Community

Collaboration

Change

The need for our services was amplified during Covid-19, we empower African women and the wider community through the provision of inspiring events, outreach training courses, financial education programmes and regular get togethers for social inclusion.

We actively work to bridge inequalities and enhance diversity. Our work also sees us working together with different organisations to leverage collective strengths, resources, and perspectives to create lasting impact. Through our day to day work, we aim to dismantle barriers, empower marginalised communities, and foster a society that embraces diversity and equal opportunities for all.

Though the majority of those who access our services are African women, we are inclusive, which means our services are open to everyone in the North East of England. We also support a small percentage of others from outside the region.

With our outreach programs, we hope to educate, connect, engage and build a community spirit.

People supported last year

Blogs published

Years active

Social media followers

Safeguarding Policy Statement

In our work we meet many adults who are potentially at risk for a variety of reasons. We aim to create a safe environment in which no adult will experience harm or exploitation during their contact with us.

Our Team & Leadership

Our team brings a wealth of experience from their chosen fields – full of personality minus the ego. We are the wearer of many hats dedicated to amplifying the voices of African women, and yours.

Salha Kaitesi

Salha Kaitesi

Founder, Artistic Director & Exec-Editor

I am a social entrepreneur, gender equality, empowerment champion and a self-taught blogger with multiple skills that I’ve acquired over the past 11 years. Fuelled by my passion for empowering and promoting African girls and women, their voices, equality and diversity, I consider myself a ‘forever student,’ eager to both build on my academic foundations in Sociology and Politics, while staying in tune with the latest digital and in person strategies that will amplify the voices of African women, my local community and those of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities.

When I am not all things Teakisi, you’ll catch me watching Thor: Ragnarok over and over again. Or is it Infinity War and End Game?

Rehma Muguyeneza

Rehma Muguyeneza

Director

I am a member of the Ishami Foundation which works towards bringing awareness of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis, in regards to my own personal experience with the Rwandan Genocide. I believe in amplifying the stories of the voiceless, taking pride and power in them. Over the years, I have developed strong skills in childcare while working as a teaching assistant. I am also passionate about bringing people together to collaborate in ways in which they can work towards a better community.

I am a proud mother of two children.

Sarah Umutoni

Sarah Umutoni

Director

I’m a child care worker with a 10 year old son. My earlier work experiences were in the tourism sector before caring for children and young people. My day-to-day work sees me getting involved in different selection of activities that stimulate the minds of young children.

I am a very organised person who enjoys going for walks, going out with friends, listening to music, swimming and watching action movies.

Georgia May Turnbull

Georgia May Turnbull

Administrative Assistant

I’m the administrative assistant at Teakisi, among other external community roles. I attended the first Teakisi event in February 2020 and have been a part of the African Woman Collective since then. I started my career as a Community Musician around the same time in 2020 after graduating where I’ve gathered experience working with a diverse range of communities from various backgrounds. I really enjoy networking and collaborating with others. In my own work as a songwriter and events organiser I embed an ethos of social justice and strive for change particularly focussed on inclusion for women and gender minorities and the minoritised global majority. As a dual heritage ‘Nigeordian’ woman myself I understand the importance of Teakisi as an inclusive accessible organisation, with Community, Collaboration and Change at the heart of it.

Nassima Mmanga

Nassima Mmanga

Outreach & Engagement Lead

I’m Nassima Mmanga, a mother, social entrepreneur, student, pit master, interpreter and full time social butterfly. Being the lucky mother of three girls, they inspire me to become the hard-working woman I am today. I always strive to become the best version of myself and take pride in the journey of learning in all walks of life. If not with people, my next best place you could find me is my garden over hot coals turning anything from meat on a stick to tasty charred veggies.

I hope to one day be fluent in French and Arabic. Working with people, cultures and bringing positive change into our communities and especially empowering ethnic minorities is my calling. I feel collectively our differences can create cohesion and make positive impacts and change in our communities.

Rogers Wanambwa

Rogers Wanambwa

Blog Editor & Creative Residency Lead

Tayo Sogbanmu

Tayo Sogbanmu

FCA Certified Financial Coach & Financial Education Lead

Dr Daniel Jefferson

Dr Daniel Jefferson

Former Chair & Director

Dr Claire Ogah

Dr Claire Ogah

Supporter

Bukie Adebola-Ezeh

Bukie Adebola-Ezeh

Supporter

Tina Simbo

Tina Simbo

Supporter

Acknowlegement

Teakisi is a social enterprise – this means we are a business that exists primarily to fulfil a social purpose. We are not a charity, although from time to time we may obtain funding from grants, investments or a combination of both. On that note, we would like to express our gratitude for the funding/investment provided by the following organisations which greatly backed our initiatives and enabled us to make a meaningful impact.

Support Our Cause By Volunteering, Donating or Advocating.