The Faces of Change: Faidat and Leon
As The Agency marks over a decade of inspiring young people to transform their communities, we're continuing our celebration with a series highlighting the stories behind the faces of those who have experienced this journey firsthand.
The Agency’s 10th anniversary gathering at Battersea Arts Centre in 2023 featured powerful portraits of past participants, capturing not just the individuals but the movements they helped spark through their creativity and passion.
These portraits, captured by photographers and Alumni Agents Bounty Vegah and Chimna Orji, reflect the lasting impact The Agency has had on the lives of young people across the UK. In this second feature of our Faces of Change series, we shine a light on Faidat and Leon, whose projects and personal growth continue to inspire others. Their stories highlight how The Agency equips young people with the tools to lead in their communities, explore innovative ideas, and form lasting connections. From Battersea to Moston, their experiences underscore the boundless creativity and commitment of The Agents past and present.
Faidat Q&A
What was the most memorable experience you had during your time with The Agency?
The most memorable experience I had with The Agency was when we stayed at the Battersea Arts Centre in their very interesting rooms and got acquainted with the London cohort. Another highlight was when we went to Parliament to talk about our projects and causes. I got to meet the MP of Battersea and spend time with other members of The Agency. It was such a wholesome experience.
How has being part of The Agency influenced your personal or professional life?
I’ve made lifelong friendships with people I met at The Agency and strengthened friendships with those I knew before. Professionally, The Agency led me to become a trustee at Contact, and I’ve been on multiple interview panels for both Contact and The Agency, which I love doing. The process itself taught me so much about business and event planning.
In 2019, my producer Danny introduced me to people who organise live events, which led to my first festival job. That snowballed into a part-time career in live events—something I can’t imagine not being a part of now.
What advice would you give to new participants joining The Agency?
Take it all in! What you put in is what you get out of it. It might seem a bit kooky at first, but trust the process. And even if you don’t get the grant, it’s not the end of the road.
Since you took part in the programme, has anyone you know become an Agent?
Yes, multiple people! Favour, Josa, and Zeriah, to name a few.
Have you developed your project since leaving The Agency?
I hosted multiple workshops at different schools after the process and organised a sports day. I’ve also spoken on panels and at International Women’s Day events. EmpowHERR is currently on a hiatus but will hopefully make a strong comeback in 2025.
Are you in touch or still friends with anyone from The Agency?
Absolutely! Yomi, Sam, and Olivia remain really good friends. I also see my old producers, Josh and Josh, out and about, and I’ve worked with Danny on some events in the past.
Do you have a favourite quote or motto?
“Every agent was, is, and will always be, in some way, shape, or form, a Mover and a Shaker.”
If you could instantly learn any skill or talent, what would it be and why?
I’d love to become more tech-savvy and better at logistics, because I’m usually quite good at the ‘doing’ aspect and on-the-ground stuff.
If you were to write a book about your life, what would the title be?
Chaos in its Human Form.
Leon Q&A
What was the most memorable experience you had during your time with The Agency?
The most memorable experience for me was working with facilitators and producers to write funding bids that helped progress my idea. Running maintenance workshops with young people at Carney’s Community was also a highlight, especially watching them replicate the format as Battersea Bikes. But partnering with ViaVan was by far the most memorable part for me—I still remember the sense of accomplishment I felt at the time.
How has being part of The Agency influenced your personal or professional life?
Being a part of The Agency has encouraged me to be more professional in my personal life in general.
What advice would you give to new participants joining The Agency?
My advice is:
Think outside the box.
Always build on your ideas—there’s always more.
Come up with ideas you find fun! This will serve as free motivation to continue.
Since you took part in the programme, has anyone you know become an Agent?
Yes, I referred my little sister to The Agency, and I’m sure she found the methodology useful. I also have more siblings I plan to get involved.
Have you developed your project since leaving The Agency?
Yes! I’ve developed my project into a 3D printing initiative, which I’m still working on. It’s going to be even more epic than bike repairs.
Are you in touch or still friends with anyone from The Agency?
I still talk to people from my cohort, and being part of the steering group has introduced me to members of other cohorts and Agents across the UK.
Do you have a favourite quote or motto?
“There is always more.” This mentality has always pushed me to advance my ideas further and think deeper before launching them.
If you could instantly learn any skill or talent, what would it be and why?
Expressing exactly what I need is a skill I’ve been struggling with. I know The Agency has the resources to help me take my idea to actionable steps, but with the rapid growth, I’ve held off, thinking there wouldn’t be time or resources available.
If you were to write a book about your life, what would the title be?
From hood ute, to good ute.
Enjoyed this read? This was the second article in our series ‘Faces of Change’ read the first one here and keep an eye out for more!
Below you’ll find some more of the fantastic portraits taken by Photographers and Agency Alumni, Bounty Vegah and Chimna Orji to celebrate 10 years of The Agency in the UK.
