My journey began working alongside disabled people navigating education, employment, social care, and public services that were often fragmented, inaccessible, or unfair. Supporting individuals to assert their rights and live with freedom, choice, dignity, and control provided first-hand insight into how decisions made far from the frontline shape real lives.

This experience led me into equality and human rights policy, where I worked directly with governments, regulators, public bodies, and organisations across the third and private sectors. My work helped shape legislation, national strategies, and organisational reform – always balancing evidence, political reality, and lived experience to deliver change that was practical, credible, and lasting.

Communication has been central throughout my career. I have briefed Ministers, advised senior leaders, engaged with the media, and led communications through periods of major organisational change, including a national public health emergency. In these moments, clarity, judgement, and trust mattered more than messaging.

In 2021, I was elected to the Scottish Parliament where I introduced and led legislation, chaired cross-party groups, convened parliamentary summits, led national research, and represented Scotland internationally on equality, inclusion, and human rights.

Throughout my work, I remain guided by the belief that leadership is not about status, but responsibility and that progress is built through listening as much as leading.