Debi Gardner

Debi Gardner

Debi+Gardner

“I am an Executive Officer of the British Association of Steelbands (BAS). A practising panist, I am a member of Mangrove Steel Band (London) and perform annually with Phase II Pan Groove (Trinidad). I served as a Trustee of the Notting Hill Carnival and North East Carnival Arts (Newcastle), as well as with community-led organisations such as the Paddington Development Trust. I am passionate about developing and empowering others. As Economic Development Manager for the UK Centre for Carnival Arts, I established the Centre's business hub to nurture artists and those not in education, employment or training.

I also founded BAS' youth engagement project to inspire young people and future leaders across the carnival arts community.My achievements in the carnival arts have been widely celebrated. I have received two achievement awards, been featured on 'When Steel Talks' and, in October 2013, was privileged to attend an inaugural event honouring the UK's most influential black women."

Debi Gardner