Meet Cheryl, our Digital Engagement Manager, who loves being creative and dabbling with new technologies .

Tell us about yourself and how you got to where you are now:

I’m a bit of a self-starter when it comes to my skill set. After studying at college, I worked within a role helping visually impaired students across Nottingham by producing large print and Braille educational resources.

After this, I moved into a marketing role, still within the education sector. Here, my main role was in ensuring the school and academy maintained a full intake of students each year. In this role, I was responsible for all advertising, marketing and managing social media channels. This, along with procuring and maintaining the school’s website and virtual learning environment (VLE), all whilst managing a busy print department team.

After 10 years, I then moved across to working for Derbyshire Police, producing communications and engagement campaigns. This involved producing captivating videos, eye-catching graphics, and writing engaging content – with an aim of changing mindsets, behaviours, and helping to raise awareness.

In my spare time, I’ve previously volunteered with the Guide Dogs association, as it’s something that has always stayed close to my heart…along with they have cute dogs there of course! 

So, this role I’m in now, nicely encompasses all of the different skills I’ve picked up along the way and I feel lucky to find a role that ties them all together. Every role I’ve been in has been one to help others, and I’m proud to now be aiding with enhancing the digital world of accessibility, by breaking down barriers that prevent millions of people from accessing online information and services. 

What does your average day consist of?

I’ve got an extremely varied role. I manage our own social media channels, campaign work, and website blogs; campaigning for equal rights in the digital accessibility world. I also look after our clients social media platforms – this ranges from pest control, live arts, to other accessibility platforms.

Mainly, my role strives to create engagement plans to promote the brilliant work that HeX produces and to link in with current and new stakeholders. With the important role of helping to shape the online word to be inclusive for all.

Who do you admire?

No one specifically jumps to mind, just anyone who has ambition and dreams they strive towards. I’m also drawn towards fellow introverts, this, and people with fine movie taste or fellow sarcastic folk in life of course!

What is something few people know about you?

I’m a rather open person, I’m sure people know most things about me in life. All I can think of is that I’m qualified in Grade 2 Braille, although, I might be a bit rusty now!

What toppings would you choose on a pizza?

I’m sorry to say I am a pineapple on pizza person (I know, sacrilege). But I pretty much have anything on them really…other than seafood, I just find that wrong – back at you pineapple haters.

What are your top three pet peeves?

Too many to name in life. Top would be probably people with bad manners – it takes seconds to say please and thank you. Idiot drivers has to be up there. Slow walkers has to be my third, I’m a marcher – my dogs have trained me to walk fast at all times.

If you could be anywhere, where would you be?

Anywhere surrounded by mountains and lakes. Slovenia has my heart, but Canada or Switzerland will most certainly do!