Our team

Russell brings over 25 years of implementing strategic change.  After a career in the technology, media and telecoms sector, he has spent the last 15 years leading charities that empower young people to reach their potential in sport and education.  Since joining Speakers Trust, Russell has led the geographic expansion and digital transformation of our work.

Victoria has a robust background in education, youth work and public speaking – as well as a degree in History from Goldsmiths College, University of London. She loves to meet and work with a variety of people. Victoria strongly believes that everyone should have a voice to speak about whatever it is that is important to them.

Alanna has a background in drama and arts education, with nine years of experience in managing charity and education programmes. She is passionate about the power of play and the importance of creativity in education.

Victoria has a background in literacy education, and six years’ experience managing national education and training programmes. She is passionate about providing young people with as many opportunities as possible to achieve their full potential, empowering them to communicate their ideas and express themselves through the arts and creativity.

Coming from a musical background, Becky strongly believes that non-core subjects and skills shouldn’t be forgotten about. Working solely on Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge for nearly seven years, she’s seen the transformation it can make to students and is keen to support the programme for many years to come.

As the Raising Standard Assistant in an Essex Academy, Anna spent 10 years supporting young people of all abilities from ‘more able’ students to those with specific educational and emotional needs achieve their full potential.

Having worked with young people from varying backgrounds, Anna believes all young people deserve to have access to the same opportunities regardless of their background and abilities. With the right support all young people can achieve their full potential, the sky’s the limit if they are given the opportunity.

Claire trained as an actor and has a background in youth and community work and event production. As a creative facilitator and project-manager, she has worked across the UK with all types of mainstream and specialist schools, alternative provisions, prisons and theatres. She is passionate about giving young people opportunities to express themselves and develop their life skills and wellbeing. Claire loves to see the impact of confidence-building projects and is therefore delighted to manage regional programmes across the UK.

Hana’s background in Politics and International Relations alongside her passion for empowering the youth began with her role as a teaching assistant during university where she discovered her calling in assisting young minds. Through this journey, Hana’s involvement with Speakers Trust has upheld her aspirations as she is dedicated to empowering youth, amplifying their voices, and fostering leadership skills, making a lasting impact on the next generation.

Christabel has many years of experience working in education charities and is passionate about ensuring that all young people have access to resources, that will make them feel empowered. Christabel is delighted to join Speakers Trust, and to support the mission of enabling young people to build their communication skills and feel confident in using their voices to make a change. 

Amal has a background in primary school teaching. She was drawn to her role at Speakers Trust as she could continue working in an education setting and with young people. She believes strongly that when young people are empowered and their voices are amplified, this awareness plays a crucial role in their personal development and overall well-being and empathy.

With a background in choreography and creative production for dance and theatre, Konstantina is keen to bring her creative insight into the world of education, with an emphasis on helping younger people find their voice. She believes communication is a fundamental life value, and cannot wait to see younger generations gain the confidence to manifest their dreams into existence.

Melanie has a background in theatre and games and is passionate about using play and interactive experiences to challenge, empower and inspire. She has over 14 years of experience working with arts charities in a variety of capacities covering programme development and delivery, business planning, fundraising, devising and delivering workshops, and team management and mentoring. Mel loves the Speakers Trust mission and is happiest when attending events and seeing young people (and their families) beaming with pride.

Hilary is an award winning trainer who knows how to bring out the best in people. She has twenty years’ experience in communication skills. She is passionate about giving individuals the tools and techniques that will enable them to step out of their comfort zones and fully express themselves.