When did you join ELBA / BIG Alliance?
I joined ELBA in 2004 as a project manager.

What is your role and what does it involve?
As CEO, I lead ELBA’s strategic vision, ensuring we deliver impactful programmes while staying responsive to evolving community and business needs. A key focus is strengthening ELBA’s partnerships and broadening our reach to address inequalities more effectively. By aligning our initiatives with long-term goals, I work with the team to secure ELBA’s future sustainability and ensure we continue making a measurable, lasting difference in east London and beyond.

Women’s History Month Questions:

 What challenges do you think women in the charity sector still face?
I recognise both the vital contribution women make to the charity sector and the challenges they continue to face. Many women in the sector are driving solutions to some of society’s most complex issues, often balancing these responsibilities with caring roles at home. However, despite the sector’s outwardly female workforce, gender imbalances remain entrenched. Women hold a disproportionately lower share of senior leadership position – boardrooms are still dominated by men, and women are underrepresented among major philanthropists.

Women in the sector can face discrimination, tokenism and harassment, with these challenges felt most acutely by women of colour, women with a disability and LGBTQ+ women. Tackling this requires action from all parts of the sector.

At ELBA, we are committed to creating an environment where women can thrive at all levels. Building a more equitable charity sector is not just a women’s issue – it’s about fairness, unlocking talent and better meeting the needs of the communities we serve.

If you could give advice to young women entering the charity sector, what would it be?
Be bold and build your network: Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you. Seek mentors, ask questions and don’t be afraid to put yourself forward. Your network will become an invaluable source of learning, support and opportunity.

Prioritise your development and tune into your authentic voice: Invest in your growth but also take time to understand who you are. Don’t feel you have to imitate others — the most effective leaders are those who stay true to their values and communicate with authenticity and purpose.

Challenge inequality and lead by example: Be prepared to question assumptions, challenge stereotypes and help create inclusive, supportive environments. Lift others as you rise – leadership, in particular, is as much about creating space for others as it is about your own success.

Three words to describe yourself
Adaptable, Determined, Informed

Tell us one thing that people may not know about you
Growing up, I practised ballet for over a decade.

Tell us the best thing about working for ELBA
Together – across our amazing community partners and corporate partners – we have the best people, organisations and connections and therefore the best shot to bring about positive and truly meaningful positive change.

Name your favourite place in east London and why
Brick Lane. It’s so beautiful, busy and eclectic – with stunning graffiti too!

Complete this sentence ‘The absolute best thing about volunteering is…’:
how much you learn about other people and their perspectives – and ultimately how much we all have in common.