Key Interests and achievements
Sera is passionate about all matters relating to education,
and has significant experience of navigating additional learning needs
legislation and services which have been supported by her own lived experience.
Sera has been a strong advocate for local residents, ensuring they can access
the support they need across a range of areas and services. In her role as
Councillor, Sera has supported residents by reinstating local bus services, in
dealing with flooding incidents, and in improving access to services among many
other local issues, ensuring fairness for all residents. She is a keen advocate
of Welsh-medium education, additional learning needs education and widening
participation in higher education, which was a core part of her role at the
University of South Wales (see below). Sera has also campaigned for improved
school transport, supporting health equality and tackling child poverty.
Personal history
Sera was born and bred in Cwmparc and now lives in Treorci
with her two sons. Educated at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Ynyswen, Ysgol Gyfun Cwm
Rhondda (formerly Ysgol Gyfun Cymer Rhondda) and Oxford University, where she
graduated with a 2.1 honours degree and later a master’s degree in modern
languages and linguistics. Sera has a PGCE and professional qualifications in
safeguarding, health and safety and leadership and management. Sera is an
outstanding communicator and has a strong track record of representing valleys
communities in a compassionate, engaging and tenacious way.
Professional background
Until her election to the Senedd in May 2026, Sera was
Associate Director of UK Student Recruitment and Admissions at the University
of South Wales. Sera is a former teacher, having trained at Cardiff
Metropolitan University (formerly UWIC). She worked at Ysgol Gyfun Bro
Morgannwg in Barry before commencing at the University of South Wales in 2007,
as a Schools and Colleges Liaison Officer. She was promoted to UK Recruitment
Manager, then Head of UK Student Recruitment, before being appointed Associate Director
in 2022. Sera is Vice-Chair of Governors at Parc Primary School and a Governor
at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda and has extensive experience of Governing Body
transformation and development.
Political history
Sera was elected to Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
in 2008 as Councillor for Cwmparc, Treorci and Ynyswen Ward. She held the seat
until her election to the Senedd in May 2026. From 2022 – 2026, Sera was Deputy
Leader of the Opposition and Chair of the Council’s Education and Inclusion
Scrutiny Committee. She was also a member of Overview and Scrutiny Committee
and the Local Authority Governors Appointments Panel. Sera played an
instrumental role in establishing a Child Poverty Working Group within RCT,
following a Motion she posed to the Council on alleviating child poverty in the
county borough. Sera also chaired a Working Group on Sustainable Communities
for Learning, examining the impact of the 21st Century Schools investment in
RCT.
