Our Team
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DONNA JOHN
Director
I have lived in Harrow for most of my life and mother to two grown up children. I am deeply committed to helping young people succeed, and passionate about helping those affected by the criminal justice system or who face systemic discrimination. With over 15 years operational and strategic management experience in the voluntary and criminal justice sector I am always at my best when I feel I can make a difference to someone's life. Experience has shown me what can happen to youngsters when things go wrong ... but equally how important positive interventions are in helping young people to overcome barriers and turn their lives around.
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ABDUL AHMED
Operations Manager
Abdul has over 10 years experience working in the voluntary sector providing support to vulnerable people, many of which have been affected by the criminal justice system. He lives locally and is passionate about helping marginalised young people, and supporting them to transcend unseen barriers that prevent them in reaching their full potential; especially with education and employment. In his spare time he tutors young men who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford it, in addition to being a father of two young children.
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CLEMENTINA CHRISTOPHER
Youth Worker (Employment)
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RAKHI SHRESTHA DALI
Finance and Office Administrator
I joined Ignite Youth in 2020 as Finance and Admin Administrator. I am originally from Nepal and now live in the UK with my husband and son. I have several years of experience in accounting and bookkeeping back in Nepal and 7 years bookkeeping experience in the UK. Working at Ignite is my first experience of working with a charity and I am loving it! In my free time I like to do gardening and being outdoors - I love nature.
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DESHEA GORDON
Fundraising and Development Officer
Deshea is the Fundraising and Development Officer at Ignite Youth, bringing over a decade of experience within the voluntary and non-profit sector to the role.
Deshea is passionate about connecting with local and corporate businesses to secure vital funds for Ignite, and she finds immense satisfaction in facilitating partnerships that enable the organisation to create a positive impact on the lives of those young people we support.
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KEISHA LAMPTEY
Youth Voice and Participation Worker (Intern)
I joined Ignite Youth as part of the Jack Petchey Internship Programme because I’m passionate about amplifying young people's voices and ensuring they have a say in the decisions that affect them.
Born and raised in Harrow, I have a deep connection to the community and a strong understanding of the experiences many young people face.
My background in youth work and communications has allowed me to create engaging resources, run youth-led projects, and support young people in meaningful ways.
At Ignite, I’m excited to build platforms where young people can speak up, share their stories, and realise their potential.
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MICHAEL LUKE
Youth Worker (Criminal Justice)
Came to youth work twelve years ago with a passion to help fatherless young males make positive choices for their lives and to use his own story to bring hope for change and a better way of life. Hot on showing respect for females, hard work and healthy family values, Mike believes young people are our future, and therefore just wants to help, support and encourage them to success. Michael joined Ignite in 2013.
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PATRICIA MITCHELL
Data Analyst
Patricia lives local to Harrow and has previously worked in Sustainability, primarily focused around data analysis.
Now, I'm very much looking forward to supporting Ignite through its work and the positive impact it has on the community.
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CALVIN MOSES
Youth Worker (Sports)
Calvin is an experienced and dedicated youth worker and mentor. Born and raised in Harrow, he has a deep connection to his community and a passion for helping the next generation reach their full potential.
Outside of work, Calvin is a passionate footballer, and he plays semi-professional football as well as five-a-side football …. as well as being an avid spectator!
Calvin believes that mentoring helps young people to not only improve their skills and talents but also build their confidence and discipline. Through his work, he strives to create a positive and supportive environment where young people can grow both personally and athletically.
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SERENA NWOKOYE
Youth Worker (Girls)
Serena has well over a decade of experience working with children, young people and young adults in a variety of settings and lives local to Harrow. Having started her youth work journey as a generic youth worker she then progressed into project based youth for a charity in South London and has also worked within social housing to support young residents, in young offenders prisons and in secondary schools as a school mentor. Serena is also very active with youth work in her church, having volunteered with them since she was a teenager.
‘I have a real desire to see young people thrive, grow in confidence, build their resilience, feel safe and experience joy while they develop and achieve’.
Outside of youth work, Serena has a real passion for music, singing and song writing, self-care and natural hair care and has spoken at different events on these topics. In her spare time she loves spending time with her family, husband and two children.
