Michelle Lenton-johnson

Michelle has worked tirelessly in the local voluntary sector for over two deacdes and currently manages a local charity 'The Strategy' helping to improve the social, economic and environmental circumstances of one of the most deprived community in Wales. Since being in this role, she has single-handedly generated income in excess of £10 million through determined and skillfull funding application submissions, and the development and promotion of a number of innovative social enterprise activities. On average she works over 80 hours a week - including weekends, but claims no TOIL, as she says she loves her work and wants to do the best she can for the community. Even though she manages the organisation, she regularly 'mucks in' to help deliver services - driving the minibus / preparing buffet orders and delivering newsletters and flyers to every household in the community. She is a single parent, and has a daughter with cerebal palsey but still manages to devote an incredible amount of time to the community she works in. She is one of the most friendly, approachable and positive people I know - always smiling in the face of adversity and viewing potential problems as exciting challenges ! She has a smile and a 'Thankyou' for everyone - staff, volunteers, community members and professionals alike. She truly cares about the people around her, and does her absolute utmost to ensure they have the best possible chances and oputcomes in life - a truly inspirational individual !