March 8th is International Women’s Day, and at Co-Creative Connection, we’re spotlighting some of the incredible women who make our work possible. Today, we're honouring Sonam’s remarkable journey from project participant to paid artist at CCC. Her story is a testament to how dedication, passion, and community-driven art can create real opportunities for growth, employment, and long-term impact.
For social value managers, this is more than an inspiring journey it’s a clear example of how creative engagement initiatives can lead directly to skills development and meaningful employment, supporting key KPIs around local job creation and community investment.
Discovering CCC: A Passion for Art and Community
Sonam is an interior designer who discovered a passion for mural painting through CCC, with a love for bold colours and patterns. Her journey with CCC began with one of our Higgins Partnership projects in Islington, right outside her home. Drawn in by the vibrant designs and the energy of the community, she decided to get involved.
From the beginning, Sonam loved how art could bring people together. She soon became an enthusiastic participant, contributing her creativity while also learning from others. The experience of working collaboratively in a community setting resonated with her, reinforcing the power of creativity to strengthen connections, boost well-being, and open up new career possibilities
Growing Through Creativity
As Sonam took part in more CCC projects, her connection with our values and mission deepened. Each project provided new experiences, challenges, and opportunities to develop her skills, both artistic and professional.
She first volunteered on a project near her home, and knowing she wanted to get into mural painting, she was given a paid role from her second project. This transition wasn’t just about art it was about recognising talent, fostering potential, and ensuring that local engagement leads to real opportunities. Her passion and commitment shone through, making her a valued member of the team.
The Shift to a Professional Role
For Sonam, being offered a paid position was more than just financial support, it was recognition of her skills, dedication, and impact. It reinforced the idea that creative careers are viable and that community-led projects can lead to sustainable employment.
Her journey is a powerful example of how organisations committed to social value can help bridge the gap between engagement and employment. By investing in local talent, projects like CCC’s not only enrich communities but also support workforce development, creating a pipeline of skilled individuals ready for future opportunities.
For social value managers looking to enhance employment-focused KPIs, CCC’s model provides a roadmap:
Pathways to employment – Offering clear, structured routes from volunteering to paid roles ensures community engagement leads to tangible career opportunities.
Skill-building through participation – Hands-on creative projects develop valuable transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
Long-term community investment – By prioritising local recruitment, organisations can meet social value commitments while fostering stronger, more resilient communities.
A Message to Aspiring Artists - and Social Value Leaders
Sonam encourages anyone passionate about art and community involvement to get involved with CCC. She sees it as a place to grow, learn new skills, and use creativity to make a real difference. Her story is proof that when organisations invest in people, real opportunities emerge.
As we continue to celebrate the incredible women within our CCC community, Sonam’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity can unlock employment opportunities and create lasting change.
If you're a social value manager looking to support employment KPIs through meaningful, arts-led engagement or an aspiring artist looking for opportunities, get in touch. We’d love to hear from you!
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