About

I'm Elma Glasgow, a national award-winning inclusive engagement consultant, storyteller and communications expert on a mission to influence change and unite society. Read about the  catalyst for this progressive work, the nationally acclaimed Power of Stories and engagement initiative, Aspire Black Suffolk. 

 

I work closely with you to discover and share diverse opinions and authentic stories, and deliver higher quality communications.

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My work involves embedding anti-racism and other inclusive elements into strategies for culture, heritage, and business. Whether it's corporate ESG communications or cultural exhibitions, if you're engaging with other people, I support you in ramping up your existing strategy or getting you started on the path to inclusion.

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You benefit from my proven knowledge, while shifting perspectives and strengthening of bonds between colleagues, organisations, audiences, and communities.

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By using my four-stage L.U.C.K process I support organisations and individuals to communicate the essential message in a way that can be heard. This drives knowledge-sharing across diverse internal and external cultures.

 

My Process

- LISTEN

Really listen to the people and communities you are including in your work. Dismantle your defences and sit in discomfort. They have been doing just that since they were children.

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- UNCOVER & UNDERSTAND

Dig deep to research 'hidden' stories, and enquire sensitively to understand experiences. Research needs to be carried differently - it needs to be a departure from traditional research practices to reveal diverse stories.

- CO-CREATE & COMMUNICATE 

Convey the story with respect, sensitivity and authenticity. This can include creating stories WITH people from marginalised groups or commissioning someone from the community.

- KEEP GOING

Society will never stop evolving - you need to develop skills and knowledge constantly. 

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This work can include a wide range of activities, for example...

• Stakeholder engagement 

• Community and public engagement

• Content marketing

• Advertising 

• Equality, diverstiy and inclusion activity

• Exhibitions

• Research

• Audio and video interviews.

 

​​Let's work together: hello@elmaglasgowconsulting.com.

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Background to my progressive work

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Here are the key events that have led me to my work...

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2020 -

• Created a new Black cultural engagement initiative, Aspire Black Suffolk, that ran alongside the forthcoming Power of Stories exhibition in Ipswich (see below). 

• Rallied to save my PR business which was devastated by the sudden first lockdown. Developed and rolled out an online course for ethical businesses, and set up a PR coaching service.

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2021 - 

• Power of Stories opened in June to high acclaim, which featured three original costumes form Marvel Studios' Black Panther 1 and co-curated with the local Black community, comic book experts and allies. More below.

• Set up Aspire Black Suffolk CIC after being offered a start-up grant from Suffolk County Council in recognition of the need for a representative culturally-focused organisation.

• Power of Stories and Aspire were game-changing for many people and organisations in Suffolk, on professional and personal levels. It was catalytic work and they marked my new direction in engagement and creative work.

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2022 -

• Led Aspire Black Suffolk CIC which delivered multiple cultural education projects. I led on the tour of Power of Stories around Suffolk to reach more rural communities and tell more Black stories from the county.

• Won the Museums Association's Museums Change Lives Radical Changemaker award. A highly contended award, my engagement and leadership work for the tour and the original exhibition in Ipswich in 2021, impressed the judges including directors of national museums.

• Aspire delivered other projects, including the East of England's first curriculum-based Black history education book - Elimu: the Little Book of Knowledge, school Black cultural workshops, and a 'Human Library' featuring artwork and interviews between young people and elders in the community.

• Aspire won a BBC Suffolk Make a Difference Award 2022 for Community Group. 

• I was part of the team which picked up a Museums + Heritage Award for Power of Stories, which was shortlisted with the Natural History Museum, the V&A and Blenheim Palace.

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2023 - present

• Working with Suffolk Chamber of Commerce's 140th anniversary project in 2024. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund with thanks to National Lottery players, my focus is on researching and sharing stories from the migrant economy and women.

• I'm also EDI Engagement Manager for the social enterprise, London Business Partnership, ensuring their government-funded service reaches global majority, women and disabled business owners in across London via inclusive communications.

• Plus, consultancy for cultural/ heritage sector, businesses and universities.

• Delivering training and workshops at conferences, for employees and other events.

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