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The Team
The board of trustees include some of the original founders and other strategically skilled local women from various profession sectors to provide insight into how the organisation can be moulded to continue to be fit for purposes in a changing landscape
The Board
Maureen Lewis - CEO
I am a dedicated and compassionate Housing Officer with over 15 years’ experience making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals across the community care and social housing sector. I’ve had the privilege of working with respected organisations such as Trident, Midland Heart, and MIND Birmingham, supporting young people and adults through some of life’s most difficult challenges, including mental health issues, domestic violence, homelessness, and substance misuse.
My mission has always been clear: to help people reclaim their lives, realise their potential, and thrive. With proper support and opportunities, anyone can overcome adversity and create a better future.
Working in partnership with statutory and voluntary services across Birmingham and surrounding areas, I deliver person-centred, empowering support through one-to-one counselling, mentoring, and personalised action plans. I’m fully committed to professional excellence, continuously updating my knowledge in areas such as safeguarding, equality and diversity, risk assessment, and trauma-informed care. I also hold a clean, full driving licence.
I bring creativity, empathy, and resilience to every role, and I’m passionate about championing those who often go unheard. My work is more than a career, it’s a calling. I’m driven by the belief that every person deserves a chance to live with dignity, purpose, and hope. I’m here to walk alongside them on that journey.
My mission has always been clear: to help people reclaim their lives, realise their potential, and thrive. With proper support and opportunities, anyone can overcome adversity and create a better future.
Working in partnership with statutory and voluntary services across Birmingham and surrounding areas, I deliver person-centred, empowering support through one-to-one counselling, mentoring, and personalised action plans. I’m fully committed to professional excellence, continuously updating my knowledge in areas such as safeguarding, equality and diversity, risk assessment, and trauma-informed care. I also hold a clean, full driving licence.
I bring creativity, empathy, and resilience to every role, and I’m passionate about championing those who often go unheard. My work is more than a career, it’s a calling. I’m driven by the belief that every person deserves a chance to live with dignity, purpose, and hope. I’m here to walk alongside them on that journey.
Wendy Angus-Bovell - Chair
As Chair of Walsall BSC, I bring the skills and experience from my professional background, spanning 25 years, 12 of which at senior management and Director level, in the public sector.
I became involved with the charity as a volunteer, which I have done for the past 4 years, and then became a member of the Trustee Board in 2019.
During which time, I have been actively involved in formulating funding bid proposals with the Chief Officer and other colleagues. As a member of the Board, I have contributed to the strategic direction of the organisation and supported WBSC through adapting the services offered, to meet the challenging and fast changing needs of the community, partners and funding agencies through the Coronavirus Pandemic.
As a member of our local community, I am passionate, have the strategic vision and leadership skills required to take WBSC forward and support the organisation in securing our financial future. I would also ensure we continue to be relevant in meeting the needs of Walsall’s most vulnerable communities
I became involved with the charity as a volunteer, which I have done for the past 4 years, and then became a member of the Trustee Board in 2019.
During which time, I have been actively involved in formulating funding bid proposals with the Chief Officer and other colleagues. As a member of the Board, I have contributed to the strategic direction of the organisation and supported WBSC through adapting the services offered, to meet the challenging and fast changing needs of the community, partners and funding agencies through the Coronavirus Pandemic.
As a member of our local community, I am passionate, have the strategic vision and leadership skills required to take WBSC forward and support the organisation in securing our financial future. I would also ensure we continue to be relevant in meeting the needs of Walsall’s most vulnerable communities
Maureen Scott - Douglas - Vice Chair
Maureen works as a Union Rep for Unite, representing the views of women. Maureen has a long-standing history with WBSC and is one of the founding members. She has a wealth and knowledge of the voluntary sector and strives to see the development of members of her community.
Tracey Lecointe - Treasurer
Tracey is also an education professional, specialising in teaching Maths and science to year 7-11 pupils. Tracey originally got involved with the organisation when she was employed as a teacher in WBSC’s supplementary School. Tracey lives in Walsall and has sat on other voluntary boards. Her passion is to work with the community and help them develop.
Sonia McLaughlin
Sonia McLaughlin (Levy) Works in the Health & Social Care setting for over 20 years. Her background is nursing and is currently working for MSI Agency; she is also a Union Steward, Equality Officer, Unison Learning Rep for Unison. I am currently an active member for Walsall Central Committee for Walsall Housing Group. She has a wealth of knowledge of working with older people particularly in the hospital to home environment.
Lorna Campbell - Secretary
Lorna is an accomplished communicator, credit union consultant, public speaker, proof-reader, copy-editor, local politician, lecturer and trainer. She also has coaching and counselling skills which she has acquired through study and self development which feeds into her aspiration to empower women across the globe using her inimitable style.
Lorna is a woman excited about her life and the myriad of experiences, including many challenges, she has had thus far that makes her into the person she is today.
Her working background in communications and customer services was predominantly in the private sector in a wide variety of business environments . She became involved in community organising roles in the late 90’s, mainly in the area of development and through serving on Management Committees. Her unwavering desire to serve humanity, fuelled by her longing to understand what motivated people to make certain choices, led her to turn the microscope inward and examine her own life.
Her career includes being a local politician leading on adult health, the environment, equalities and community engagement.
She served on a Taskforce set up by the Rt. Hon Harriet Harman QC MP, which was committed to reaching out to BAME women at grass roots level through community outreach events which she hosted in order to increase representation in local authorities and public life, something she has championed since 2001. She's been a Trustee on a number of organisations including the Community Development Foundation, which aimed to promote effective participation of people in the decision making processes which affect their lives.
Other interests include the promotion of unity for Black people of African Heritage, securing a sustainable legacy which embraces economic empowerment for future generations and championing the need for all people to fully engage in the democratic process. Lorna strongly believes that citizens need to take their share of responsibility for what happens in their communities. Her values and morals as a person of faith guide her judgment in all areas of her life.
On a more personal level, she is a mother, grandmother and a great grandmother.
Lorna is a woman excited about her life and the myriad of experiences, including many challenges, she has had thus far that makes her into the person she is today.
Her working background in communications and customer services was predominantly in the private sector in a wide variety of business environments . She became involved in community organising roles in the late 90’s, mainly in the area of development and through serving on Management Committees. Her unwavering desire to serve humanity, fuelled by her longing to understand what motivated people to make certain choices, led her to turn the microscope inward and examine her own life.
Her career includes being a local politician leading on adult health, the environment, equalities and community engagement.
She served on a Taskforce set up by the Rt. Hon Harriet Harman QC MP, which was committed to reaching out to BAME women at grass roots level through community outreach events which she hosted in order to increase representation in local authorities and public life, something she has championed since 2001. She's been a Trustee on a number of organisations including the Community Development Foundation, which aimed to promote effective participation of people in the decision making processes which affect their lives.
Other interests include the promotion of unity for Black people of African Heritage, securing a sustainable legacy which embraces economic empowerment for future generations and championing the need for all people to fully engage in the democratic process. Lorna strongly believes that citizens need to take their share of responsibility for what happens in their communities. Her values and morals as a person of faith guide her judgment in all areas of her life.
On a more personal level, she is a mother, grandmother and a great grandmother.
Janet Grant - Secretary
I previously worked for the local authority in Wolverhampton for 32 years in the area of Adult Social Care as a Support Worker, which changed to working with SEN school children.
I am now a qualified counsellor, volunteering for the Haven Refuge in Wolverhampton for several years and has worked for Walsall Black Sisters’ counseling service since 2022.
Joining Walsall Black Sisters is a committed group of professionals with lived experiences. We came together to establish Autism Awareness, a platform to discuss parental issues with information and guidance around autism and learning disabilities, as well as acknowledging cultural perspectives and diversity within the communities.
The inclusion project is now called the WBSC Neurodivergence project and will serve the community.
I am happy to serve as a member of the board to bring about change according to the needs of the community.
I am now a qualified counsellor, volunteering for the Haven Refuge in Wolverhampton for several years and has worked for Walsall Black Sisters’ counseling service since 2022.
Joining Walsall Black Sisters is a committed group of professionals with lived experiences. We came together to establish Autism Awareness, a platform to discuss parental issues with information and guidance around autism and learning disabilities, as well as acknowledging cultural perspectives and diversity within the communities.
The inclusion project is now called the WBSC Neurodivergence project and will serve the community.
I am happy to serve as a member of the board to bring about change according to the needs of the community.
Gene Johnson
Gene Johnson Gene Johnson is married with two children. I am a qualified Early Years Practitioner and is currently working for a local primary school. I am a Christian and an active member of my local women’s ministry within my church, as well as within WBSC. I am passionate about the work I do with women and want to make a difference to my local community, hence my decision to join WBSC. My other interests are singing with the Black Country Community Choir and writing poetry.
Maxine White
I am a dedicated and compassionate Housing Officer with over 15 years’ experience making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals across the community care and social housing sector. I’ve had the privilege of working with respected organisations such as Trident, Midland Heart, and MIND Birmingham, supporting young people and adults through some of life’s most difficult challenges, including mental health issues, domestic violence, homelessness, and substance misuse.
My mission has always been clear: to help people reclaim their lives, realise their potential, and thrive. With proper support and opportunities, anyone can overcome adversity and create a better future.
Working in partnership with statutory and voluntary services across Birmingham and surrounding areas, I deliver person-centred, empowering support through one-to-one counselling, mentoring, and personalised action plans. I’m fully committed to professional excellence, continuously updating my knowledge in areas such as safeguarding, equality and diversity, risk assessment, and trauma-informed care. I also hold a clean, full driving licence.
I bring creativity, empathy, and resilience to every role, and I’m passionate about championing those who often go unheard. My work is more than a career, it’s a calling. I’m driven by the belief that every person deserves a chance to live with dignity, purpose, and hope. I’m here to walk alongside them on that journey.
My mission has always been clear: to help people reclaim their lives, realise their potential, and thrive. With proper support and opportunities, anyone can overcome adversity and create a better future.
Working in partnership with statutory and voluntary services across Birmingham and surrounding areas, I deliver person-centred, empowering support through one-to-one counselling, mentoring, and personalised action plans. I’m fully committed to professional excellence, continuously updating my knowledge in areas such as safeguarding, equality and diversity, risk assessment, and trauma-informed care. I also hold a clean, full driving licence.
I bring creativity, empathy, and resilience to every role, and I’m passionate about championing those who often go unheard. My work is more than a career, it’s a calling. I’m driven by the belief that every person deserves a chance to live with dignity, purpose, and hope. I’m here to walk alongside them on that journey.
Opal Clarke
I am a dedicated and compassionate Housing Officer with over 15 years of experience making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals across the community care and social housing sector. I’ve had the privilege of working with respected organisations such as Trident, Midland Heart, and MIND Birmingham — supporting young people and adults through some of life’s most difficult challenges, including mental health issues, domestic violence, homelessness, and substance misuse.
My mission has always been clear: to help people reclaim their lives, realise their potential, and thrive.
I believe that with the right support, guidance, and opportunities, everyone has the ability to overcome adversity and build a brighter future.
Working in partnership with statutory and voluntary services across Birmingham and surrounding areas, I deliver person-centred, empowering support through one-to-one counselling, mentoring, and personalised action plans. I’m fully committed to professional excellence, continuously updating my knowledge in areas such as safeguarding, equality and diversity, risk assessment, and trauma-informed care. I also hold a clean, full driving licence.
I bring creativity, empathy, and resilience to every role — and I’m passionate about championing those who often go unheard. My work is more than a career; it’s a calling. I’m driven by the belief that every person deserves a chance to live with dignity, purpose, and hope — and I’m here to walk alongside them on that journey.
My mission has always been clear: to help people reclaim their lives, realise their potential, and thrive.
I believe that with the right support, guidance, and opportunities, everyone has the ability to overcome adversity and build a brighter future.
Working in partnership with statutory and voluntary services across Birmingham and surrounding areas, I deliver person-centred, empowering support through one-to-one counselling, mentoring, and personalised action plans. I’m fully committed to professional excellence, continuously updating my knowledge in areas such as safeguarding, equality and diversity, risk assessment, and trauma-informed care. I also hold a clean, full driving licence.
I bring creativity, empathy, and resilience to every role — and I’m passionate about championing those who often go unheard. My work is more than a career; it’s a calling. I’m driven by the belief that every person deserves a chance to live with dignity, purpose, and hope — and I’m here to walk alongside them on that journey.
We believe every Black woman and girl has the power to make a positive impact in their community and the world.
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