To mark Trustee Week 2021 we’ve spoken to one of our valued trustees, Annie Davis, about why she works with us here at Emmaus Cambridge, and what she enjoys most about her role.
Annie, why did you want to be an Emmaus Cambridge trustee?
I’ve long admired the work of Emmaus from afar and have been a regular customer. But after gaining fundraising and strategic management skills in my day job, I wanted to use my knowledge to support the work of a charity like Emmaus that provides holistic support to those who have experienced homelessness. I feel very lucky to have been selected to sit on the board- it is a real honour and I hope to be able to do it justice!
What is your background and what has your career path been?
I trained as a Secondary History teacher and taught history in mainstream secondary schools in Bristol and rural Cambridgeshire. I moved into heritage as an Education Officer in 2014 and never looked back. I now sit on the senior management team at a small museum in Cambridge, looking after fundraising, collections and community engagement. I love to zig-zag – learning new things and being challenged is key for me. Underscoring my whole career is my passion for improving access to learning- whether you’re in school, a heritage site or a museum, everyone deserves the chance to learn.
What do you enjoy most about being a trustee at Emmaus Cambridge?
I’ve only been a trustee for a short while, but I’ve been struck by how warm and welcoming the whole team is. Companions, staff, trustees and volunteers- everyone has been friendly and kind.
Where would you like to see Emmaus Cambridge in five years’ time?
Continuing to do what it does best, and learning as we go.
Can you sum up what Emmaus Cambridge means to you in one sentence?
Emmaus is ‘home’.
Five Quick-Fire Questions:
Tell us something interesting about you
I have a naughty little puppy terrier called Bill, whose favourite occupation is removing socks from visitors’ feet. Or maybe that’s an interesting fact about Bill?
What food can you not resist?
Macaroni cheese, with ketchup and peas. It is the good of the gods.
What is your favourite film?
I really enjoyed Nomadland. North America has such a beautiful landscape, and Frances McDermott is just so incredibly talented. I loved how it explored themes around community, poverty and loneliness.
What do you feel most grateful for?
I’m really lucky that I have a job I love – I know that is a rare thing and I feel incredibly lucky!
What is your biggest achievement?
I used to be very shy and under-confident, always assuming someone else’s idea was better. Now, I force myself to be brave – I speak up, take up space, and believe in myself!