Jemma joined the Foundation in August 2023 as Head of Wales, bringing significant experience of leading strategic programme development in Wales, from her previous roles, most recently as Chief Executive of a homelessness charity and social enterprise.
She is passionate about social justice and tackling the social determinants of poor mental health, alongside supporting communities to develop the capacity to support people to live well. Jemma has particular expertise in women and children’s lived experiences, gained in previous roles including as Head of Wales for BBC Children in Need, and as a CEO and Trustee in the Violence Against Women sector in Wales.
Jemma moved to Wales in 2007 to take up her first CEO role for a Violence Against Women Charity, when she returned from a period of living and working in Cambodia for a youth and community development NGO. Having made Wales her home, She is passionate about the opportunities afforded by the Welsh context to enable positive change.
Jemma swapped being a Trustee for evening classes few years ago and now spends time being creative with silver and stained glass instead. Having completed ‘couch to 5k’ 3 times, she’s a lapsed runner fully intending to re-start!