Our Hives
Clara is our leader for the NGO and Charities hive. Originally from the United States she is the Director of Marketing and Communications and a member of the Board of Trustees for REFUGYM, a UK registered charity which delivers exercise, endorphins, and escapism to refugees in Greece. Clara currently resides in Boston, studying Philosophy and Economics at Wellesley College and is passionate about refugee rights, rock climbing, and vegetarian cooking.
Darren is our leader for the LGBT+ hive. Darren is a non-binary activist and creative. They currently volunteer at Pride in London and work as an LGBT+ columnist for a magazine called Frontrunner. In the past, they have worked with activists all around the world and helped run many different queer groups from pride events to activist meet-ups.
Alex is massive rugby nut and has been playing for 7 seasons- 4 of which she has been lucky to play in the Women’s Premiership. Alex started playing rugby in 2013 at Blackheath RFC and in 2016 moved to Richmond RFC to pursue a premiership career. After earning 42 Premiership caps across the front row for Richmond RFC, Alex moved to Saracens in November 2019, where is currently playing in the Development Squad.
Outside of the rugby season, Alex also represents Kent County and outside of rugby, practices Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Although, not a PT, Alex picked up much through practice and also made loads of friends along the way in various sporty sectors, so can she may not know the answers straight away, but she will be able to find out!
Gail is our leader for the Food hive. Born and raised in Malta. She is bubbly and friendly. Gail has studied events management and has worked in the hospitality industry for over 10 years now. She loves traveling, cooking and trying different cuisines. Gail is currently doing a series of recipe reviews!
Alice is our leader for the Poetry hive. Born and raised in Watford, England, Alice is extremely passionate about spoken word. Her themes often surround feminity, mental health, body positivity and current affairs. She also replicates this through graphic design. Alice has performed across London and Kent and has won the Lickidy Spit Slam at the Marlowe Theatre and performed alongside Holly McNish and Birdspeed in Kent!
Music
Israa is a musician, born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She loves to break stereotypes- hence the hijab on her head and guitar in her hand!! Israa is an activist who works for grassroots and political campaigns in order to push for change. Music saved her life.
The vibes are good. The people are good. The music is good.
Photography
Michael is our leader for the Photography Hive.
Based just outside London, he has been developing skills as a hobbyist portrait and fashion photographer since 2011. After a career-driven hiatus he restarted in earnest in April 2019 under the handle "Mind in the Shutter" (@mindshutterphotos), and has since relished any opportunity to work with other creatives around the country.
Michael works as a solicitor by day, specialising in intellectual property. He also sometimes finds himself working in theatre as an actor and director; last year he played Laurie in a touring production of Little Women, and Romeo in an outdoor production of Romeo & Juliet.
Lorena is a Spanish ‘Señorita’ with a broad international experience. London, Madrid, Prague, Antwerp or Grenoble have been some of her dance floors. Wherever she goes, party follows. Or she follows every party? That´s something we will never know!
Currently based in London, she is living the dream. Having blended her own London dry gin, she is a Ginstitute graduate. Spanish wine runs through her veins and she also loves tasting local specialties.
Always quality over quantity, so let´s share some quality time at the Drinks & Parties Hive!
