+ Roula Kheder

she/her

"Hello, my name is Roula, and I am a Syrian refugee who has recently joined the Routes team as the Project Development Manager. My primary responsibility entails leading and collaborating on the design of the Routes to Employment project. Together with women who have lived similar experiences and our business partners, I will be exploring ways to enhance employment opportunities for refugee women in London.

My expertise lies in initiating and executing projects that generate social impact. I have gained previous work experience in both the environmental and social impact sectors. I am passionate about empowering and motivating women from backgrounds similar to mine, enabling them to flourish and pursue new routes of personal growth."

+ Wieke Vink

she/her

"As Routes' Head of Programmes, I co-design our flag-ship Mentoring Programme - a 4 month programme that includes training opportunities and 10 hours of 1:1 mentoring. I also work on developing new programmes, and deliver talks and trainings for businesses and external organisations.

Together with the wider team, it's my role to make sure that our Programmes provide insightful learning, and that mentors and mentees on our Mentoring Programmes have the support they need to make the most out of the experience. Confidence-building, mutual learning, community organising and leadership development are all things I am highly passionate about - and I love supporting that in the Routes community!"

+ Hanna Kubbutat-Byrne

she/her

"Hello! I'm Hanna, Head of Business Development and Partnerships, new to Routes in April 2023. I'm responsible for generating our earned income and lead on all-things partnerships. I develop new partnerships and deepen our existing ones, adding strength to our already mighty team to maintain our impact in creative, sustainable and thoughtful ways.

My professional background spans a few sectors, yet circumvents transformation and belonging, richly leaning into storytelling. I'm excited to be a part of the Routes team, where I am able to collate these aspects of learning to uphold our belief that a connected society is a stronger, kinder and more resilient one"

+ Maryam Bahar Sadat

she/her

''Hi, I am Maryam, the newest Routes Mentoring Programme Manager. I am part of a team of two working towards a seamless experience for participants throughout the mentoring journey. I work closely with the Routes Programme Team to organise sessions for both mentors and mentees and focus on providing ongoing support for our Mentoring Programme participants to ensure they receive personalised guidance.

With almost a decade of experience in programme and project management, primarily in the humanitarian sector, I’ve led initiatives that support vulnerable communities globally. With my background in Law, Business Management and International Conflict, I’m equipped with a solid foundation in strategic planning, leadership and conflict resolution.

I joined the Routes Mentoring Programme to help empower refugee and asylum-seeking women by providing them support and guidance they need to rebuild their lives and reach their full potential.''

+ Leyla Mclennan

she/her

"I founded Routes, with Daisy, at the beginning of 2018 so I've done every job in the organisation at some point!

My role is now focussed on supporting the team, and steering the organisation as it grows and develops. I lead on impact measurement, fundraising, finance, governance and strategy. I love creating new projects with intentional, individualised and thoughtful design that have deep impact.

My background spans social innovation and impact, law, community theatre and film production. Professionally, I am a facilitator, learner and innovator.

+ Tamana Safi

she/her

"I am Tamana, born and raised in Afghanistan, based in the UK since 2018. I am expert by experience and academically qualified to work with and support people from refugee and asylum backgrounds to integrate in the host communities.

As Mentoring Programme Manager, my role is to ensure the smooth delivery of the Mentoring Programme to make a 4 month rewarding journey for them. Working along with the Routes team my priority is to facilitate the journey from recruitment, to impact measurement, communication and providing ongoing support to ensure that participants’ experience is smooth and Routes' objectives are met. I am highly passionate about Routes objectives 'to support and champion women with experience of the hostile UK asylum system'."

+ Teri Ann Bobb Baxter

"I am an actress and drama facilitator, owner of Speak Up Drama Workshops. I have performed in a wide range of Theatre productions and Television such as, BBC, Netflix, Theatre Royal Haymarket and National Theatre. When I was a child I always found it hard to communicate and concentrate at school and when drama was introduced to me, I found it easier to express myself, which helped me to build my confidence.

I believe that there is significant importance for all ages to get up and express themselves in a fun filled environment! I get great satisfaction from witnessing participants lose all inhibitions when immersing themselves in a role."

+ Kate Beales

”I’m a writer, theatre maker and facilitator, working with communities and groups. Over the past thirty years, I’ve worked for organisations in the UK and around the world, including the National Theatre of Hamburg and the Learning Department of the National Theatre of London, where I’m a Senior Artist and Practitioner. I’m also an Associate Artist with Project Phakama, supporting marginalised young people in East London. I’m proud to be part of the Routes facilitator team and to support their amazing work.”

+ Clare Murphy

"I am an Irish born international storyteller who works all over the world. I have worked with NASA Jet Propulsion Lab, the British Council and the National Theatre London.

I have worked with Routes since 2020 teaching storytelling skills, online communication skills and public speaking skills. I am proud to be counted amongst the Routes team!"

+ Ann Ogbomo

”I am an actor, mediator and drama facilitator. As an actor I work in film, television and theatre. As a mediator I run my own business helping people resolve commercial, civil and workplace disputes. And as a facilitator I train people on various courses and programmes from drama and presentation skills to advocacy, leadership and mediation.

Creativity, communication and dialogue are at the heart of everything I do. I am creative in the way I work with people, I share my knowledge and skills in effective communication and I facilitate people to have transformative dialogues.”

+ Eva Edo

"I’m a writer for the stage and screen whose creative practice celebrates the stories of women and young people who are at the heart of what I do. I also enjoy doing facilitation work in and with communities. In 2019 I helped facilitate workshops with the Routes community ending in a celebratory show called "I am Alive -The Power of Women". In 2020 I was again able to support Routes and provide on-line play writing workshops called "Discover Your Voice" which focused on the participant's individual uniqueness as a starting point for writing a stage play. I also delivered “Still I Rise” a creative writing session which celebrated our strengths as women."

+ Alice Palmer

"I am a workshop practitioner, public speaker and advocate for people in emotional distress. I have worked in settings ranging from refugee camps in France to homeless shelters in South London, using the arts to support wellbeing and self-expression."

Alice has worked with Routes since 2018 as a workshop volunteer and, more recently, delivering workshops in Online Communication Skills as part of the Mentoring Programme.

+ Anuradha Chugh

she/her

"I firmly believe that businesses can - and should - tackle climate change and address inequality. I am privileged to lead a values led progressive business like Ben & Jerry’s as Managing Director, Europe. I have over 22 years’ experience in FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods), leading some of Unilever’s flagship brands including Dove, Lipton and Ben & Jerry’s, where I have held senior management roles in Europe with prior experience in US, Latin America, Turkey & India. I am passionate about using the power of business to make a positive impact in society and I am not afraid to step out of my comfort zone to drive change. I am married to Rohit and we have two kids Aditi and Varun and love spending time outdoor with our dog Alfie."

+ Daisy Jacobs

they/them

"I co-founded Routes with Leyla in 2018 with the aim of creating spaces of joy, welcome and patience, in opposition to the UK's Hostile Environment.

In April 2023, after five years leading Routes with Leyla, I stepped away from my day-to-day role in the organisation, which you can read more about here. As well as continuing to support and champion Routes' work as a board member, I am embarking on a travel fellowship to research the roles that rituals and traditions can play in supporting individuals in times of transition. I am also a freelance facilitator, running workshops and trainings covering a range of topics.

I firmly believe in the work we do at Routes, and am committed to driving us towards our mission, supporting women with experience of seeking safety to build fulfilling lives in the UK."

+ Kelsey-Rae Williams

she/her

"I am a British-born Canadian living and working in South London. I have spent the past five years working across policy and project management roles in the Civil Service including my most recent role leading an anti-racism project within the Department for Education as well as roles in the Cabinet Office, Department for Exiting the EU and the Government Equalities Office. I am currently the Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and am extremely passionate about authentic initiatives around diversity, equality and inclusion which centre lived experience and intrinsic owners. I also consult independently with organisations on building anti-racism into their organisations.

I love cooking, eating, dancing and am excited to find ways to add value to Routes' latest endeavours."

+ Felicity Hooper

She/her

"I have over 18 years experience in financial services, working in a leadership role and I am delighted to be able to bring my financial knowledge to my role as Treasurer for Routes. I was lucky enough to become a mentor in the Routes 2021 cohort. This opportunity allowed me to experience first hand how the mentoring programme empowers women to grow, build relationships and develop confidence and skills. I am passionate about the valuable impact Routes provides to their community and I am looking forward to bringing my skills to add value to the board.

I love running and can often be found out exploring on a trail. In 2023 I ran the length of the South West Coast Path raising money for a disability charity and the Bike project, who support asylum seekers and refugees."

+ Martha Atuheire

she/her

"I am achievement oriented and always ready to achieve tasks in time and to get experience through learning while creating a positive impact. I have a Bachelors degree in Social Work and Social Administration from Kyambogo University. I have worked with Uganda Girl Guides Association, working with women and girls initiatives and advocacy. I am enthusiastic about implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s), specifically around gender equality and women’s empowerment.

It is this background and passion that makes me interested in working with Routes in order to amplify our voices for equality for women seeking safety in the UK. I took part in the Routes programme as a mentee - you can read an article about my experience here."

+ Yerivan Al Jaf

she/her

"I am a passionate advocate for the rights of refugees and young people, and have worked with refugee and migrant communities in the UK and France since 2013. I have supported individuals at all stages of the UK asylum process, principally through roles with the British Red Cross. I am currently a Casework Coordinator in the BRC's Young Refugee Services, working with unaccompanied asylum seeking children and young people in London.

I am interested in deepening mutual understanding through my practice, and empowering asylum seekers to explore their ambitions and interests."