Our Team
-
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.
-
ABDUL AHMED
Youth Work 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.
-
TROY NORBERT
Fundraising and Operations Manager
Troy has lived in Harrow his whole life, he is an ex-Ignite young person, and was our Employment Lead for 3 years. He joins us from the charity QCCA, where he was Head of Youth Services. He is also a school Governor at Canons High School and a trustee at the charity Partnership for Young London.
"My experience as the Employment Lead for Ignite gives me a deep understanding of the needs of young people and the challenges they face. I am very grateful to continue my journey with Ignite and support them to understand the needs of their service users, improve their existing services and programmes, or develop new ones which will meet the needs of service users."Troy's love of protein bars is legendary and something he intends to bring to the role! -
MICHAEL LUKE
Youth Worker (Gangs)
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.
-
TAISHON McLARTY
Youth Worker (Sports)
I have been a local harrow resident for most of my life and started attending Ignite Youth sessions over 12 years ago. The guidance of my sports coaches and youth workers was influential in fuelling my passion to spark change in young people’s lives, particularly those at risk. I believe using sport to transform the lives of young people by providing them with career changing opportunities or a safe place to play sports with friends. Working with small groups and one to one mentoring provides an opportunity to help young people who are particularly at risk overcome barriers and reach their full potential. In my spare time I run a football academy with the aim of showcasing local talented players by competing in a league frequently attended by scouts from professional clubs.
-
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.
-
TOMOYAH CAMPBELL
Youth Worker (Employment)
As a young person I struggled with socialising and had difficulties at school, but despite these challenges I was keen to further my education. I went to college and then onto university to complete a degree in Psychology and have worked in the voluntary sector for over ten years delivering support and employability initiatives to vulnerable adults and young people. I have made a commitment now to inspire and motivate young people from adverse backgrounds.
In my spare time I enjoy cooking and music, both singing and writing and have recently started travelling abroad - which is something I really enjoy!
-
BENADA CANE
Youth Worker (Hospital)
Working with Ignite Youth is a new experience for me, as previously I worked in education, and in voluntary sector advice organisations.
My role has allowed me to help young people who are admitted to the hospital. I have the opportunity to support, empower and guide young people in accessing services that can change their lives for the better.
-
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.
-
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.
