Legacy is an independent documentary series created by Lisa Leonce and Oge Austin‑Chukwu, celebrating the powerful stories of senior leaders across the UK who are people of colour. Each film offers inspiration, visibility, and a compelling look at resilience, leadership, and the lived experiences that shape their journeys.
Through thoughtful storytelling and interconnected themes, Legacy honours the voices and contributions of leaders whose impact deserves to be seen, shared, and remembered.
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Sheerah Network was born out of a defining moment in 2020, when global conversations about racism, equity, and justice reached a critical turning point. What began as a deeply personal response to the realities faced by the Global majority communities - and the powerful stories of resilience that often go unseen — sparked a vision for something bigger.
Inspired by a documentary celebrating the achievements of Black businesswomen in the USA, Oge was moved to establish a platform focused on amplifying the stories of women in the UK who are breaking barriers and redefining leadership. These early conversations between Oge, Lisa, and Dorcas evolved, later resulting in Oge partnering with Lisa to found the Sheerah Podcast, Sheerah Network, providing podcasts and leadership programmes designed to amplify underrepresented voices, foster inclusive leadership, and support meaningful organisational and societal change. This was followed by the Legacy documentary series — a project shaped through years of vision, planning, learning, and perseverance. The journey was not without challenges. Along the way came personal loss, health difficulties, financial sacrifice, and moments when the dream seemed beyond reach. Yet the belief in the mission remained constant. Through determination, community support, and unwavering faith, the vision became a reality.
In 2026, the landscape of leadership is evolving, yet significant gaps remain. The Global Majority - particularly Black leaders, continue to face unequal pathways, limited visibility, and barriers that impact progression and wellbeing across every sector.
Sheerah Network exists to change this.
We provide inclusive leadership support, development programmes, and storytelling platforms that empower individuals and organisations to build cultures where everyone can thrive.
The Legacy films continue to serve as powerful tools for education and reflection - sparking meaningful conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion at a time when these discussions are needed more than ever. They also celebrate the brilliance, resilience, and achievements of phenomenal leaders whose stories deserve to be seen and shared.
Sheerah Network is no longer just a response to a moment in history - it is a movement for the future. A community committed to shaping leadership that is diverse, authentic, and boldly inclusive. A space where stories are honoured, voices are amplified, and leaders are equipped to create lasting impact.
The work continues. The vision grows, and the future of leadership is being rewritten - one story, one leader, one breakthrough at a time.
Untold Story
Discover the inspiring story of Mary Stretch — one of Great Britain’s first Black female BBC Producers and Presenters — in this powerful and thought-provoking documentary. Through intimate interviews, rare archival footage, and expert commentary, the film traces Mary’s journey from childhood to the heights of corporate and media leadership, revealing the resilience, determination, and faith that shaped her remarkable career.
Exploring themes of interracial marriage, British colonial history, refugees, workplace inequality, and the experiences of Global majorityBlack and Brown women in leadership, the documentary offers a compelling reflection on the social and cultural forces that continue to shape contemporary Britain. It also shines a long-overdue spotlight on the vital contributions Global majorityBlack and Brown leaders have made to British history and public life.
Exploring themes of interracial marriage, British colonial history, refugees, workplace inequality, and the experiences of Global majorityBlack and Brown women in leadership, the documentary offers a compelling reflection on the social and cultural forces that continue to shape contemporary Britain. It also shines a long-overdue spotlight on the vital contributions Global majorityBlack and Brown leaders have made to British history and public life.
Mary Stretch’s story is both deeply personal and universally relevant — a powerful conversation starter on leadership, perseverance, representation, and driving meaningful change in today’s workplace and society.
To participate click the links below
Leading Change
From the Caribbean island of St. Lucia to the frontline of maternity leadership in Hertfordshire, this inspiring documentary follows the extraordinary journey of Jasmine Leonce — a trailblazing Consultant Obstetrician and one of NHS England’s leading voices in maternity improvement and patient safety.
Featuring personal insights and powerful storytelling, the film explores Jasmine’s rise to becoming the first Black female Maternity Improvement Advisor (Obstetrics) appointed by NHS England. As a National Maternity Specialty Advisor, she has played a pivotal role in advancing clinical leadership, supporting safer maternity care, and driving improvement across NHS services.
The documentary shines a spotlight on critical issues affecting women in the UK, including inequalities in maternal healthcare, mental health challenges, and the barriers faced by women in leadership. At the same time, it celebrates the impact, resilience, and achievements of women shaping the future of healthcare and public service.
Jasmine Leonce’s story is a powerful testament to purpose, perseverance, and representation — proving that meaningful change can come from anywhere, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background.
To participate click the links below
A story of courage
Still I Rise is the powerful third instalment in Sheerah Productions’ acclaimed Legacy documentary series — a compelling and emotionally charged film that explores the extraordinary life and resilience of Jennifer Izekor.
Fostered from birth, Jennifer’s childhood was shaped by instability, displacement, and adversity. Moved through multiple homes and across continents, she endured experiences that could have defined her limitations — but instead became the foundation of her strength, leadership, and unwavering commitment to justice and social change.
The documentary follows Jennifer’s remarkable rise to becoming Founder and CEO of Above Difference, a pioneering leadership consultancy, and a Commissioner for the Independent Police Complaints Commission — one of the most senior public appointments held by a Black British woman at the time. When she later faced false accusations played out in national headlines, Jennifer was forced into the spotlight under intense public scrutiny. Yet through resilience, courage, and determination, she transformed personal adversity into purpose and leadership.
Directed by Lisa Leonce and Oge Austin-Chukwu in collaboration with Blatella Films, Still I Rise is more than a documentary — it is a powerful examination of race, identity, leadership, justice, and legacy in modern Britain. Challenging, inspiring, and deeply relevant, the film invites audiences to reflect on the systems that shape society and asks an urgent question: what does it truly mean to rise?
To participate click the links below
"I was stunned & tearful to see all the highs & lows of many years interpreted by Sheerah Network Production House in their wonderful 45 minute documentary"
Mary S
"Inspirational, an emotional journey, a story that should be shared with everyone in the UK"
Quincy
"Fantastic event and inspiring well-made film, shining a light on Mary Stretch"
Jenny G
Exciting Developments!
Our next feature documentary is in the planning stages, another powerful film that continues our mission to honour stories, inspire change, and shape a more inclusive future.
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You can rent or purchase our films online and watch them wherever you are: at home, in your office, or on the go via your TV, mobile, tablet, or laptop.
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