Cheryl May Ndione is Shaping the Future of the Arts for Young Leaders
“Sometimes, as Black entrepreneurs, we have to prove ourselves twice over. But the key is to focus on the work, the impact, and the community you’re building.”
Cheryl May Ndione, Founder and CEO at Purple Moon Drama
For Cheryl May Ndione, leadership wasn’t handed to her—she had to create her own seat at the table. Frustrated by the lack of opportunities to lead in her early career, she found herself constantly switching between different personas, working twice as hard to prove her worth in spaces that refused to see her.
That frustration led her to step away from traditional paths and carve out a space of her own. She founded Purple Moon Drama, a platform designed to put young people in leadership positions, offering them the support and opportunities she wished had existed when she was coming up in the arts.
“I wanted to do things differently,” Cheryl explains. “I wanted to create the kind of support system I never had—one that actively champions young, ambitious artists from marginalised backgrounds.”
Through Purple Moon Drama, Cheryl is not just supporting emerging artists—she is reshaping the leadership landscape in the arts sector.
Leading with Purpose
Purple Moon Drama is more than a theatre company—it is a launchpad for young creatives. Since its founding, the organisation has:
Trained 78 facilitators to become arts educators and leaders.
Employed 48 facilitators, giving them hands-on experience in creative leadership.
Supported 6,700 children through drama clubs, school tours, and workshop programmes.
Produced six full-scale productions in just eight years.
As a Black female founder, Cheryl has had to back herself, build credibility, and prove her impact with real results. The numbers tell a powerful story, but for Cheryl, success is measured in the growth, confidence, and resilience of the young people she works with.
A Turning Point: Creating Leadership for the Next Generation
One of the defining moments in Cheryl’s journey was realising that the arts industry wasn’t built to nurture young Black talent—so she had to change the blueprint.
Through Purple Moon Drama’s Digital Youth Board, young people advise on programmes, shape project ideas, and gain hands-on leadership experience. The bi-monthly board meetings ensure that youth voices are embedded in decision-making, not just tokenised or sidelined.
“I’m inspired by the energy and tenacity of emerging artists—especially those navigating this industry while carrying various layers of marginalisation,” Cheryl says. “Purple Moon Drama is designed to be a meaningful touchpoint for them, a place where they can see what’s possible and how to get there.”
DiNN’s Role in Strengthening Purple Moon Drama
DiNN has played a crucial role in helping Cheryl grow Purple Moon Drama in a sustainable way, through the Innovate Now with City Bridge Foundation programme. Due to our focus on organisational health, DiNN has provided support in areas that many small creative businesses struggle with.
With DiNN’s help, Cheryl has been able to:
Improve governance and solidify the foundation of her organisation.
Develop a clear business plan and build a Theory of Change to map impact.
Refine and enhance Purple Moon Drama’s website, making it more accessible and engaging.
“DiNN has been one of the few spaces that truly focuses on organisational health,” Cheryl says. “That support has helped us level up in ways we hadn’t encountered before.”
The Reality of Being a Black Entrepreneur
Cheryl understands the unique challenges that Black founders face, especially in the arts and creative industries. Access to funding, networks, and opportunities to scale remains a persistent barrier.
But rather than waiting for doors to open, Cheryl has built her own pathways.
“Sometimes, as Black entrepreneurs, we have to prove ourselves twice over,” she says. “But the key is to focus on the work, the impact, and the community you’re building.”
Advice for Young Black Entrepreneurs and Creatives
For young Black entrepreneurs looking to make a difference through their creativity, tech, or business skills, Cheryl shares three key lessons:
Get support. You don’t have to do it alone—find mentors, networks, and organisations like DiNN that can help you grow.
Fail fast. Mistakes and setbacks are part of the journey—learn quickly and keep moving forward.
Track data. Whether it’s impact numbers, audience engagement, or financial growth, keep records to measure your progress and tell your story effectively.
A Future Where Creativity and Leadership Go Hand in Hand
For Cheryl, entrepreneurship is both creative and practical—it allows her to shape her own path while giving others the tools to do the same.
“I’ve always been creative, but I wasn’t sure how to fully express it,” she shares. “Entrepreneurship allows me to think outside the box, build something meaningful, and challenge the status quo.”
Through Purple Moon Drama, Cheryl is proving that the next generation of leaders doesn’t have to wait for permission. They belong in decision-making spaces, they deserve to lead, and with the right support, they will shape the future of the arts on their own terms.
