Dr Shelly-Ann Brown

Dr. Shelly-Ann Brown is the founder of the Economic Lead, researcher, and an avid supporter for development in her local community. She holds a PhD in Economics with an extensive academic background, and a current cohort of the Common Purpose - Senior Leaders programme (recipient of the Baillie Gifford bursary). If she isn't conducting research work for private sector clients and universities, she's actively involved in championing for the rights of the vulnerable within the community. As a policy officer in her country of birth Trinidad and Tobago, she was instrumental in amending existing bills, which eventually saw the end to child marriages across all religious groups.

Currently, Shelly-Ann sits on various executive committees and advisory boards in Scotland offering strategic direction, insights, and contributing in discussions surrounding equality matters and development. Some of these include the Edinburgh City Association, NHS Lothian - Legacy of Atlantic Slave Trade, Engender (as Vice-convener and Treasurer). She is also the current Women's Officer of the SNP National BAME network, and Equalities officer for her local community. Shelly-Ann is an expert contributor on STV, the Daily Record, the Pass the Mic initiative, and a member of the Economic Development Association Scotland (EDAS) and Women in Journalism Scotland (WiJ).