Pembe Tokluhan – Incarceration to Ownership

Pembe Tokluhan – Incarceration to Ownership

Pembe Tokluhan’s life story is a powerful testament to resilience, transformation, and the potential for positive change.

From a turbulent childhood marked by involvement in gangs and criminal activities, Pembe has emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration.

Today, at 24 years old, she is making waves in the field of live audio as a multidisciplinary backstage creative, specializing in live audio, stage, production, and tour management.

Beyond her technical skills, Pembe is also dedicated to bridging the gap between young people and law enforcement, reshaping perceptions through her own journey of redemption.

A Troubled Past:

Growing up in Shakspeare Walk, Stoke Newington, Pembe faced a harsh reality that led her down a dangerous path. By the age of 11, she was involved in selling crack cocaine and heroin, eventually finding herself at the top of the police’s gangs matrix. The allure of gangs provided a false sense of belonging and protection, with Pembe creating her own gang, Pink Balley, at just 12 years old.

Her life took a darker turn as violence became a daily occurrence, leading to her permanent exclusion from school at the age of 13 after committing grievous bodily harm (GBH). Pembe’s journey was marred by a turbulent environment, loss of friends to gang violence, and a deep sense of resentment that fueled her destructive actions.

A Turning Point:

Despite her troubled past, Pembe’s life took a positive turn thanks to the support she received from The Crib youth club and its trustee, Frank Sweeney.

Recognizing her potential, Sweeney played a pivotal role in guiding Pembe towards rehabilitation.

Under his mentorship, she not only overcame the challenges of her past but also became the youngest female live sound engineer in the UK.

Empowering Youth through Public Speaking:

Pembe’s commitment to transformation extends beyond her professional achievements. As a public speaker, she has collaborated with organizations like the Metropolitan Police, Thames Valley Police, Barnardos, and others.

Her talks focus on crucial issues such as exploitation, gangs, imprisonment, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Importantly, she shares her own life journey, illustrating that change is possible, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Bridging the Gap:

One of Pembe’s most significant initiatives is her project with Fixers, aimed at changing the perception of young people towards the police and vice versa.

Recognizing the importance of breaking down barriers, she advocates for community-building initiatives, including fun days that allow individuals to get to know their community officers beyond their uniforms.

Pembe envisions a world where mutual understanding and collaboration replace animosity between law enforcement and the youth.

Pembe Tokluhan’s remarkable journey from a troubled youth involved in crime to a respected live sound engineer and community advocate is truly inspiring.

Her story highlights the transformative power of mentorship, community support, and personal determination.

Pembe stands as a symbol of hope for young individuals navigating challenging circumstances, proving that with the right guidance and opportunities, anyone can redirect their path towards a positive and fulfilling future.