VersaVoice Creations (VV Creations for short) offers a blend of research, facilitation, advocacy and creative services, all with the aim of advancing equity and social justice.

 

What do I mean by equity? Equity is a complex term with many different definitions, depending on the context. But at its core, striving for equity means taking action to redress historical injustices by treating people and groups fairly (not necessarily equally) and with principles of justice in mind. 

About VersaVoice Creations

Delivering technical excellence with creative flair to fight for equity

My Background & Mission

Hello and welcome. I am Alex Martins, an independent researcherfacilitatoradvocate and actor with a passion for combining the technical and the creative to fight for a more equitable global system.

 

That’s right, I’m equally at home buried in a pile of research documents or performing on stage. And I believe that equity should sit at the heart of everything we do. 

 

Having previously kept these disciplines separate, I now believe that infusing deeply technical work with insights from creative disciplines can help us unlock new visions for the future. And I believe that dismantling prevailing systems of neo-colonialism, neo-liberalism, imperialism, and genocidal violence requires breaking free from old ways of working. Put simply, continuing to work in technocratic, siloed ways will not lead to transformation. 

 

My approach is informed by over 14 years of experience across the international ‘development’ sector (working with grassroots and civil society organisations, consultancies, Global North/Global Minority government agencies, global foundations, and more) and by training and experience in the performing arts, particularly theatre and acting. It is also driven by my experiences of being born in Johannesburg, raised in South Africa and Brazil, and living in the US and UK (where I am currently based). The principles and values that underpin all of my practices stem from a commitment to equity, anti-racism, intersectional feminism and global justice. 

 

I seek to work with people and organisations in the ‘development’ and social justice sectors that are committed to or curious about different ways of working, that see the value of bringing together equitable research approaches with creative practices that take us outside of our comfort zones. 

I offer a wide range of services that are technical, creative, or a combination of both. 

My Services & Offerings

Equity-focused research

Looking for in-depth research to help drive social change and justice? I can offer: 

  • Co-design of equitable research processes & programmes 
  • Portfolio and programme reviews or evaluations
  • Literature/knowledge reviews and case studies
  • Bespoke research projects 

Participatory facilitation

Looking to bring groups of people together in an inclusive space? I can offer: 

  • In-person or virtual sessions (with interactive online tools) for small or large groups
  • Recognised participatory methods, including Group Facilitation Methods and Open Space Technology
  • Bespoke participatory methods, co-designed to meet your needs

Creative workshops

Looking for a different way of approaching challenges in your sector? I can offer: 

  • Workshops using techniques derived from theatre and actor training to explore questions of equity in social change sectors, engaging our creative muscles alongside our logical brain 
  • Bespoke sessions designed to fit specific organisational goals

Get in touch if you're interested in collaborating or learning more

Other Work

Acting

Under my stage name, Alex Elise (my actual name was already taken!), I am available for acting work and can be reached via my agent LCA Academy and Agency. You can view my full acting profile on Spotlight.

Writing

I am currently working on a non-fiction book project, which aims to shed light on how the international development sector actually works in practice for a public audience. It is titled: Giving With One Hand, Taking With The Other.

Other Spotlights

Palestine

Supporting action against the genocide of Palestinian people in Gaza can take many different forms. I encourage you to research what the current needs are and donate money and time accordingly.

For anyone based in London, UK - visit and support Palestine House

Perinatal mental health

While I take action locally in London to support the mental health of mothers and birthing people, more work is needed globally to ensure that this neglected area receives greater funding and attention.

Learn more about global maternal mental health here.

Black carbon

Black carbon is one of the short-lived climate pollutants that negatively impact health and worsen the climate crisis - it deserves much more attention and action than it currently receives.

Read in-depth research on how to tackle black carbon here

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