When did you join ELBA?
I joined ELBA as the Newham Programme Director over 20 years ago and was part of the Leadership team until I “retired” almost nine years ago.  When I joined, ELBA was a very small organisation based in the Abbey Mills Pumping Station (famously dubbed the “Cathedral of Sewage”), courtesy of Thames Water. I have been proud to be part of the growth and transformation of ELBA and east London.

What is your role and what does it involve?
As the Programme Manager in Newham, at the time there were hardly any ELBA member companies who could get to Newham; transport links were not what they are today.  I had to find a way to support my community partners while making business volunteering accessible. I designed and developed the Leaders in Partnership programme, which is a powerful initiative supporting leaders from the voluntary sector with experienced business volunteers in a coaching/mentoring role, offering structure, support and a listening space one hour a month for 10 months.

As an ELBA Consultant, I now run this programme supporting leaders in Tower Hamlets Council and have been funded to deliver this for the past nine years. We have focused on women leaders, BAME leadership and LGBTQI+ leaders and this year will be running an Executive Programme. It’s a model with infinite possibilities.

Three words to describe yourself
Funny, Assertive, Creative.

Tell us one thing that people may not know about you
Though I’ve lived in London for over 50 years, I identify as a northerner.

Tell us the best thing about working for ELBA
The opportunities to be creative and finding ways of bringing people from different backgrounds together in a meaningful, impactful way which changes lives.

Name your favourite place in east London and why
The London Buddhist Centre in Bethnal Green; an oasis of calm.

Complete this sentence: ‘The absolute best thing about volunteering is…’
…the enrichment you feel giving yourself and your time to support another person. It’s powerful stuff indeed and we know it makes an impact!