Rianna Patterson

I am a global TEDx speaker and recent psychology graduate from the University of Kent. I am also the founder of Dominica Dementia Foundation, which is a youth led dementia charity I launched at the age of 18 after the passing of my grandfather in 2013. My grandmother recently passed away during my second year of university in 2019.

Dominica Dementia Foundation is a youth led charity that raises awareness of Dementia in Dominica as well as support caretakers ,families and residential carehomes. One of the challenges I faced managing this organisation was seeking support from established companies as they saw me as unexperienced. My age became a viability however I was determined to build this platform. I would also consider myself an advocate and a writer as I am a blogger on Medium and I have previously contributed to the Queens Young Leader and Queens Commonwealth Trust blog.

Through my commitment to the charity sector I was awarded by her Majesty the Queen as a Queens Young Leader in 2017. I made a guest appearance on BBC one with Prince Harry at the Queens Young Leaders Award Ceremony in Buckingham Palace. I have also been featured on Comic Relief and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust social media channels. I have also been interviewed on Molly Moodle Radio Show.

I am also featured in the Lasting Legacy Book produced by the Queen’s Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust.

I have previously worked as a Organisational Development and Engagement Lead at Folkestone and Hythe Council where I worked on developing the Junior Content Creator Apprenticeship. This involved developing the learning materials for this programme.

I have been featured on Zing Magazine, Huffington Post UK and Melange Magazine. I am passionate about mental health and youth empowerment as I am a Dementia Friend Champion, where I have led Dementia Information Sessions at schools in the UK.

My most recent speaking engagement was hosting a webinar as a community host for Finimize, a global fintech company. This was attended by 300 people.