Kalpna Woolf

After a 25-year career with the BBC where she was Head of Production for the BBC’s Natural History and Network Factual television production businesses, Kalpna launched 91 Ways to Build a Global City – a charity aiming to use the uniting power of food to bring the disparate 91 language communities of Bristol together to cross divides, share stories, cultures and forge better collective understanding. The charity also seeks to tackle food insecurity in our city by working with communities equipping them with skills and education to cook and eat more healthily. 91 Ways has won three national awards, published two food books and is now being templated in other UK cities.

In 2017 Kalpna set about building inclusion in the business sector and founded BeOnBoard, an organisation which partners with businesses to recruit diverse board members, implement ED&I action plans throughout their organisations as well as supporting and training individuals to become board directors.

Kalpna’s tireless work to influence change and campaign for social justice and equity in both grass-roots communities and in businesses has been recognised by honorary doctorates from both the University of Bristol and University of the West of England and numerous awards. As a recognition of her outstanding contribution to the city, Kalpna was honoured with the role High Sheriff of Bristol in 2025.