People
Celebrating International Women’s Day: Inspirational Women of the Royal Docks
International Women’s Day, on 8 March, is a global celebration of women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements, as well as a call to action to accelerate gender equality.
This year, we’re celebrating some of the inspiring local women who are transforming the Royal Docks through wellbeing, creativity, and community leadership.
Anastasia Korabukhina
After leaving her legal career, Anastasia Korabukhina founded VA Salon in Royal Victoria Dock, creating a personalised beauty and wellness space for the community.
Bryony Fraser
Based at Royal Albert Wharf, Bryony Fraser co‑founded A La Carte Arts and launched The Home Curator, supporting photographers and shaping community art spaces through exhibitions such as London: Time and Tide.
EverythingZEZE
EverythingZEZE a singer‑songwriter from the Royal Docks, blends reggae, RnB, grime, rap, soca and trap‑soul, drawing inspiration by her musical family and Caribbean roots.
Hana and Lela Mamma
Sisters Hana and Lela Mamma are the owners of With Milk, a welcoming café and community hub in the heart of Thames Barrier Park offering both good food and a welcoming space.
Jackie Rollinson, a lifelong Newham resident and proud Cockney
Jackie Rollinson
A lifelong Newham resident and proud Cockney, Jackie Rollinson has built a diverse career, from the DLR to flight simulation to City Hall’s London’s Kitchen Café reflecting her love for the local community.
Justyna Buczma
As General Manager of London’s Kitchen Café at City Hall, Justyna Buczma combines years of hospitality experience with a passion for food to create a welcoming, sustainability‑focused café for both the public and Greater London Authority staff.
Marieta Evans
Marieta Evans tells stories across television and journalism, specialising in motorsport, history, and heritage. Her local projects include creating heritage information boards for the Royal Docks community.
Momtaz Begum‑Hossain
Momtaz Begum-Hossain, an award-winning journalist and presenter, contributes to publications like Stylist, Cosmopolitan, and Elle, while bringing her passion for creativity and wellbeing to workshops and local projects in the Royal Docks.
Mimi Ogunbona
Founder of De King’s Catering, Mimi Ogunbona transitioned from mental health nursing to building a thriving Afro-Caribbean and intercontinental catering business, soon to expand with a new restaurant at Royal Albert Wharf.
Oluchukwu Okonkwo, multi-award-winning Biomaterials Researcher
Oluchukwu Okonkwo
Based at the University of East London (UEL), Oluchukwu Okonkwo (Oluchi for short) is a multi-award-winning Biomaterials Researcher for the innovative, sustainable and eco-friendly material, Sugarcrete®️.
Sofia Tomic
Emerging from Switzerland, Sofia Tomic works across events, dance, performance, and DJing in London, shaped by her participation in the Royal Docks Cultural Producers Programme.
Tammy Gregory
Tammy Gregory founded Pink Pilates at Royal Wharf, a reformer Pilates studio promoting wellness over perfection. The studio is a welcoming space for everyone, from beginners and pros to new mums and wheelchair users.
Twinkle Jayakumar, a Citizen Social Scientist for University College London
Twinkle Jayakumar
A local resident, Twinkle Jayakumar contributes to University College London’s 10-year Prosperity in East London study, ensuring residents’ experiences shape regeneration efforts.
Victoria Maddox
As CEO of Sweheat Sauna at Royal Victoria, Victoria Maddox introduced authentic wood‑fired sauna culture to East London, creating a celebrated community‑focused wellbeing space.
Find out more
Discover more stories from the Royal Docks community in the Meet the Dockers series: www.royaldocks.london/meet-the-dockers
