MEET THE NEW CO-DIRECTORS
Ellayah May and Mitoshka Alkova photographed by Josh O’Connor
It’s official! After an extensive recruitment process, we can finally share who the next Co-Directors of Rising are.
Ellayah May is an illustrator, facilitator and mentor from Bristol with a background in supporting neurodivergent folk to thrive. She joined Rising’s creative community in 2023 before joining the team as our Community Producer last year.
Can you remember when you first heard about Rising? Or how you first got involved?
In 2023, I was doomscrolling and came across a community recruitment post. I’d never heard of Rising before, but was desperate to get out of where I was. I applied to be a part of the community and to my surprise, was accepted! I haven’t looked back since.
What experiences had you had with leadership before becoming Co-Director? And what other career milestones have led you here?
None really. I’ve worked with young people and vulnerable adults within statutory systems though, which I think share a similar skillset with leadership roles (if you do it well). I’m super lucky to have been surrounded by amazing leaders throughout most of my roles, which I think set the bar quite high for me and my personal aspirations.
If you had to carve a ‘Mount Rushmore’ of 4 pieces of media (eg films, music, tv shows, books, podcasts, games etc.) that represent you or defined 4 eras of your life, what would they be?
Bratz: Rock Angels, Nao - Bad Blood (and Nao generally), S*ms 4 (soon to be Paralives), Cynthia Erivo singing ‘I’m Here’ in The Colour Purple stage adaptation.
If you could offer one challenge or provocation to the sector right now, what would it be?
Does this sector employ people to talk about the work that needs doing, instead of actually doing it (meaningfully)?
What do you hope your legacy is as Co-Directors when you’re at the end of your term in 5 years?
I just want to look back and feel like we really did something; both for our incredible community and for the youth of this city. Watch this space!
Mitoshka Alkova is a multi-media artist and Documentary filmmaker. She has spent the last few years working as a producer and access support for various artists and is relatively new to the Rising universe having moved to Bristol a few years ago.
Can you remember when you first heard about Rising? Or how you first got involved?
I’d heard about Rising from multiple friends in the community. Funnily enough I applied to be in the community, and Ellayah kindly send me a rejection email saying I was too far advanced! I remember feeling gutted, as I wanted to take part, and having on my to do list ‘ email rising and ask about other opportunities’... well I guess there was a plan for me all along! I can’t believe that I’m not one of the Co-Directors.
What experiences had you had with leadership before becoming Co-Director? And what other career milestones have led you here?
It all started when I became a student leader in year 7…. Or at least that's what my grandpa will say. After that ceremonious badge I received and absolutely no power, he would call me ‘leader’ every time he saw me- fake it till you make it i guess!
I’ve been a freelance producer and project manager for years, so naturally being a leader in that space and being used to getting things done. Some career milestones include directing and producing my first sonic documentary funded by British Council in the Saudi Arabian village of AlUla, curating my first handicraft exhibition, and find out I love being an Access Support worker and meeting loads of local artists!
If you had to carve a ‘Mount Rushmore’ of 4 pieces of media (eg films, music, tv shows, books, podcasts, games etc.) that represent you or defined 4 eras of your life, what would they be?
Film: Last year in Madienbad, Alain Renais. Yes yessss, I picked a niche French film- but I studied Film in University and this one formed the backbone of every single essay I wrote/ will ever write.
Music: Sade…absolute Queen- not much more needs to be said.
TV: The US Office… that show got me through final year of uni, a break up, my residency in Italy and soothed MANY lunch breaks!
Book: The book I quote the most is The Alphabet vs the Goddess. All about how the switch to a patriarchal society happened with the birth of the alphabet- I recommend.
If you could offer one challenge or provocation to the sector right now, what would it be?
Are you aware of how people are living right now, from the comfortable position you are in?
What do you hope your legacy is as Co-Directors when you’re at the end of your term in 5 years?
Legacy of friendship, creative growth, opportunity abundance and pure, genuine, uplifting vibes.
Say hello to Mitoshka and Ellayah who will be officially stepping into their new role from July and support Rising to continue leading for change through becoming a regular giver
