Our staff make City Year UK happen! They share our commitment to tackling educational inequality and giving young people the skills they'll need in their future lives.
Programme Team
Ryan is City Year UK’s Associate Programme Manager in London, where he leads his team of Impact Officers to thrive in their work as they support their City Year Mentors. Ryan believes in the power of young people to make a difference and is committed to creating a positive impact through his work and actions.
Who is your hero?
My hero is Johnny Cash, a man who used his fame to campaign for important causes like Native American rights and prison reform. Although he had many demons and made numerous mistakes, his example shows how we all have the ability to overcome our flaws and be a force for good in the world.
What is the most powerful book you have ever read?
Based on a true story of a horrific murder of a family in Kansas, "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote is a mesmerising, in-depth character study which humanises the two young men who committed the reprehensible act.
What is your best career advice?
Don’t trust your gut; it is often wrong. Instead, do as much research as you can into career options and rank your options according to the most important criteria to you. Pursue your top options, and revise your plan every six months to keep on track.
Sally is City Year UK's Associate Programme Manager for Greater Manchester and the West Midlands. Sally has worked in Primary Education for many years before joining City Year UK in August 2022, and hopes to utilise this experience to develop and coach the City Year Mentors to enable them to offer the very best support to young learners across the region.
Who is your hero?
My hero is Malala Yousafzai. As a mother of young women, she inspires me and reminds me not to take education for granted. I would like for my daughters (and for the young people that we reach) to recognise the power in education, and to appreciate and value the opportunities that lie ahead of them.
What is the most powerful book you have ever read?
One of the most powerful books that I enjoyed reading to pupils was "Holes" by Louis Sachar as it provoked powerful and challenging discussions around diversity and prejudice.
What is your best career advice?
Go for it! Be the change and make it happen. You are responsible for your own growth, you can drive self improvement and improvement in others.
Kimboshane is a City Year UK Impact Officer, based in London. Kimboshane has over 10 years of experience working with children and young people, with a background in secondary education where she worked as a Deputy Head of Year. Kimboshane believes in providing a stimulating environment for children and young people to uncover their strengths and thrive.
Who is your hero?
I don’t have one, however, there are many people that I appreciate for various reasons and aim to apply any knowledge they have imparted on to me.
What is the most powerful book you have ever read?
“Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown. This book discusses the power of vulnerability in all aspects of life and the strength it holds.
What is your best career advice?
Dip your toes in anything that feels right, it is better to make a decision based on experience rather than assumption. Don’t be a wisher, be a doer!
Mia is a City Year UK Impact Officer based in Coventry. She joined City Year in November 2022. Mia has worked across different sectors of youth work over the last nine years, from a summer camp in New York to working with young people through her own animal therapy centre. Mia enjoys seeing her volunteers make a difference to inner-city schools and is proud to manage two teams of amazing City Year Mentors.
Who is your hero?
My hero is Carrie Hope Fletcher.
What is the most powerful book you have ever read?
The most powerful book I have read is “Wonder” by R. J. Palacio.
What is your best career advice?
If you want something bad enough, you can make it happen.
Hope is an Impact and Programme Officer for City Year UK and is based in Greater Manchester. She studied Psychology at the University of Manchester, during which she completed a placement year with City Year UK, serving as a City Year Mentor. Hope is incredibly passionate about social justice, and is dedicated to fighting for equality and empowering others.
Who is your hero?
My hero is Emma Watson. I am so inspired by her passion and work towards equality, and she uses her platform to advocate for social change which I think is incredibly powerful.
What is the most powerful book you have ever read?
The most powerful book I’ve ever read is "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak - this book changed my life. It is written so beautifully and really gives you a different perspective on the world. I couldn’t recommend enough.
What is your best career advice?
My best career advice would be to take every opportunity and go out of your comfort zone! It will give you so much experience and skills and will definitely shape your interests.
Jennifer has over 25 years teaching experience with children and young people in primary, secondary and college settings. Her roles have ranged from teaching the primary curriculum to health education and employability. Her role with City Year is as an Impact Officer and she is proud to serve in Birmingham.
Who is your hero?
My parents and their generation - they rose above the storms of prejudice, isolation and opposition determined to give the next generation opportunities to rise, flourish and ‘mek dem proud’.
What is the most powerful book you have ever read?
The Bible - deep, profound, enriching and practical.
What is your best career advice?
Go for opportunities that challenge and take you out of your comfort zone.
Jenny is an Impact Officer who is committed to supporting children and young people. She volunteered as a City Year Mentor in 2019/20, while completing her degree in Psychology and Business, later returning to City Year as a School Service Leader. Now, Jenny is proud to be an Impact Officer and to manage a team of passionate mentors in the West Midlands.
Who is your hero?
My sister has always been the person who gives me strength to do things I'm afraid of.
What is the most powerful book you have ever read?
"This is How You Lose the Time War" by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone. It's written in a unique way that could have easily seemed like a gimmick, but that feels so natural for this story and characters. I loved this book, and would recommend it to anyone.
What is your best career advice?
Find a purpose in your work that always guides your actions.
Louise is a City Year Impact Officer, based in London, UK. She has over 15 years of experience teaching and leading in the education sector, including leading management teams as Curriculum Director in a large, merged college. Her focus has always been supporting less advantaged young people to break down barriers and reach their potential.
Who is your hero?
I don’t have one specific hero, I am inspired by stories about women who work to benefit others and the society they are part of - who want to make long term, positive differences in their communities and personal circles.
What is the most powerful book you have ever read?
I’ve just finished reading "The Lido" by Libby Page. It’s a beautiful reminder of the importance of community, reaching out for help and what people can achieve when they work together. It’s also all about cold water swimming which I love!
What is your best career advice?
My best career advice is to seek to follow what you feel is your personal mission, rather than attaching yourself to a particular organisation or targeting a particular job role. Your career will change and develop over time and having a clear mission or thing you want to do/contribute to can be your guiding light as you explore different opportunities.
Volunteer Recruitment & School Partnerships
Lucy is a City Year UK School Partnership Officer and is committed to helping young people grow in their self esteem, stand out and shine. Lucy had a career in advertising and then pivoted to being in the third sector. Before being at City Year UK, Lucy worked at CoramBeanstalk for many years, supporting children in primary schools across London to foster a love of reading and making their voices heard.
Who is your hero?
My Dad who died when I was young. He was really funny, modest, kind, driven and had a strict moral code but he had a real sparkle and was dearly loved by everyone.
What is the most powerful book you have ever read?
Difficult one! It might be a bit of a cliche to recommend it but for me it has to be "Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone". I bought this book when it first appeared and I LOVED it. I became entranced by Hogwarts, their magical world and all the characters. I have then re-read them with my children who became equally spellbound and so I was able to enjoy them all over again. Therefore, these books will always have a special place in my heart.
What is your best career advice?
Things generally have a way of working out! Remain true to your values and beliefs and take opportunities to grow. And don’t be hard on yourself.
Bethany is the Regional Senior Recruitment Officer for the West Midlands and Greater Manchester. A qualified primary school teacher with a PGCE, Bethany's background in education drives her dedication to tackling educational inequality and supporting the development of young people in underserved communities.
Who is your hero?
My sibling has always been my hero, for their unwavering authenticity and dedication to being a voice for others. Their courage and integrity inspire me every day.
What is the most powerful book you have ever read?
‘Humans’ by Brandon Stanton contains some of the most powerful stories I’ve read. The raw, real-life stories and intimate photographs in this collection from ‘Humans of New York’ captivate and move me, showcasing the depth of human experience from all around the world.
What is your best career advice?
My best career advice is to stay curious and never stop learning. Embrace changes in direction, as they are not setbacks but opportunities to apply your existing knowledge in new ways. View every challenge as a chance for growth and development
Holleh is the Recruitment & Engagement Officer for London. She has been working in the charity/non-profit sector since her time in university. She is passionate about the volunteer experience and ensuring young people with drive can make a difference. Anti-oppression, equity, and community building are at the core of her belief system, and she integrates that into work.
Who is your hero?
My mum. She is the most hardworking and passionate person I know. I will forever be grateful for everything she has taught me.
What is the most powerful book you have ever read?
“Men Who Hate Women” by Laura Bates
What is your best career advice?
Work collaboratively. As much as your work can be your own, the support, advice, and opinions of your coworkers always goes a long way, do not overlook it. Ask for feedback, talk to different departments, gain as much knowledge and best practice from your peers rather than depending solely on your own understanding.
External Relations
Gabriele is the Development Officer at City Year UK. With a background in the charity and education sectors, Gabriele is passionate about improving the lives of young people and working towards tackling social inequalities, and previously served as an Impact Officer at City Year in London.
Who is your hero?
My heroes are my two nieces. Since they were born, they have inspired me to continue to make the world a better place for them and other young people’s future.
What is the most powerful book you have ever read?
The most powerful book I’ve ever read is actually a children’s book: "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein. I love reading, but this one has stuck with me since childhood, which I have passed down to my nieces. The lesson to appreciate what you have and ultimately to take care of yourself and have boundaries is an important one!
What is your best career advice?
“You can do anything you set your mind to…”
A multifaceted creative professional with 17+ years of marketing, digital and advertising experience spanning the arts & culture, education and commercial sectors, Ruxandra is currently leading the marketing and communications strategy at City Year UK. Working closely with all teams across London, Greater Manchester and West Midlands, Ruxandra manages a variety of major marketing campaigns and initiatives, with a particular focus on strengthening the brand and generating high-quality leads, contributing significantly to supporting profile-raising and income growth. Outside of work, she is also a photographer and writes fiction.
Who is your hero?
I don’t have a hero as such, but there are a handful of people that I look up to or am inspired by, at the top being my mum who is the most selfless and resilient person I know and my daughter who is constantly teaching me something new about myself and life in general.
What is the most powerful book you have ever read?
Hard to choose just one… “Steppenwolf” by Hermann Hesse and Marilynne Robinson’s trilogy "Gilead" / "Home" / "Lila" - I read them at completely different times (late teens / late twenties), but they stuck with me as, in essence, they all explore what it is that fills our life with meaning.
What is your best career advice?
Don’t settle for comfortable, settle for something that you love doing. Getting there (or finding out what that is) can feel disheartening at times, but do not shy away from taking risks and keep exploring your options.
Central Services
Over the past 6 years, James has worked in the third sector, starting his work in HR at the NCS The Challenge before joining the City Year UK team. A committed people and operations generalist, James is currently completing two masters degrees: MBA, MSc HRO, alongside his work for CYUK.
Who is your hero?
Stephen Fry, who said, ‘“I am a lover of truth, a worshipper of freedom, a celebrant at the altar of language and purity and tolerance. That is my religion, and every day I am sorely, grossly, heinously and deeply offended, wounded, mortified and injured by a thousand different blasphemies against it”.
What is the most powerful book you have ever read?
"On Liberty" by John Stuart Mill.
What is your best career advice?
"You must be the master of your own kingdom" - Guy Ritchie
Education is Sofia's passion. The knowledge and skills she has acquired from her years as a primary school teacher have helped her support her team of volunteers with the work they do with children. As Associate Impact and Data Manager, she feels she can help make a difference to our upcoming generations.
Who is your hero?
Ludovico Einaudi - I admire his extraordinary talent.
What is the most powerful book you have ever read?
"The Bookseller Of Kabul" by Asne Seierstad - a fascinating story which really puts our own lives into perspective.
What is your best career advice?
Keep your doors open and don’t be afraid to explore your options and try new paths.
Mahjabin initially joined as a Finance Officer and is now the Finance Manager at City Year UK. She has been with the charity for the past five years. She is a part-qualified accountant (ACCA affiliate), with over eight years of experience working in the charity sector focusing on disadvantaged youth, particularly from BAME communities. She is responsible for overseeing the City Year Mentors’ payment process across the sites, managing and supporting the Finance Officer as well as business partnering with other departments of the organisation, led by the Financial Controller. She is also a mum to two little boys.
Who is your hero?
My parents who have been my pillars of strength every step of the way.
What is the most powerful book you have ever read?
"Reclaim Your Heart" by Yasmin Mogahed.
What is your best career advice?
Believe in yourself, seek to learn from your mistakes and be truthful and dedicated in what you set out to do.
Mariyam worked at a five-star hotel for five years before joining City Year UK in 2017 as Operation Coordinator as well as Finance Officer. Having a rich experience in customer service, this role enabled her to work hand-in-hand with staff, volunteers and external customers which she is very passionate about.
Who is your hero?
Anita Smith - founder of the Bansang Hospital Appeal. The Bansang Hospital Appeal is an award-winning charity dedicated to improving healthcare delivery in a remote region of The Gambia. Since 1992, its founder Anita Smith (MBE MRG) has dedicated her life to reversing its once terminal decline.
What is the most powerful book you have ever read?
The Quran which is a source of guidance.
What is your best career advice?
Never give up on your dreams, do not let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do. Like they say, the only disability in life is a bad attitude.
