Your Committee
We are all volunteers at Room to Be, each of us keen to make a difference and take worthwhile action in our community for people and for the planet. We are a friendly bunch of queer folk looking to create safe spaces and new opportunities for the LGBTQIA+ community in Dundee, to build partnerships and strengthen allyship.
We all help one another on the committee, but we coordinate through teams. Our Green Team focusses on the garden and nature, our Creatives work on the arts programme.
Together we are building a lasting, sustainable grassroots project with diversity, acceptance and wellbeing at its heart.
Chairperson
Project Lead
(He/Him)
Emile Mackie
Emile is a professional writer and gardener who cares deeply about people, community, SOIL, plants, compost, wildlife, sustainability, the environment, words, literature, music and the arts. He compulsively likes to learn new things and is almost always on a new course.
Emile founded Room to Be because he believes that societal change is best impacted through community activism. Positive personal change can grow from being a seen and valued member of a safe community.
Secretary
Creative Engagement
(She/Her)
Mel Kalkan
Textiles artist, surface designer, fabric fanatic and colour and pattern enthusiast, Mel is qualified in Photography and Fine Art and holds her certificate in Counselling (Level 3). Her professional background is in inclusive educational provisions, resource development and the delivery of courses with differentiated learning objectives.
Mel cares deeply about inclusivity and safe spaces for marginalised members of society, and is a strong proponent of making, creating and crafting as a means of improving wellbeing.
Treasurer
Green Team
(He/Him)
Hollis Crowe
Hollis is a mixed-media visual artist with a focus on natural forms and bright colours. With an academic background in environmental science, he appreciates the connection between art and science as different modes of observation, and values the power of creation as an educational tool.
Green Team and Website Content
(He/They/Them)
El Dineley
What can we tell you about El? A jeweller, a whittler, a lover of wildlife, El is a human who is deeply considerate of others, committed, driven and thorough. They have perfected the art of well considered constructive feedback, always remaining incredibly fair. An excellent communicator and a caring and welcoming soul who gives the most excellent hugs.
Green Team and Website Content
(She/Her)
Carolina
Carolina is a researcher that uses science and communication tools to support initiatives for the common good. After more than a decade of researching and teaching at universities, she now works as an independent researcher collaborating with third-sector and grassroots organisations.
Creative Engagement
(She/Her)
Anna Rooney
With a passion for nature, Anna is an artist based in Dundee and Angus, taking inspiration from formations present in the natural world and the ways in which making connects her to the environment. After graduating with a degree in Textile Design, she has evolved into a multi-disciplinary artist, specialising in drawing, painting and ceramics as well as textiles.
While she develops her personal practice, Anna’s role at Room To Be involves working with Mel to co-produce programmes of creative engagement and design arts and crafts workshops that inspire others to make cool things, express themselves and connect with nature.
Youth Ambassador
(Has no need of gender)
Ayanna
Ayanna has been with us from the very earliest stages of Room to Be's conception. Abundantly positive with a dazzlingly sharp wit. A vital voice that keeps Room to Be up to date and relevant.