Meet the Team
Jenni Arhinful
Founder and Director
Jenni founded Culture Connect Project CIC in January 2024 after her latest trip to Ghana, a country she's been visiting since 2009. Her passion for keeping her son connected to his Ghanaian heritage inspired her to help others celebrate their own cultures, especially in smaller towns where diversity can often feel underrepresented. With a Psychology BSc (Hons), her dissertation focused on Creativity and Wellbeing, Jenni's career has spanned customer service, catering, and various community initiatives and volunteer roles. She has co-organised events like 'Soulful Sunday' and 'Roots & Culture', fostering unity and promoting community resilience and inclusion.
Through Culture Connect, Jenni hosts cultural events and workshops, runs children's penpal projects, and leads donation drives and shoebox appeals for children in Ghana. Her mission is to celebrate diversity, empower communities, and connect people, bringing the world a little closer.
Founder and Director
Valdirene Ruston
Director
Born in Brazil, Valdirene has lived in 4 different countries and has a 10-year background in international radio news broadcasting.
She has a natural flair and curiosity for understanding different cultures and languages, and the impact these have in our societies, social acceptance and inclusivity. Her passion for social change is found in themes such as education and issues surrounding women and families, to anti-racism & fostering cultural diversity and understanding within communities.
Val credits her multi-heritage and multi-cultural background with being responsible for her empathic and grounding nature with people. She has made the journey from radio producer and presenter, to freelance interpreter for Brazilian footballers, to Life Coach, Speaker & Activist. At the centre of all this work, is the thread of deep listening, presence, bold questioning and a love for understanding people. Recently, she has been seeking collaborations with male leaders in the Masculine Alchemy movement as part of her mission to putting an end to the 'motherhood penalty' and her belief that social and gender equity starts at home & with strong male allyship.
Tony
Director
Tony is an experienced Broadcast journalist, published author and creator of Djtask productions. Specialist in East African music, Father, Consultant & Lecturer at the University of Brighton.
A man of many passions, Tony's professional experience as a curator has served to highlight Afro-Caribbean heritage in Sussex, celebrating the diversity of our local history. As a Lewes resident and founder of Diversity Lewes, Tony's commitment to fostering community cohesion & celebrating diversity makes him the perfect addition to the Culture Connect family.
Ghana Representative
Volunteer Support
​Matilda (Nana) Abruquah
Ghana Representative
Meet Matilda (Nana) Abruquah, an Investigator at Ghana's Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice and Founder of The Flower Community Gh., dedicated to supporting autism and advocating for environmental and human rights issues. Matilda is also a representative of the Culture Connect Project in Ghana, bridging cultural divides through her work. With over a decade of experience in autism support, she passionately assists affected families across Ghana. Beyond her professional roles, Matilda volunteers extensively, making a positive impact in local communities and hosting guests amidst the tranquil mango farms of Ghana. Stay tuned for updates on her impactful humanitarian projects and volunteering opportunities
