When did you join ELBA / BIG Alliance?
January 2020- just before the pandemic. I only had a few months in the office with my new colleagues before we moved to virtual working and delivery for a while!

What is your role and what does it involve?
My current role is Head of Programmes for the Education Team. This is a role I have been doing for nearly 2 years. I started ELBA in 2020 as a project manager and it has been brilliant to grow in the role and explore new opportunities. This has been very exciting for me and an excellent opportunity to learn and progress. My role involves developing the education offer at ELBA to ensure students will be upskilled by the content we deliver, and that volunteers will enjoy their time spent volunteering. I do a lot of relationship building and management across our education and corporate partners. I am also the safeguarding lead and manage the education team internally. When we have busy periods I also facilitate sessions for students alongside our corporate volunteers- I love this part of the role! I organise a few bespoke programmes for students which I really enjoy as well.

I am also part of our internal wellbeing committee – WELBA. I really enjoy being part of the committee. We host ‘Wellbeing Wednesdays’ and arrange multiple activities throughout the year for staff members.

Three words to describe yourself
Dependable, Thoughtful, Dedicated

Tell us one thing that people may not know about you
I love swimming! Swimming was an activity I did as a child and that I forgot about for a long time. I have recently started swimming again and I am enjoying it so much. I find it such a great activity to switch off, not look at my phone and clear my mind.

Tell us the best thing about working for ELBA
The people! Everyone in ELBA knows each other, which makes for a very pleasant work environment, especially as everyone is so passionate about their work. The whole team is always willing to lend a helping hand and support each other. I have made friends for life within the ELBA team which I am very grateful for.

Name your favourite place in east London and why
Hackney! Hackney is my home from home in London, I am originally from Belfast so it is lovely to have a base elsewhere. I love the area, especially in the summer. There is so much good food, green spaces to explore and walking along the canal is also very nice. It is great living and working in east London.

Complete this sentence ‘The absolute best thing about volunteering is…’,
…getting out of your comfort zone while spending your time to benefit others.