When Oumeira relocated from Paris to London eight years ago, Made In Hackney’s community cooking classes became her gateway into the city. She was immediately captivated by the way familiar recipes were reimagined as vibrant plant-based dishes — something that resonated deeply with her Mauritian heritage, shaped by a rich blend of Chinese, Indian and African culinary traditions. Now an established compliance professional in the city, she hasn’t forgotten what the charity meant to her as a newcomer — or the lifeline it threw to so many during the pandemic. Driven by a love of food and a deep belief in its power to bring communities together, stepping up as a Trustee felt like the natural next move.