For me, 2026 started with a unique opportunity. After a year serving as a Non-Executive Director, I was delighted to be asked if I would take up the Chair position for ZoieLogic.

Having sat through several board meetings, and attended a number of ZoieLogic events, during which I could see and hear the real differences the company makes in the lives of people of all ages, and especially young boys and men. I knew this was the role for me.

Zoie has created something that has magic in its DNA and which connects with adults and young people alike, and this is all run by a very small operational team surviving on a backbone of very strict funding core and project related funds, and from various arts and culture grants and NPO.

No doubt turning up to dance in Southampton’s Guildhall Square for the brilliant Austentatious Ball, celebrating 100 years of Jane Austen, and attending many of the social community projects across the year, helped to secure my trust in and respect for the whole ZoieLogic team, and fuelled my love of dancing and this sector.

I start the 2026-7 year with a few items on the agenda – the essence of the mission is about community, getting guys dancing, and mass participation. Alongside that, I look forward to supporting all the people, projects and participants in ZoieLogic’s orbit – a challenge into which I dive whole-heartedly.

— Ajay Parekh, Chair of ZoieLogic

Photo: Ajay Parekh, credit Matt Walker