New UK Board Members

We are delighted to welcome three new Trustees to the NIE Board in the UK. Reena Dookhee, Marie Kennedy and Isabel Morgan join us at an exciting time as we develop our new strategy for 2025-2028 and beyond.

We also welcomed Rosy Pigott to her first full board meeting in February – Rosy is a co-opted member as the recipient of our Board Bursary award; a programme designed to support leadership development and capacity building within the arts sector. 

Reena has extensive experience in arts education, project management and community-focused initiatives; using creative activities to support and inspire young people. As an EMBA-qualified leader, her expertise spans educational development, governance, and driving Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives.

Marie is a passionate and skilled youth engagement specialist with extensive knowledge and experience in disability, mental health, health and wellbeing as well as partnership building and management. She currently works as the Learning Associate: Young People, working across the eight University of Cambridge Museums and Botanic Gardens.

Isabel currently works as Connect and Create Manager at Norfolk and Norwich Festival, project managing a range of programmes engaging young people with the arts.  She is a champion for access for young people and those with learning disabilities, and is passionate about the power of creative activities and performance to support the lives of children and young people.

Rosy joins the board as a co-opted member through our bursary programme, initially for 1 year.  She is based in Bristol, works predominantly in the dance sector, and is already sharing her ambition and innovative ideas with us.

Speaking of the appointments Lisa Elmer, Executive Director, NIE said “We are delighted to welcome Isabel, Marie and Reena to our Board of Trustees. They bring with them a variety of skills, knowledge and experiences, and all live or work within the East of England, which will be invaluable as we develop our new strategy and future activity plans. We are also really pleased to be able to support Rosy with her leadership development and value the insight she brings as a practising artist. ”

Claire Hardy, Chair of Trustees, added “We are delighted to welcome Isabel, Marie and Reena  – three outstanding new trustees – to the board of New International Encounter. They each bring a broad range of backgrounds, skills, and expertise that will be invaluable in guiding our work and shaping our future.  We look forward to their contributions and the exciting journey ahead.”