Meet the team

DIRECTOR

Jenny Dawes, the Trust Director has been with the Trust since it started in 1990, but has worked with charities for some years before that. She has introduced various innovative practices into the community of Tower Hamlets, many of which have been adopted on a national level, and has worked hand in hand with various groups and individuals in this diverse area. Having administered a governmental small grants scheme for the London boroughs of Newham and Hackney, she is now extending the work of the Trust to those boroughs and the City of London.

ASSISTANT TO THE DIRECTOR / OFFICE MANAGER

Sandie Bourne

, our Office Manager, is responsible for the organisation of the Trust. She coordinates the Trust’s work programme for more than a dozen part time staff, and matches their availability and skills with the needs of the Trust. Sandie is looking to further her education by obtaining a PhD in Dance Studies.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANT

Maria Grace, is currently studying for her AAT qualification and wishes to become a qualified accountant.

ADMINISTRATION, COMMUNICATION & DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Sheila Begum, a former YouthBank Tower Hamlets member, has a degree in Business Computing Systems. She speaks Sylheti.

Sharon Quansah has a masters in Law. She is currently pursuing her professional studies.

Alison McMillen has extensive experience in trade marketing and sales.

DEVELOPMENT & GRANTS OFFICER

Yussef Ali, the Trust’s grants officer, is a Somali speaker. He has a degree in Communication and Technology; and is an expert in photography and film with a particular interest in Islamic and European history and culture.

PROJECT MANAGER/ DEVELOPMENT

Shubi Choudhury, a former YouthBank Tower Hamlets member, is a qualified Information & Communication Technology teacher with a BA in Commercial Studies with pathway in IT. She is interested in event and project management.

PROJECT MANAGER

Zoya Mustafa, the former YouthBank Tower Hamlets Project Coordinator, is a specialist in youth training and a former consultant with the Public Policy Research Unit at Queen Mary, University of London. She is now responsible for Fundraising and Special Projects of the Trust.

PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR, YOUTHBANK TOWER HAMLETS

Shamina Khanum, a former special needs teaching assistant at Mulberry School for Girls and a panel member of YouthBank Tower Hamlets, has a degree in Social Policy and Politics from Goldsmith’s College, University of London. She is a Sylheti speaker.

Mohammed Rafi is experienced in project management and youthwork. He has a level three qualification in youthwork and a BA in Human Resource Management.

ACTIVE VOLUNTEER

Brian Daubney, a writer and lecturer on London and restorer of historic buildings, has been associated with the Trust since its inception. He has been particularly involved in the writing and production of the Trust's reports and publications.