When did you join ELBA?
I officially joined ELBA as a Project Manager in August 2022. However, my journey with ELBA started as an EAGLE in September 2021. I was working as an intern in the Inclusion and CSR department at Macfarlanes. This was a valuable experience for me as I learnt more about the corporate environment and was able to transfer the skills I developed to the role I am in now.

What is your role and what does it involve?
As a Project Manager in the Education team, our aim is to provide all students with the same equal opportunities to achieve their career goals. We do this by working with schools in east London and connecting them with major firms and businesses.

Three words to describe yourself
Friendly, zealous and inquisitive.

Tell us one thing that people may not know about you
I thoroughly enjoy mountain hiking – I have hiked Mount Snowdon and Ben Nevis so far (albeit the weather in Scotland was terrible!). Next on my list is Mount Kilimanjaro, but unlike the former two I don’t think I can get away with not training beforehand for this one!

I am also a certified cupping therapist. You might recognise this practice from pictures of large red circles on the backs of athletes. Essentially it is an ancient form of medicine where cups are put on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. People get it for many reasons, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being. Its use has been documented in early Egyptian and Chinese medical practices and is also well-evidenced in Islam as a cure for many illnesses.

Tell us the best thing about working for ELBA
Interacting with young people. The fact that we are able to give them access to amazing opportunities, which were never available before, is what makes it worthwhile. Plus, everyone at ELBA is so friendly – it really is a great place to work.

Name your favourite place in East London and why
East London has been my home for as long as I can remember – I don’t necessarily have a favourite place, but what I enjoy the most is the community and how diverse it is.

Crossharbour, where the ELBA office is based, is great too – it has lovely views of the river, which makes for a pleasant walk during lunch, away from the hustle and bustle of it all.

Complete this sentence ‘The absolute best thing about volunteering is…’,
…when you finish volunteering and reflect on the impact you have had on someone’s life and future.