When did you join ELBA?
August 2023

What is your role and what does it involve?

I am a Senior Project Manager in the Community team leading on skills-based volunteering. The skills-based volunteering is focused on sharing resources and skills from the business sector with our community partners (e.g. capacity-building workshops, leadership coaching and trustee placements). I am currently leading on the Digital Inclusion programme, where ELBA supports and facilitates a range of digital skills sessions across east London, including the Device Donations programme. The objective behind these sessions is to empower the community members, enabling independent access to digital applications and devices. This is a great way generate a social opportunity to reduce isolation and loneliness, and social disconnection as a result.

I also lead on Leaders in Partnership, which is a long-established programme designed to support and strengthen the leadership of the voluntary sector in east London. Volunteers from across ELBA’s business partners have the opportunity to become a coach. Coaches are paired with a community leader for a ten month, 1:1 partnership, where they will support their partner to overcome key challenges and to develop as a professional. I am currently running my 5^th cohort this autumn.

Three words to describe yourself
Resilient, Driven and Empathetic.

Tell us one thing that people may not know about you
I love home fragrances. I make my own luxury wax melts and have my own little Etsy shop!

Tell us the best thing about working for ELBA
Having been born and raised in Tower Hamlets, being able to support and collaborate with community organisations in my borough and beyond is incredibly fulfilling. My background is in charity work, and my role at ELBA allows me to reconnect with my passion – giving back and engaging with inspiring organisations that are making a real difference.

Name your favourite place in east London and why
Bartlett Park – tucked away in Poplar within Tower Hamlets is a beautiful gem loved by local communities. A park I grew up in and still visit on a weekly basis with my children. It has received the Green Flag Award recognising the community use and sustainable management. My favourite part of the park is the inclusive playground, designed for all children including those with Special Educational Needs.

Complete this sentence: ‘The absolute best thing about volunteering is…’
…The joy of touching lives in ways big and small, and realising that while you set out to give, you end up receiving even more – gratitude and a deeper sense of humanity.