An intro to me and my research

Today I start my journey towards proving what I believe in the most; that investing in food and community spaces can prevent social inequality.

This is part of my research for the Churchill Fellowship which is taking me to hear the stories of those working on the ground to tackle inequality and empower marginalised communities. But first a little bit about me:

My name is Melanie…

I am half Greek, half English. I was born in Athens and moved to the UK when I was 13. 

I am obsessed with the power of food and cooking - something that I truly realised during COVID - 19, when I was on furlough and began watching Masterchef Australia (the best one, let’s not even argue about it) and found cooking to be my creative outlet - my house mates were very happy. 

I used to work in TV, working as a researcher on BBC’s Hugh and Anita’s War on Plastic and as a junior production co-ordinator on National Geographic programme, Gathering Storm. 

I am a documentary photographer and filmmaker, with a passion for capturing stories of the unheard, protests and the people and organisations trying to make our world a better place. 

I founded a charity called The MAZI Project in 2021 that empowers marginalised 16 - 25 year olds through food. I started it to ensure that everyone gets to experience food the way I have, as a source of memories, knowledge, comfort and a connector - I have since made it my mission to fight for food equality. 

I have been awarded the Churchill Fellowship where I proposed a research project to prove that investing in food education and community spaces can help prevent social inequality. 

This is why I have started this page, to take you on the journey of my research across Mexico and New York. Through photography, film and writing, I hope to capture the people, organisation, policies and frameworks that can be used across to the UK to create a healthier and happier society and in turn planet! 

Stay tuned!