Meet the Team
Senior Leadership Team
Anji Daniels – Founder and Managing Director
Nearly two decades on, Anji is committed to empowering and transforming the lives of children and young people through performing and creative arts. She has always had a passion to effectively engage young people from our local communities, especially those from BEM communities connecting and building long lasting relationships with students and their families.
Anji continues to work closely with the Creative and Artistic Directors and the Development Managers. Overseeing the day-to-day management of APAA’s activities and developing our artistic processes for delivering APAA’s Artistic Vision.
Life outside APAA, Anji is a full-time Foster Carer. To relax more often than not Anji’s got her feet up with a cup of chi-tea watching Netflix or weather permitting, motoring down country lanes on the back of hubby’s Kawasaki motor bike.
Truchio Powell – Creative and Events Director
As Creative & Events Director Tru oversees all things events. In particular corporate hire of Elements of Song and Elements of Sound.
Tru is also the Founder & Managing Director for The Alternative Events & Wedding Company, an event management company that specialises in coordinating high quality corporate, youth events and weddings.
In addition Tru is a Business Partner in the UK’s first children’s pamper salon Kandy Girl and is also a visiting lecturer for University College Birmingham.
Tru is a NED for the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), TAG Network and a Trustee for Creative Academies.
Over the years Tru has been awarded with numerous accolades for enterprise and his contribution to the arts. Most recently Tru was awarded Birmingham’s Young Professional of the Year – Marketing and Communications 2018 and Great British Entrepreneur Award 2018 from Natwest and the Phoenix Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
In his spare time you may find Tru in the Gym, nose deep in a good book or spending quality time with his family.
Follow Tru @Tru_Powell
Pelego Powell – Creative and Artistic Director
Pel is an Assistant Head Teacher, Creative and Artistic Director, Mentor, Husband and Father.
As Creative & Artistic Director for APAA, Pel is responsible for the overall development of APAA’s students and Development Managers whilst strategically moving the organisation forward. In addition, as ‘Creative Director’, Pel (Along with Tru) is jointly responsible for the creation of APAA’s content including its presentation, choreography and execution of vocals. Pel also oversees the wellbeing of all students within the academy with his holistic and pastoral approach to education and development.
What’s more, Pel is an ‘Assistant Head Teacher’ within a thriving inner-city primary school in Birmingham. Pel is a huge advocate for education and always seeks to include the arts to continue to maximize educational opportunities. Pel has worked with 13,000 young people with no signs of stopping any time soon.
Away from work and APAA you can find Pel on the court practicing his Tennis serve, reading or enjoying making memories with his family.
Follow Pel @PelePerformer
Thomas Nelson – Head of Development
Tom first joined APAA in 2010, after being recommended by a friend. Starting his journey with the academy from the age of 16, Tom has since progressed from a student to a Senior Leadership Role as Head of Development.
From a graduate in Fine Art (BA Hons) to a developing project manager, Tom has a passion for engaging the wider community with innovative and extraordinary activity. Tom has a wealth of experience providing platforms for young people with the opportunity to display and develop skills and values. Recent examples include: planning and delivering youth programmes, social integration projects, creative and corporate events.
Away from work you will find Tom at church, painting or being happy/upset over an Arsenal match!
Follow Tom @Tom_Mcnelson
Outside of APAA Liss works as a Sales Executive for a Hotel group in the Jewellery Quarter. You’ll often find her out at networking events in the city centre. When she’s not at work Liss loves to binge the latest Netflix series or practice her Calligraphy skills
Follow Liss @AliciaMcNelson