Daniel Zastawawny

Daniel is a young social entrepreneur who specialises in supporting socially minded organisations. He has founded two successful enterprises and worked across Europe for profit and not-for-profit organisations. Over 2000 hours of Daniel’s time has been spent volunteering for local young people’s charities and refugee projects. He was also part of a group of students who transformed a university project, Kids Adventure, in to a national charity now active in three cities. He often coordinates free training and seminars for small charities and community groups so that they can become self-sufficient and have a greater impact.

Vincent Okolo

… is an ambitious student whose long-term goal is to become a multiple business owner. He is the University of Birmingham’s elected Careers Officer and hopes to continue supporting others after his graduation by taking part in education and youth mentoring ventures.

Alison Sheffield

… is an enthusiastic professional who works to develop mutually beneficial relationships between the private and voluntary sectors. This is fed by her passion to promote sustainability, a common thread that has run throughout her undertakings from volunteering as Treasurer for Bristol Fairtrade Network and campaigning with Make Poverty History.

June Mulava

… is a dedicated, ambitious and motivated professional with a successful background in Corporate Finance. She is a qualified accountant having worked in various capacities within the Public sector for the largest local authority in Europe and currently working within Civil service.

Bryony Martin

… combines a head for business with a love of the arts and creative sector. Outside of her career as a Senior Project Surveyor with AECOM, Bryony is a keen musician and promoter of the arts currently leading on preparations for Birmingham City Choirs Centenary celebrations in 2021. In 2013, Bryony was a finalist in the Construction Category of the Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards and has since become a member of the Birmingham Future Development Committee.

Noreen Mahboob

Noreen is an experienced chartered accountant for a big 4 global accounting firm. Beyond pursing her career goals, Noreen engages in one of her passions; using her strategic business skills to support and empower her local community.

Hasan Madni

Amanda Lowe

Award winning marketing professional Amanda Lowe has led accounts for high profile companies including KPMG, Standard Life, Clyesdale, and Yorkshire Bank at renowned PR agencies in Scotland and London. In 2010, Amanda joined the team of Marketing Birmingham as Head of Communications a role in which she is responsible for promoting Birmingham’s business and tourism attributes. Amanda is also a dedicated member of Birmingham Leadership Foundation’s Non-Executive Board providing advice and support whenever she can.

Katie Kershaw

… is a knowledgeable urban designer and heritage consultant with broad experience of working on behalf of a range of public and private sector clients. Katie is also a trustee of Birmingham Conservation Trust and a member of the Birmingham Civic Society Planning Committee where she is often called upon to deliberate over planning applications.

Vijay Gola

Driven by his belief in the value of social change, Vijay is an extremely pro-active community advocate. He is an executive of The Council of Sikh Gurdwaras and a panel member of the Sparkbrook Community First Panel a role through which he oversees grant provision and governance to grassroots organisations in the local community. If that wasn’t enough, Vijay is also the Senior Executive of a registered charity and has been awarded a Good Citizens Award by the West Midlands Police for his ongoing community work.

Avril Grant

… is a professional empowerment coach and the CEO of a promising community interest company. A Vision for Empowerment delivers motivational workshops to re-ignite the passion and self-belief of participants and help them to discover their desired career pathway. Working in partnership with employment agencies, the criminal justice system and the education sector Avril has positively impacted upon the lives of community members, ex-offenders, the unemployed and Birmingham based students.

Abigail Cooke

… graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2009 and immediately pursued her passion for both Science and Education by studying for her a PGCE in Secondary Science. She became a qualified teacher at the age of 21 and quickly rose to Head of Department at the age of 25. Abigail achieved an ‘outstanding’ grade from OFSTED two years running and enjoys supporting her fellow teachers in their professional development. Abigail’s next goal is to create a new community project to empower her fellow Birmingham residents.

Anna Clifford

Beyond Anna’s professional career as a Commercial Property Solicitor she is also heavily involved in community fundraising. She has organised events and led a team in the 3 peaks challenge and the Birmingham Half Marathon.

Sarah Carruthers

Since her teenage years Sarah has been actively involved in governance and leadership, chairing her local youth council and working with the UK Youth Parliament. Following her studies Sarah became part of the research team at the University of Birmingham specialising in the field of poverty reduction. She is driven by her passion to free people from the cycle of poverty both locally and overseas.

Jonathan Cairns-Terry

… is a qualified chartered accountant who is passionate about using his skills to help others. He is an active member of his local church and leads the church’s debt counselling service. Jonathan has a strong desire to see people from all walks of life realise their potential.