I have worked in the cultural industry, community development and conflict transformation in Belfast since 2007, combining a broad skills set and experience across the arts and cultural industry sector with community development and social enterprise models. I have successfully set up and run one of the first community interest companies in Northern Ireland, using a social economy model to enhance social and economic development and support the conflict transformation process in inner-city disadvantaged areas of Belfast.I am a 'hybrid' entrepreneur with many years of managment and project management experience, using my skills and experience from both the creative and cultural industries and the social economy. I am obsessed with making liveable places that are community-driven, and able to deliver double- and triple-line profit. I work to support local communities realise their potential through cultural activities that empower citizens to rethink and take charge of their collective futures, using events, public art, strategic planning, strategic partnership, co-design and collaboration, and fundraising.My background is both in arts as a visual artist, and in media. It gives me the edge when researching, when working both independently or in teams, and when networking and presenting and promoting my projects. Having the finger on the pulse is key to everything I do. I am very much a hands-on person prefering to be in the front-line where I can talk to people and broaden my understanding of the environment I work in.