“I Want Every Young Person Who Encounters Aleto to Walk Away Knowing They Matter.”

My journey with Aleto started while I was leading a social media campaign at Avanade UK & Ireland. That’s when I met Veronica (aka Mama V), Shezad, and the rest of the team. Their energy and purpose were infectious, and I was instantly drawn in.

At the time, I was actively looking for trustee opportunities. What struck me was how few charities were seeking out marketing professionals. Most boards leaned heavily on legal, finance, or operational backgrounds. All of that is important, of course, but I saw a real opportunity for marketing to add value, especially when it comes to amplifying a charity’s voice and impact.

When I discovered Aleto, it just made sense. It aligned with my passion for mentoring and for helping create space where others can grow. Becoming a trustee in 2022 was a huge personal milestone. It was also a chance to support a mission I care deeply about.

Listening First, Then Leading

As a trustee, I believe my role starts with listening to the young people we serve, to the team, and to the rest of the board. From there, I use my platform and experience to help shape the direction we’re going.

Sometimes that means contributing to the business strategy or strengthening Aleto’s voice through marketing. Other times, it means getting stuck in with mentoring, which has honestly been one of the most fulfilling parts of this experience.

I want to help build the kind of ecosystem I wish I’d had growing up, one that sees your potential, nurtures it, and gives it the space it needs to thrive.

The Impact You Can Feel

I’ve had the privilege of mentoring two incredible young people through Aleto. Seeing their growth up close has been powerful.

One of them said, “She helped me define my values, set goals aligned with these in very creative and introspective ways, whilst challenging me to be daring and bold.” That kind of reflection reminds me why this work matters so much.

Aleto gives young people more than just access to opportunities. It gives them confidence. It gives them a sense of community. And maybe most importantly, it gives them clarity around who they are and what they can achieve.

The Challenges We're Taking On

One of the biggest challenges I see is access, not just access to opportunities, but access to the belief that those opportunities are actually for you.

Aleto meets that head on. We build a bridge between ambition and achievement. What makes us effective is that we’re grounded in lived experience. Everyone involved understands what it’s like to navigate spaces where you might not feel like you belong. We don’t show up with just advice. We show up with empathy, honesty, and action.

Where We're Headed

Looking ahead, I’d love to see Aleto grow its reach while staying rooted in that human, heart-led approach. I want us to be present in more universities and communities, not just in London but across the UK. I want Aleto to become a name people associate with leadership and mentorship, especially for young people who’ve often been left out of those conversations.

Most of all, I want every young person who encounters Aleto to walk away knowing they matter. That they’re capable of extraordinary things.

A Few Words for Future Leaders

If you’re a young person thinking about leadership or how to make a difference, here’s my advice: own your story. You don’t need a perfect background or a traditional path to lead. Leadership can look like showing up. Listening deeply. Choosing to support others, even when no one’s watching.

For me, moving to a new country and stepping into unfamiliar environments taught me a lot about resilience, confidence, and making space for others. I’ve learned that leadership starts with empathy, not by needing to relate to every experience, but by being open enough to learn from them and help others rise.

Feel free to connect. I’d love to hear from you.