Anna-Marie Smith-Clark
Anna-Marie Smith-Clark, a 39-year-old British Romany gypsy from Surrey, is a dedicated trustee with a unique blend of traditional values and modern advocacy. Raised on a site in Chertsey before transitioning to a house, Anna-Marie has remained deeply connected to her Romany roots. As the great-granddaughter of Freedom Smith, famously portrayed by Dame Laura Knight, Anna-Marie's commitment to preserving and promoting her heritage is a cornerstone of her work.
Her Story
Anna-Marie has been married for 25 years and is a devoted mother to three children. Her professional journey reflects a deep passion for education and community support. After initially engaging in Romany education and working on related projects, she served as a support teacher, advocating for inclusive educational practices for Romany and other nomadic children.
In addition to her educational background, Anna-Marie is a trained health and wellness consultant. She has leveraged her expertise to promote well-being within her community. Her advocacy extends to social media, where she has built a following of 33,000 on social media. Through her platform, Anna-Marie actively combats discrimination and works to enhance the public's understanding of Romany culture.
Anna-Marie brings lived generational experience to her role as a trustee, offering a profound understanding of Romany life and culture. She believes that it is possible to be both a modern woman and uphold traditional values. As she puts it, "Knowledge is powerful, and I believe in my role as a trustee I can engage with people through my lived experience." Her dedication to bridging traditional Romany values with contemporary challenges makes her a valuable asset in fostering cultural preservation and promoting inclusivity.