Our senior leadership team brings together a wealth of experience from across the not-for-profit sector to enable inspirational, diverse young people to tackle educational inequality - and gain life changing opportunities.
Chandni joined City Year in 2023 to lead on our income growth and diversification strategy and is currently serving as Acting CEO. She has over 18 years of experience in the charity sector, having raised millions of pounds for a range of UK-based organisations in that time. Chandni has experience leading multidisciplinary teams across a range of income streams including trusts and foundations, corporate giving, major donors, individual giving and events. Her passion lies in tackling inequality, in all its forms, so that everyone, no matter their background has access to the support and opportunities they need to thrive.
Chandni also sits on the Trustee Board of her local hospice and is the Chair of the Fundraising and Growth Committee for Girls Friendly Society UK
Who is your hero?
My hero is my dad because no matter what life throws at him, he never gives up and always fights through with a smile on his face.
What is the most powerful book you have ever read?
“The Architect’s Handbook” because it made me realise that I was definitely pursuing the wrong university degree and career path, and led me to my true passion and purpose in life!
What is your best career advice?
Technically it’s not my advice but I live by the advice of some guy called John Lydgate who said “You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time”.
For the past 20 years, Dean has worked as a Senior Leader in Education, Consultant and Director in some very challenging urban environments. Dean’s previous roles have seen him establish himself as a business leader in education, with responsibility for growth and educational experience. He understands that working to develop a different approach is vital.
Who is your hero?
My dad. A man who always taught me to never stop learning, strive to achieve your goals and always be the person you want to be.
What is the most powerful book you have ever read?
Maya Angelou’s "I know why The Caged Bird Sings".
What is your best career advice?
Kaizen: a Japanese business philosophy, meaning continuous improvement.
For the past nine years, Louisa has worked within the third sector as part of recruitment, sales and partnership teams. She has led regional sales teams across the North West and Yorkshire for NCS The Challenge, and was thrilled to be able to join City Year UK in 2019 as the Schools Partnership and Volunteer Recruitment Manager, leading both teams nationally.
Who is your hero?
A hard one! I don’t think I have one particular hero but am inspired by lots of different people I have in my life: friends, family, colleagues past and present...
What is the most powerful book you have ever read?
"A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini.
What is your best career advice?
Don’t over-complicate things, keep it simple and get the basics right first.
