Trustee spotlight: meet Francisca Quansah

Fran is one of Rekindle’s brilliant trustees, bringing her background in cultural advocacy, tech, and youth empowerment to the board. As a Junior Business Analyst, founder of Kasa Kasa TV and mum of two, Fran is passionate about storytelling, identity and creating spaces where young people can connect with their roots. We asked her a few questions about what trusteeship means to her and what she sees on the horizon for Rekindle.

1. What first drew you to join Rekindle as a trustee -and why did it feel like the right fit for you?

Funny story! Once upon a time, I interviewed for a role at The Roots programme, another brilliant organisation founded by Ruth. I didn’t get the job (not for the reasons you might think -but that’s a story for another day). I guess Ruth could tell where my passions lay, and we stayed in touch afterwards. A while later, she sent an email about this new supplementary school she was setting up and asked if I was still looking for opportunities. I was settled in my role at the time, so it wasn’t quite the right timing, but then I got a phone call from her asking if I’d consider being a trustee. It was an instant yes from me, and here I am, four years later!

2.You’ve spoken about the transformative power of storytelling. How do you see it playing a role in Rekindle’s work?

Storytelling is everything when you want people to understand and connect with what you’re doing. It’s how you get people to care. It helps them relate. For Rekindle, storytelling is key to showing people why the work is necessary. To connect with our community, meaning parents and their children, they need to feel seen and understood. The current education system isn’t working for many of them, and Rekindle is here to offer a different vision -the side of school they deserve. Storytelling lets us offer a glimpse into what that future could look like.

3.People often see charity trustees as quite removed from the day-to-day. How is it different at Rekindle and what does being a trustee mean to you?

Let me start with what being a trustee means to me. It’s a way of contributing to a future I believe in, one I can be proud of. It brings together so many of my interests, which feels like a sign that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. As a mum of two, I hope I’m setting an example for my children about how to give back to your community. Now, I can’t say how it’s different at Rekindle because this is my first trusteeship, but I can tell you what I’ve experienced here feels right. We’re all part of the community Rekindle is serving -some of us geographically, others because of our experiences of education. We’re invited to all Rekindle events and we actively try to connect with staff and the young people involved. It’s not performative. We’re not here for our CVs. We’re here because we care. We’re lucky to have brilliant co-chairs who lead by example. Their dedication sets a strong tone for the rest of us. A special shout-out to Jesse, he shows up to every Rekindle event without fail!

4.You’re a business analyst, a trustee, the founder of Kasa Kasa TV and a mum of two! What helps you stay grounded through it all?

The daily struggles – ha! I won’t pretend it’s easy juggling it all. But everything I do, I do because it matters to me. You make time and prioritise what’s important to you. Each part of my life feeds into the other -being a mum, working in education, promoting cultural pride and language through Kasa Kasa, and supporting supplementary education through Rekindle. They all stretch and challenge me in different ways, and that helps me grow into the person I want to be.

5. What are you most excited about for Rekindle this year?

It might sound a bit boring, but honestly, I’m excited about more people getting to know what we’re about, especially the families we want to serve and the people in power who need to see the difference Rekindle is making. I’m also really looking forward to being able to measure and share the impact we’re having on young people and their families. That part feels important and long overdue.

6. If you could give one message to young people growing up in the UK today, what would it be?

You’re on a journey, and no matter where you start, that doesn’t have to define where you end up. There might be times when things feel really hard or you find yourself in a place you’re not happy with, but that’s not the end of your story. Things can change, and they will. There is always a chance to move towards something better. You’re not alone, and you’re not stuck.