Meet the committee members

Ali Abdi has expertly coordinated the widening access to study and employment at Cardiff University, raising awareness of career paths, facilitating co-produced research between academics and local communities, and leading role model and mentoring activities, particularly in terms of opportunities for young adults and girls while effectively raising awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion.

Catherine is Artistic Director of Wales' new writing theatre company, Dirty Protest and an independent live performance director from Wales. She is an Arts Associate for the Arts Council of Wales, a Fellow of the Clore Leadership Programme and a regional ambassador for the National Student Drama Festival. Catherine was a Founding Associate of National Theatre Wales and has directed stage productions and run artist development programmes internationally.

Delyth has responsibility for all news and current affairs services on online, mobile, radio and television in English and Welsh. She leads a team of journalists based across Wales and in Westminster. Delyth was previously the Editor of BBC Wales Politics and in 2018 she became Editor of BBC Wales Today. From 2013 to 2014 Delyth worked as a Senior Communications Manager for BBC Wales. She was a Trustee with Hijnx, an inclusive theatre company, for ten years.

Elaine Canning is Head of Special Projects at Swansea University, including the international Dylan Thomas Prize, Rhys Davies national short story award, the DylanED education programme for young people, and the Cultural Institute. She was elected a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales in 2023 for leadership in public engagement and understanding. Originally from Belfast, Elaine is also a writer and editor. 

Eluned Hâf has worked as a journalist and then a press officer in the European Parliament with the Greens/EFA Group, and went on to set up una Cyf, a cultural company specialising in European policy and projects. Eluned was a co-leader of WOMEX in Cardiff in 2013. Eluned led Showcase Scotland Spotlight Cymru 2022-24. WAI are arts partners for Welsh Government and British Council & international partners in campaigns like Wales India and Wales in France.

Ffion Thomas has had an extensive and varied career in public service and global co-operation, with government experience in the Welsh Government, UK Government and at the United Nations - as well as wider experiences in the technology sector and as an entrepreneur, having established her own sustainable products company. 

Jane is responsible for providing inspiration, ambition, creativity, and strategic direction for the organisation. The delivery of Strategy 2030 will be a focal point, ensuring that the family of seven National Museums and Collection Centre meet the changing and diverse needs of the communities of Wales.

Jeff is a highly experienced senior leader, with a reputation for independent strategic and lateral thinking. He initially taught French, Latin and PE at Oakdale School in Gwent; was Head of department in Llanrumney High school in Cardiff, then worked in Government on the design and implementation of the National Curriculum, trained Post Graduate Teacher teachers at University College Swansea and was a consultant to Cardiff Local Education Authority on curriculum development.

Mary is the Chief Technical Advisor for the UK Skills for Prosperity Project in Indonesia at the International Labour Organization. She is a former Vice Principal of Cardiff and Vale College. She has established successful international partnerships in Europe, China, India and South East Asia, Africa and the Middle East. She holds qualifications in marketing; business, international relations and the political economy and an executive MBA.

Najma Hashi works on implementing an international agreement with Welsh Government and managing the Alumni Network of the Future Generations Leadership Academy. Najma has a degree in International Relations and a postgraduate degree in Culture, Diaspora and Ethnicity; and is passionate about sustainable development and equality initiatives. Najma is part of Race Alliance Wales’ Steering Group and board member for Ffair Jobs CIC.