About Us
27 years of Youth PowerBANG began in Harlesden in 1999. What started with young people, creativity and community radio has grown into a connected ecosystem for youth leadership, enterprise, research, organisational development and housing.
Vision
A world in which all young people are valued, thriving and contributing positively to their communities.
Mission
Partnering to deliver world-class services for children, young people and their communities that develop skills for life and careers, enable individual and collective goals, and create sustainable positive impact for all stakeholders.
Our Values
- Oneness & Interconnection
We recognise that all life is connected – individually, socially and environmentally. We honour difference while nurturing a shared sense of humanity. - Youth Power & Leadership
We recognise young people as creative thinkers, contributors and leaders of change, and create genuine opportunities for them to exercise that leadership. - Empathy & Relationship
We build relationships through active listening, care, honesty, and respect for each person’s lived experience. - Equity & Justice
We challenge structural inequality and work to ensure that people whose voices are often excluded can participate, influence, and lead. - Creativity & Cultural Identity
We celebrate creative expression, identity, and cultural heritage as sources of connection, healing, confidence, and self-determination. - Community Co-Production
We design with – not for – young people, families, grassroots leaders and communities. - Integrity & Legacy
We take responsibility for our decisions, use resources carefully, and work towards sustainable, intergenerational impact. - Digital Innovation for Social Good
We use technology to widen access, strengthen learning, share stories, and support community-led change.
How We Work
- We listen to young people and communities
- We build on existing strengths
- We create meaningful roles
- We connect people to resources and opportunity
- We gather evidence
- We improve
- We share learning
Team & Governance
BANG combines professional leadership, community knowledge, specialist expertise and youth participation.
- Jennifer Ogole OBE – Founder & CEO
- Uke Agwu – Chief Operating Officer
- Dr Justyna Janicka – Head of Programmes and Projects
- Derrick Ogole – Head of Digital Strategy & Marketing; Founder of STACKS
- Heather Peacock – Head of Business Development
- Osumanu Mohammed – Finance Manager
- Vivian Aroriode – Head of SEND
- Louise Limenzon – Executive Assistant to the CEO
BANG Edutainment is governed by an independent Board of Trustees, with youth representation. The Board contributes to wider organisational decision-making, working closely with the staff team.
Our Story
Founding
BANG was founded with a simple principle: young people already have talent, intelligence, creativity and the ability to lead. Our role is to create the relationships, resources, responsibility, and opportunities through which leadership can grow.
The last 27 years
Over 27 years, BANG has responded to changing local needs across leadership, creativity, heritage, wellbeing, SEND inclusion, work experience, financial capability, enterprise, research and community development. The programmes have changed; the principle has not: LET YOUNG PEOPLE LEAD!
What BANG Is Today
BANG Edutainment is the registered charity and place-based anchor in Brent. STACKS, BANG Homes and BANG Worldwide extend that foundation into enterprise, housing, research, consultancy and wider partnerships.
Our History
WHERE WE ARE GOING
BANG’s next stage connects a proven place-based model with enterprise, housing, research, investment and wider platforms for youth leadership.
A Foundation Built Over 27 Years
The next stage is about stronger progression routes, sustainable income, shared assets, transparent governance, deeper partnerships and platforms through which young people can exercise leadership at greater scale.
Our Commitment
We distinguish ideas from agreements, development from delivery, and expected investment from secured resources. Ambition requires transparency and accountability.
Current Development Priorities
- Embed the four youth leadership pathways.
- Develop Leading FWD as a continuing leadership, employment and enterprise platform.
- Develop BANG Peer Research as a peer-led research and consultancy offer.
- Progress the first BANG Homes pilot.
- Develop the proposed Centre for Youth Leadership and Entrepreneurship.
- Progress the Youth Leadership & Enterprise Social Investment Fund.
- Share learning through carefully chosen partners beyond Brent.
