Director of Policy, Communications and Campaigns
What do you do at Become? I’m the Director of Policy, Campaigns & Communications so ultimately my job is to ensure that the voices of children and young people are heard by decision-makers and the public.
I support a brilliant team who drive forward our policy and research work; develop impactful campaigns and communication strategies, and ensure that children and young people are at the heart of and shaping our organisation through our participation programmes.
Can you say a bit about your past experience and qualifications? 25 years ago, whilst trying to figure out whether to go to University or not, I ‘fell’ into campaigning for human rights and I’ve been passionate about fairness, challenging structural inequality, and helping to create a more compassionate society ever since. I spent the first 17 years of my career at Amnesty International UK managing campaigns and running activist capacity building programmes, and then 7 years at The Children’s Society where, as Director of Campaigns & Youth Engagement, I delivered campaigns to change legislation, policy and practice, and led a youth engagement team to ensure youth voices were at the heart of the organisation’s new strategy.
I never did make it to University, but I’ve had the privilege to work with and learn from some amazing activists and allies along the way who have all shaped my approach to change!
What do you like about working at Become? Being part of an organisation that empowers and supports care experienced children and care leavers to advocate for the changes they want to see is such a privilege – it’s the reason everyone gets out of bed in the morning, their commitment is so genuine, and I find that inspiring and motivating
What drives you? Challenging things that aren’t fair. One of my favourite Maya Angelou quotes (and there are many – she was a very wise woman) is: ‘If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.’
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working? I love getting crafty! For the last 20 odd years, I’ve been part of a team running children’s human rights art workshops at WOMAD festival. I’m also a Trustee of Students Union UCL and I have a newly discovered passion for swimming and yoga.