Gemma Smith
2024
Gemma Smith
Age: 20
Location: Edinburgh
Pronouns: she/her
Gemma is currently a Linguistics Student and works as a Steering Group Member for The National Leadership Network (NLN). She has an interest in the way language can be used and how it impacts the communications and understandings both within a group and between groups. She currently uses her interest in language and her identity as care experienced to advocate for her community and continues to drive change.
As a member of the Steering Group of the NLN, Gemma uses her voice in directing funding and supporting projects which aim to increase leadership skills and make opportunities for those with care experience. She has contributed to the development of the network, its processes, and its impact and can often be found planning the next day out for the team.
Outside of the NLN, Gemma has also worked closely with other organizations within the care community such as CYCJ, ProjectChange, and Each and Every Child, working to ensure that those with experience of care have their voices heard and changes are made.
Outside of work and study, Gemma continues to seek new perspectives on the world through reading and to explore her own through writing. Her writing often focuses on her identity as a Chinese adoptee and frequently comments on adoption and the conflicting identity and status adoptees seem to carry. Reflecting this, Gemma is currently working to boost creativity within her community and hopes to continue being a voice for change.