The Faces of Change: Jemica and Ben
It’s time for Series 2 of The Faces of Change and as Series 1 was all about spotlighting Alumni Agents, we decided to pass the mic to the incredible team behind The Agency! These are the passionate creatives who drive the work forward - not just a team, but a group of individuals with unique motivations and talents that inspire change across our National Agency team, as well as in all six locations across England and Northern Ireland.
Get to know the people who make The Agency possible: their stories, their passions, and why they chose to be part of this movement.
First up, we have Jemica, Project Manager in London, where The Agency has been making an impact for the past 11 years. Jemica joined the team in late 2024, and we’re thrilled to have her on board.
We also introduce Ben, Lead Facilitator in Bolton at Octagon Theatre. Ben is also new to The Agency team, as Bolton became our newest partner venue in September 2024.
Scroll down to learn more about what drives them, their creative passions and their journeys with The Agency!
Jemica Q&A
What’s your connection to Battersea in London?
My grandparents travelled from Barbados to UK in the 60s and landed on Jedburgh St in Battersea, so that is where my dad was born and raised. The family have moved now but Battersea is a very special area to my dad.
What inspired you to join The Agency team?
I have a passion for all things personal development, young people and creativity - The Agency blends these together well and it feels good to be advocating for better in our communities. It's great to support young people in projects that they have such desire for.
If you had to describe your role in one word, what would it be?
Encourager - I see my role as being the support system. If you need a word of advice, a cry, a laugh, a reminder, I'm here to encourage and keep us going.
What’s a hidden gem in Battersea that everyone should know about?
The Fat Crab! Amazing seafood boils.
What do you think makes The Agency stand out from other creative programs?
I see the difference in how we support and improve the community from the projects that the agents develop, and how those projects open lifelong opportunities for our agents. "Opening doors" is not just a phrase at The Agency - it actually happens.
If you could invite any three people to a creative brainstorming session (alive or historical), who would they be?
Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar and Jackie Hill Perry
Do you have a motto or phrase that guides you in your work or life?
"Let all that you do be done in love"
Ben Q&A
What’s your connection to Bolton?
I have worked in Bolton over the last two years; delivering creative projects with the youth-arts collective Creatives Now in the town centre; working with Bolton School as a writer and director; as well as facilitating regularly for The Octagon Theatre, who got me involved with The Agency! I love Bolton, especially the young people I have worked with, who have each impressed me with their own unfaltering individualism.
What inspired you to join The Agency team?
The opportunity to deliver a programme of work that had a fixed methodology, giving me the chance to expand and challenge my own facilitating skills by absorbing this unique style, especially one that bases creativity at its heart to enact social change. I’ve had to adapt my facilitation style each week, meaning I don’t rely on past go-to activities.
If you had to describe your role in one word (and why you chose that word!), what would it be?
Communication! My role requires me to be an active listener, as well as deliver information in a way that’s fun, engaging and clear.
What’s a hidden gem in Bolton that everyone should know about?
Last year we delivered our Agency Community Event in Farnworth Little Theatre, which is such a beautiful space. They perform multiple productions of well-known plays each year and are an asset to their territory.
What do you think makes The Agency stand out from other creative programs?
Having the opportunity to meet with our agents twice a week for 12 weeks in our first cycle has given me the chance to really get to know the young people, as well as challenging one another in a really constructive and inspiring way.
Who has been one of your biggest inspirations or role models (inside or outside The Agency)?
This is probably a cop-out answer, but I do have to say The Agency delivery team I work alongside each week. Leigh our Project Manager, and Hannah our Assistant Facilitator are absolute inspirations to work with. We really complement one another when planning and delivering the sessions, and it’s great to be a part of such a dedicated and caring team.
Describe a recent moment at The Agency that made you feel especially proud or moved.
One mantra that I have tried to impart to our Agents is that they each have their own opinions and should use their voice when impassioned by a sessions’ content. More recently I have felt a shift with the group and re-entered the room last week to hear a number of agents in a societal debate. I was especially proud to hear each participating Agent listening to one another’s point of view, and not be afraid to give their opinion in a caring and respectful manner! They are such an inspiring bunch of different people who are regularly ‘using their voice’!
If you could invite any three people to a creative brainstorming session (alive or historical), who would they be?
Augusto Boal for the skills, Leonardo Da Vinci because I’m nosy and would be interested to see what he was like, and Patti Lupone to add an unnecessary level of drama.
Do you have a motto or phrase that guides you in your work or life?
‘It’s not about me.’
When leading participatory projects tensions can be high, especially when asking young people to share their own desires and challenging them to work to the highest standard possible. I always aim to lead with empathy and minimal ego, which is hard when you’re such a diva…
Finally, if there were a movie or a book about your life, what genre would it be, and who would play you?
It would be a mix between an abstract film that makes no sense, and a chaotic farce. I’d like to be played by a chorus of 15 different actors, props and animals so that it’s truly unwatchable.
Or Patti Lupone.
Enjoyed this read?
This was the THIRD article in the second series of ‘Faces of Change’ keep an eye out for more very soon!
Click here to see the full location teams and a snapshot of past agents from each city The Agency Programme has taken place in.