From a place of lived-experience, Jerrel founded Powered by CAN (formally Creative Academies Network – CAN) at the age of 25 to ensure all children and young people are equipped to thrive and are empowered to take collective action to lead in the Black Country.
Jerrel was awarded Young Educator of the Year West Midlands (Trinity Mail, Natwest Bank & BMet College)
CAN connects children, young people and young adults to reach their potential through creative, influential and inspirational opportunities.
As a young carer that led to the passing of his mother and brother as a teenager, Jerrel carried on his caring responsibility to support others who have experienced adversity or bereavement. This won him the Princess Diana Memorial Award as well as managing his learning disability that he attained 13 GCSE’s A*-C and 3 A Levels B-C.
Jerrel is an inspiring role model working across the Black Country, Birmingham and surrounding areas across the Midlands to champion the rights of children and young people as well as sitting on several boards (West Midlands Combined Authority: Cultural Leadership Board Member, Arts Council England: Place Based Peer learning Steering Group Member, Sandwell Cultural Education Partnership: Vice-Chair of Board, Fair Education Alliance: Committee Board Member, SIPS Education: Music and Arts Advisory Board Member).
Jerrel said: “I am proud to have the opportunity to be part of the Queen’s Baton Relay for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 to make my mark in history to acknowledge both my successes and the achievements of children and young people who inspire me to be the best that I can be.”
Jerrel carried the Baton in West Bromwich. Find out more about our incredible day when the Queen’s Baton Relay came to Sandwell!
