So Gina, what did you get up to at the Black Women in Leadership Symposium? 

I was invited to take part in a panel discussion at the Black Women in Leadership Symposium, our panel focused on being "Young, Gifted and Black" - we explored what this meant to us as young people, and the conversation focused on how as young people we get lots of opportunities, lots of projects, however there isn't much longevity to them - with the key question being, how do we as young people obtain those senior positions, CEO positions, and how do we go about running businesses. How do we become our best self-employed selves, with the best skillsets.

Our aim was to prompt people in leadership to think about how they can pass on the baton to young people, so we too can be in those positions - and also to leave a legacy behind. Its not just about us [young people] doing more and more projects, its about us being empowered enough to pass on this knowledge to the next generation so that there is continuity of talent. 

Personally, how did you find telling your story? 

I thought the symposium was really empowering for myself as a black women who has done many things in leadership roles - it was also an opportunity for reflection, I could see that one day I can share the goals and have the same ambition that they've had in their careers.

It was an honour to be part of the panel. I'm really thankful and very happy with the whole experience. It was really inspiring as an artist. 

What are your key reflections from the panel discussion?

I feel more empowered to stand and speak my truth, and to not let myself be discouraged. It showed that these women are already in these positions, and have worked their way up there - who's to say I can't do the same. 

If you could change one thing about the performance arts industry what would it be?

I would say two things. Firstly, organisations should empower young people to be more equipped - especially when it comes to funding applications, teach us the ropes as to how it works. Secondly, we need to create projects with longevity, that allow young people to not just a part of it for six to eight weeks, but to actually develop for years to come.