Core Team

Amy Buckshaw-Cross

Jodie Rose Carpenter

Clare Drury

Amy is a masters student at the University of Birmingham, with an interest in international politics and communities.

"My involvement with Own It! stems from my own experiences - I want to help create the support networks I would have wanted as a teenager, but those which women of any age can be part of."

By day, Jodie works as a Marketing & Communications Assistant and by night, she writes short stories and blogs about Young Adult literature.

“I am proud to be part of Own It! as I get to work alongside and meet lots of beautiful people who are just as passionate as promoting body positivity as I am. I have struggled with my own body confidence and self-esteem for a number of years, particularly as a teenager. Through Own It! I want to help women of all ages to realise they are beautiful inside and out and to stop body negativity from placing limitations on our lives.”

Azeezat Anoba

Clare is a trainee drama teacher in the Midlands.

"Own It! gives me the chance to make a real difference to the self-esteem of young women. I love the team & am so proud of what we are doing."

Pharmacy student at Aston University.

"Coming from a family of all girls and attending girls only boarding school for 6 years, I understand how important the issue of body-confidence and self esteem is for young females. Especially after a time like this where inappropriate images of young women is constantly seen in adverts and other media outlets. So, the idea of creating Own It! was a great opportunity for me to help young women move out of the 'boxed' definition of beauty given to us by society. I am passionate to see a world where all young women realise they beautiful inside and out, and appreciate that their imperfections make them perfect."

Holly Cartmell

Holly is a Law student at the University of Birmingham and an aspiring City lawyer.

"We are so proud of Own It! and our success so far, and it has been just great to see the positive impact and difference we are capable of making on the self-esteem and confidence of young women. Own It! has given us the chance to ask some important questions and get some important answers, and I am massively proud of our wonderful team."