Sheroes of Richmond

Sheroes of Richmond is an exhibition of vibrant portraits acknowledging some of the remarkable African-Caribbean women in the borough, who are making a difference in business, the community and sports.

Originally coined in the suffrage movement in 1836, the term Shero – female hero – defines admirable women who are praised for their courage, outstanding achievements and noble qualities. In short, a Shero is a modern-day heroine.

This exhibition is a nod to those making strides in their chosen field as well as making a difference within the community. Sisters, we salute you.

Exhibition location

The Sheroes exhibition is currently displayed at York House, Richmond Road, Twickenham, TW1 3AA.

Our Sheroes

Sheroes of Richmond recognises seven of these inspiring women, who share nuggets of their lives - heritage, inspirations, who they cite as their own Sheroes within our community and where they find they joy.

Amaka Jackson

Jackson Longe Solicitors established in 2014.

Photographed at Bingham Riverhouse.

Describe your heritage

I am of West-African descent, specifically Nigeria.

When did you/your parents come to the UK?

My family has lived in and out of the UK since the 1930s. My paternal grandfather was a Merchant Seaman in the late 1930s and so habitually lived in Liverpool, Southampton and Tilbury. My father first arrived in the 1960s for his A levels before going on to study Pharmacy and my mother studied in London for a while in the late 1970s. I was born in Nigeria but moved to the UK permanently as a youngster.

What do you most love about living/working in Richmond?

Everything! I enjoy the community spirit among fellow entrepreneurs and the scenic beauty Richmond offers, ensuring a balanced lifestyle.

Which woman of colour do you most admire and why?

I have a long list - Tina Turner and Winnie Mandela to Olufunmi Anikulapo-Kuti and Oprah Winfrey. Above all, my late mother remains my biggest inspiration, exemplifying work ethic, resilience, and unconditional love.

Who is your Richmond Sheroe and why?

Sama Trinder (and her mother) currently hold that title for me! Sama's entrepreneurial flair and amiable nature are commendable. The story behind the family’s admirable business- The Bingham Hotel deeply inspires me.

EyiTemi

Singer and songwriter since 2020.

Photographed at Richmond Riverside.

Describe your heritage

I am from the Urhobo tribe of Delta State, Nigeria.

When did you/your parents come to the UK?

I was born in London but went to Nigeria at an early age. I came back to the UK in 1992.

When did you begin your singing career?

I have sung most of my life, in the church (and a few sporadic commercial gigs). My career as a singer and songwriter properly however started three years ago, in 2020 during lockdown.

What kind of singer would you describe yourself as?

I hesitate really to apply genre boundaries to my music but my style is broadly Soul with heavy Jazz, Afro, Gospel and laid back funk influences. However a number of my songs have also been described as leaning towards folk!

My songs are, in the main, autobiographical.

What is your day job?

I am a Chartered Accountant and work as a CFO (Chief Financial Officer) as far from my creative outlet and persona, as you can get!

What achievement are you most proud of?

A difficult one as there's much to be grateful and proud of... so I will cheekily go for three most. Being a single mum to my now 12 year old boy; achieving the top job in my field despite initially coming from a non-mathematical background. My artistic journey! It is not one I thought myself capable of or really dreamed about - so far, so good!

What do you most love about living/working in Richmond?

What is not to love?! We have been blessed with beautiful rivers, lakes, parks and other numerous green spaces. I don't take that for granted. The schools also, and people, are great!

Which woman of colour do you most admire and why?

There are so many women of colour that I admire so I will choose someone that embodies all the things I admire in all of them. Oprah Winfrey. A survivor and example that where you start does not have to mean you can’t break out! Even in a world that can sometimes be set up for you to fail! She is hope.

Who is your Richmond Sheroe?

My Richmond Sheroe is without doubt, Maria Seale. She embodies strength, empathy, kindness, intelligence and just sheer grit! That lady has integrity and does not give up!

Amani Egbor

Model, and former acrobatic gymnast (2013 to 2022).

Photographed at the Bingham Riverhouse (on right).

Describe your heritage

My mother was born in Nigeria and came to UK when she was 16. My father was born here and is a mix of Jamaican, Indian and Cuban.

What are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of winning bronze in the World Acrobatic Gymnastic championship in Azberjan in 2022. I have been doing acrobatic gymnastics for 12 years. My older sister did it, so I really wanted to do it.

I’m currently modelling, recently appeared at London Fashion Week and currently interning for MRC record company.

What do you love most about Richmond?

So much to do such as walking in the park, plenty of coffee shops. Can be very causal and classy at the same time.

Which woman of colour do you most admire?

I admire my mother as she always works hard to keep me and my siblings well. She has given her all to her kids and sacrificed a lot for us. She shows kindness and will help people who cannot help themselves and is always willing to be a voice for the voiceless.

Who is your Richmond Sheroe and why?

Agnes Boateng, she was my science teacher. Very kind, patient with students - firm but kind. You could tell she loved her work. She had authority but you could still have a laugh with her.

Zoey Nok

Former acrobatic gymnast (2013 to 2022).

Photographed at the Bingham Riverhouse Hotel (on left).

Describe your heritage

Surinamese. My mother was born in Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname. My father was born in Amsterdam, but both his parents were born in Paramaribo, Suriname. They both came to the UK in 2012 when I was seven.

What are you most proud of?

My bronze medal in the World Acrobatic Gymnastic championship in Azberjan. I took up acrobatics nine years ago when I was nine. I left competitive acrobatics in December 2022.

What do you most love about living/working in Richmond?

I love that Richmond is a very green area with a lot of nature. A very calm place to live.

Which woman of colour do you most admire and why?

My mother - she can communicate and express herself and her emotions really well without being rude.

Who is your Richmond Sheroe and why?

My sister Lisa and Amani– she’s like my sister too. Always looking out for me

Sandra Wolo

Founder and CEO of Adults Dyslexics United since 2019.

Photographed at the Bingham Riverhouse.

Describe your heritage

I am black British and my family originates from the Congo DRC. Me and my family came to the UK in 1993.

Describe your company in one sentence

Supporting dyslexics, giving them a voice and helping to build their self-esteem and confidence.

What achievement are you most proud of?

Seeing lives transformed from what I do. I call them caterpillars to butterflies.

What do you most love about living/working in Richmond?

I have lived in Richmond since I came to this country. I went to school and college in Richmond and then set up a business in the borough. I love everything about Richmond, especially the green. People are friendly and I get a lot of support from the council.

Which woman of colour do you most admire and why?

Michelle Obama - being a black woman and supporting her husband to become President is a massive achievement. They say that behind every great man there's a great woman.

Who is your local Sheroe?

Tammy Smith - who works for Wandsworth council is my coach. She's the one that believed in my dream, still supports me and she is my advocate. Also Damilola - she supported me to start networking group for dyslexics for Richmond and is always there to provide advice. She's been really supportive.

Elizabeth Batalla

The Institute for Achievement and Excellence established in 2020.

Photographed in The Octagon Room New Orleans House.

Describe your heritage

Indian, African, Irish, French and Carib.

When did you/your parents come to the UK?

I arrived in the UK in the Spring of 2005.

When did you start your company?

May 2020.

What achievement are you most proud of?

Making the decision to start my own company to have a greater impact in the world and remaining committed to that promise every hour of every day since then.

What do you most love about living/working in Richmond?

Its aesthetic beauty and level of safety.

Who is your Richmond Sheroe and why?

This question is a challenge because, for me, there isn’t just one – from the small business female owners to the women employees and other ladies I interact with on a daily or weekly basis. I am always inspired by their stories when we chat. Women are truly amazing.

Dorcas Amoding

Wamu, Amocraftsellers established in 2021.

Photographed in the Winter Gardens, York House in Twickenham.

Describe your heritage

African, from Uganda.

When did you/your parents come to the UK?

25 years ago.

When did you start your company?

In 2021.

What achievement are you most proud of?

My resilience and not giving up.

Name two things you most love about Richmond

Beautifully green, friendly and peaceful.

Which woman of colour do you most admire and why?

My mother, she is so powerfully strong and yet very soft and tender to everyone around her. She loves beyond self.

Who is your Richmond Sheroe and why?

Jenni Asiama, from Richmond and Wandsworth Councils. She is supportive and always reaching out to and encouraging black businesses, as well as informing us about opportunities to promote our business.

Sama Trinder

Co-owner of Bingham Riverhouse.

Photographed at Bingham Riverhouse with her mother Ruth Trinder

Why did you choose this location for your shoot?

We have lovingly refurbished this space many times, it was a derelict B&B when my parents bought it and over the last 20 years we have transformed it a number of times to be the carefully curated space it is today, a specially curated space for people to feel at home but also special in.
 
Why is this space special to you?

This was once my family home for a few years, and it is where I have poured my heart and soul into for most of my adult working life, to create a space for others to enjoy, and work, rest and play in.
 
Name two things you most love about Richmond

The natural environment - the river and parks make it very special. The view from Richmond Hill always takes my breath away.

Who is your Richmond Sheroe?

Amaka Jackson, intelligent, smart and a role model for starting her own law firm locally

Which woman of colour do you most admire and why?

My mother because she transformed her life from growing up in abject poverty in Kenya, and taking a huge leap, coming to the UK leaving everything behind and then growing a business with my late father, a successful chain of nursing homes, which she carefully operated for 30 years making a difference to so many elderly people and their families. She always worked incredibly hard, leaving for work at 5am to visit each home every day to ensure it was being well run. She has huge power and determination, the most I have ever come across.