Ali Kakande
Ali Kakande is part of the DiNN Advisory Board
I am a community-driven catalyst hailing from the North and now making an impact in Hackney. With a professional background deeply rooted in providing advice and support to families and individuals, I am recognised as a compassionate listener and a natural connector.
Known for my warm and approachable demeanour, I possess a remarkable ability to bring people from diverse backgrounds together, creating an atmosphere of ease and inclusivity. My journey in the realm of community and human connections led to the establishment of Carib Eats, an initiative that hosts weekly canteens offering a sense of belonging, all centred around the rich flavours of Caribbean cuisine.
My philosophy is simple yet profound: We cook, connect, and chat. I am not only the driving force behind Carib Eats but also a life coach and guide, helping people navigate their personal journeys. More recently, I have extended my expertise to conduct pitching workshops, equipping individuals with the skills to present their ideas effectively.
In my vision of the world, sensitivity is celebrated as a gift, not a weakness. This ethos is reflected in my human-centred leadership style, where I prioritise emotional intelligence.
I run operations with a strong commitment to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives, one tasty meal and one heartfelt chat at a time.
As a forward-thinker, I am eager to expand Carib Eats’ reach, ensuring that more individuals can experience the joy of good food and genuine conversations. Beyond my community-focused work, I enjoy treasure hunting at car boot sales and indulging in Scandinavian cop dramas, all without a hint of guilt.
Experience with DiNN
I had the privilege of experiencing DiNN’s impactful programmes, which left an indelible mark on my commitment to community-driven initiatives. These programmes reaffirmed my belief in the power of human connections and the importance of listening with empathy.
My journey with DiNN inspired me to be an even better listener, a more effective connector, and a guide for individuals navigating life’s complexities. It reinforced the notion that impact is not merely a concept but a tangible outcome of passionate, community-centric work.
Now, I am excited to collaborate with DiNN as a member of the Advisory Board, contributing my experience and insights to guide the organisation’s future.
What Impact means to me
Impact, to me, is the ripple effect of meaningful connections, shared experiences, and the sense of belonging we create in our communities. It’s about making a genuine difference in people’s lives, one connection, one conversation, and one act of kindness at a time.
