As a Sported member, Mickela has a wealth of experience and understanding of the communities that our groups work with.

A multi-award-winning entrepreneur, youth advocate, and former National League basketball champion, she is peeply passionate about the power of sport to transform lives, Mickela has dedicated her journey to creating opportunities for young people to thrive.

After achieving a first-class honours degree in Sports Science and completing a Master’s in Sport Management, Mickela founded HR Sports Academy in 2008, officially registering it as a Community Interest Company in 2010. Inspired by the sudden passing of her sister, who was born with Down’s syndrome, and driven by the rise in youth crime in her community, she courageously launched the business at just 21 years old.

Since then, Mickela has positively impacted the lives of over 57,000 children and young people, primarily from disadvantaged communities. HR Sports Academy delivers high-quality programmes focused on sport, education, and personal development. Her vision and impact have been recognised with numerous prestigious awards and honours, including an invitation to attend The Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

She serves as a British Library: Business & IP Centre Ambassador, was formerly the Vice Chair for Laureus Sport for Good’s Model City: Haringey East, and in 2021, Mickela made history as the youngest Chair of the London Youth Games, and the first from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background to hold the position.