Core Team
Jazzy Jacky
Chief EMpowerment officer
Jazzy Jacky is the Founder and Project Manager of WE:ARE, a specialist organisation supporting women to rise, reclaim, and recover post domestic abuse. For more than 23 years, Jacky has drawn upon her lived experience to create meaningful change in the lives of women who find the strength to walk through the doors of WE:ARE. Alongside delivering recovery programmes that empower women to rebuild confidence, safety, and hope, Jacky is a co-investigator on several research projects with the University of Birmingham contributing survivor-informed insight to academic and policy discussions on domestic abuse.
She has also co-authored a chapter in an academic book on gender-based violence and co-produced ‘Words from Warrior Women’, a powerful collection of poetry written by survivors attending WE:ARE, amplifying women’s voices and celebrating resilience, courage, and recovery. Jacky remains committed to ensuring that women with lived experience are heard, valued, and at the centre of shaping services, research, and social change.
Delightful Donna
FUNOLOGIST Facilitator, Recovery Re-Sister & JOY Activist
Welcome to Delightful Donna. She is a passionate thriver lead speaker/facilitator, dedicated to supporting women’s healing and empowerment through using her own lived experience to inspire hope and transformation.
With warmth, authenticity, and compassion she aims to create brave, safe spaces where women are invited to connect, heal, and rediscover their strength. Her work is rooted in the belief that recovery is not just about surviving; it’s about reclaiming ownership of your life, finding your voice, and experiencing the transformative power of belonging. She believes that no matter where your journey begins, HEALING is ALWAYS possible when you have the right support.
Having experienced her own journey of recovery and personal growth she is committed to helping women honour their journeys, and step into lives of greater confidence, connection, and purpose through recognising the resilience that already exists within them. She is committed to fostering womens’ only spaces where every woman feels seen, heard, and empowered to rise, thrive and rediscover the joy of living.
She is a keen sportswoman, avid bookworm and a jigsaw enthusiast. Trained as a laughter yoga coach, she believes in the power of laughter and the important role it plays in helping women navigate through life’s challenges with courage and HOPE.
Trustees
Awesome Andrew
head of trustees
Dr Andrew Coward FRCGP is a GP of 34 years. He chaired Birmingham South- Central CCG
between 2012 and 2018. He’s a passionate advocate for children and women and actively promotes their
rights across the system seeing trauma from domestic abuse as the key contributor to mental, social and
physical health problems. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of GPs but proudest to be Chair of WE:ARE
and its amazing life changing work.
Joyful Jo
Deputy Chair
Joyful Jo has volunteered with the charity for several years and now serves as the deputy chair. She brings energy, kindness and a thoughtful approach to supporting the team. Jo is passionate about creating opportunities for women and children to thrive, realise their ambitions and achieve their full potential.
Now retired from the NHS, Jo works as an independent coach and facilitator. She also enjoys sports coaching and supporting her local community access good food through a community kitchen.
Super Sue
safeguarding lead
Super Sue Sue retired from the NHS after 40 years’ service. Her last post was Executive Director of Nursing at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust where she was for 8 years. She has worked at a senior level across Birmingham for over 35 years and was a key player across the health and social care system.
Jolly John
Finance
Jolly John spent the majority of his career working in NHS finance, with his last position being Chief Finance Officer of a Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group. He is an honorary fellow of the Healthcare Financial Management Association.
Ambassador
Sensational Scarlett
ambassador
Scarlett Allen-Horton is an award-winning entrepreneur, seven-figure founder, BBC Apprentice Finalist and business partner to Lord Sugar. She is the Founder of global executive search firm Harper Fox Partners, as well as a keynote speaker, business advisor and passionate advocate for women and equality. Alongside her work in business, Scarlett proudly serves as an Ambassador for WE:ARE and Smart Works Birmingham, supporting initiatives that empower and advocate for women.
https://scarlett-lily.com
https://harperfoxpartners.com
