Katherine Sladden

Elected in October 2025

I’ve dedicated my career to supporting people directly impacted by injustice to lead change. I was UK Campaigns Director at petition site Change.org, helping it grow from 100,000 to 12 million users. I then spent over four years supporting Grenfell United, bereaved and survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire, to campaign for justice and change. I’m now the founder of Breakthrough Impact, a non-profit supporting grassroots campaigners to lead their own campaigns, working with activists including housing campaigner Kwajo Tweneboa and Weinstein whistle-blower Zelda Perkins.

I admire the Cable’s journalism that focuses on communities, amplifies marginalised voices, and creates real impact. Supporting the Cable feels like a meaningful way to contribute to Bristol, and I’d be excited to bring my experience of movement-building and strategic campaigning to help turn community reporting into impactful change.

Fadumo Farah

Elected in November 2024

I’ve been deeply involved in my community, leading Barton House residents and working as the Communications Officer for ACORN. Through this role, I’ve spoken on podcasts, radio shows, and interviews about how ACORN supports local people and fights for social justice. I’ve taken part in various campaigns, from housing rights to renters’ protections, and I’m passionate about standing up for what’s right. 

Alongside this, I’m studying for a Master’s degree and working with the charity VANS (Voluntary Action North Somerset) on a project called “Improving Ageing in North Somerset.” This has given me a real understanding of the challenges facing older people and the wider social issues in our area. Being involved in both grassroots activism and charity work has allowed me to connect with people from all walks of life and understand their needs. 

I’m passionate about giving back to the community, which is why I’m excited about the opportunity to be a Director for Bristol Cable. I believe my experience in activism, communication, and organising can bring fresh energy and ideas to the role. I’m committed to helping the Cable continue to deliver independent journalism that gives a voice to the people of Bristol.

Jaldeep Katwala

Elected in November 2024

Jaldeep Katwala is the newly-appointed operations lead for The Bristol Cable and one of its Directors. Prior to this, he was the Network Manager for the Public Interest News Foundation where he convened a vibrant community of independent news providers around the United Kingdom.

Jaldeep was a BBC radio and television reporter, and worked as a producer for Channel 4 News and as a presenter and documentary maker for Radio Netherlands International. He also led the undergraduate journalism degree at Bournemouth University.

Jaldeep has worked in media development roles in Serbia, Nigeria, Haiti, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Papua New Guinea, Southeast Asia and South Sudan.

Teena Lashmore

Elected in October 2025

I am a community development professional with over 19 years of experience in partnership working, including management, training and practitioner roles. I have five years of teaching in the field of social justice, along with senior leadership and line management experience. I’ve worked on strategic development with Local Authority commissioning, the Met Police Service, CCTV and Domestic Abuse Services, and built the only service for Young Adult Males (17-25) in the Criminal Justice Sector.

Previously, I chaired Hackney Unites, a community group for social justice, and Hackney User Group (HUG), supporting the community to take over the management of their local park. Through these roles, I developed strong skills in community engagement and democratic organising.

I’m passionate about community enterprises and democratic frameworks. I’m keen to bring my professional skills to the Cable through community business development, enhancing existing practice and building effective community engagement. My experience in financial leadership, securing investment opportunities, organisational development and partnership working would support the Cable’s growth and strengthen its vital role in independent local journalism.

Jenny Grinsted

Elected in October 2025

I am a content and marketing professional with over 25 years of experience working across traditional and new media. Bristol born and bred, I started my career in book publishing and now work in technology marketing, specialising in content marketing and growth strategy. I’m also a resident at the Pervasive Media Studio and have been involved in community organising, including leading the successful School for Redfield campaign.

I’ve had a long-standing interest in alternative organisational models and community engagement. Previously, I served as a trustee of Educate Together Academy Trust, including as vice-chair from 2017-2019. I’m also an active Green Party member, committed to making Bristol a better place through civic participation.

I’m passionate about supporting organisations that hold power to account and amplify marginalised voices. I’d love to use my skills in content development, marketing and growth strategy to help the Cable achieve its goal of doubling membership and become even stronger in its vital work in local journalism.

Natasha Jarvis

Co-opted in October 2025

Experienced Director and Filmmaker specialising in observational documentaries and presenter-led specialist factual programming, with experience self-shooting and creating content for broadcasters and digital platforms

Antonio Scancariello

Elected in October 2025

I am a qualified journalist with experience working as a reporter for local news titles across the UK, including four years with the Somerset titles, and writing for media outlets covering European politics and geopolitics.

I’m passionate about community-focused journalism that makes a real difference, and I believe in the Cable’s mission to provide independent, investigative reporting for Bristol. My reporting experience has given me working knowledge of the industry, media law and communication strategies that I’m keen to share with the team.

As a director, I’d love to provide guidance and advice while helping to identify new ways to engage readers and strengthen the Cable’s community. I’m particularly interested in supporting the Cable’s focus on campaigns and investigations that amplify local voices and create positive change in our city.