We've worked with 36 leaders through the ILA since 2021. Learn more about who we've worked with and why they chose to be a part of the Impetus Leadership Academy:
Head of Communications, Bite Back,
For over 15 years, Henry has worked at the intersection of media, systems change, and community empowerment. At Bite Back, he leads on communications and strategic mobilisation for a youth-led movement challenging structural inequality in the UK food system, amplifying youth voice, influencing policy, building partnerships, and aligning narrative with measurable outcomes.
Beginning his career as a political journalist, Henry later transitioned to humanitarian communications and advocacy, working with World Vision, the United Nations World Food Programme, and the Red Cross. In these roles, he led campaigns across crisis response, policy change, and global advocacy.
“As a journalist and later in humanitarian work, I repeatedly encountered young people who were deeply articulate about the injustices affecting them, yet excluded from the rooms where decisions were made. I realised that talent and leadership potential are everywhere, but access to power is not. That recognition shifted my focus. ... Working in the youth sector allows me to combine advocacy, leadership development and structural change — ensuring that young people are not consulted as an afterthought, but positioned as co-creators of the future.”
Delivery Partner Lead, Ambition Institute,
Driven by a commitment to educational equity, Katie has worked directly in schools and championed policy change through a Department for Education free breakfast programme supporting families facing hunger. Now at the Ambition Institute, Katie supports teachers and school leaders to continuously improve, following evidence on what makes a real difference for young people.
Growing up in a family of teachers, she remains deeply aware of the stark inequalities in access that limit opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and her work aims to shift the dial.
“If I could wave a magic wand and fix one systemic issue for young people today, I would address educational inequality. Too many pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds face barriers that limit their opportunities and potential... By creating an education system where every child receives excellent teaching and the support they need - regardless of their background - we would give every pupil the best start in life.”
Positive Pathways Manager, Stevenage FC Foundation,
Lewis leads education programme delivery at Stevenage FC Foundation, with specialist expertise in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). As Chair for the southern clubs within the Premier League Foundation EDI Network, Lewis has keen understanding of what good provision looks like and is shaping more inclusive practice across the sector.
An entrepreneur at heart – Lewis founded a record label before transitioning to youth work – he is committed to creating opportunities for young people on a wider scale.
“I've been incredibly fortunate to have strong role models throughout my life, and their support had a lasting impact on me. Seeing first-hand how much difference the right people can make at the right time made me want to offer that same support to others and work in a role where I could positively influence young people’s lives.”
Programme Manager (Student Opportunities), IntoUniversity,
Luke has dedicated his career to supporting young people from less advantaged backgrounds through evidence-backed education programmes.
Starting as an English and maths tutor, his tenacity and leadership have seen him promoted five times in the last eight years. Luke now works to promote student engagement and embed student voice and leadership across IntoUniversity, ensuring young people gain the information, skills, and experiences they need to make informed decisions about their futures.
“My desire to work in the youth sector comes from wanting to make a meaningful difference in young people’s lives and support them to recognise their potential. My early experiences working with young people showed me the lasting impact that trusted relationships can have, creating spaces where youth feel confident to express themselves and explore their ambition.”
Partnerships Lead & Senior Youth Development Manager, Spiral,
With ten years of experience leading youth development, mental health, and employability programmes, Luna’s expertise extends across the youth work spectrum. She’s managed complex government-funded projects, developed high performing teams, and delivered measurable outcomes: just last year, she supported more than 50 young people into work and delivered 500+ mentoring sessions.
Originally coming to the UK as an asylum-seeker, Luna also draws on her own lived experience to shape inclusive, culturally informed services, particularly for marginalised communities.
“Growing up as a young asylum seeker, I experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating education and support systems. I saw how access to understanding mentors and tailored services could make a real difference, and I wanted to be that person for others. A defining moment for me was supporting peers in my community to overcome barriers. It showed me the power of empathetic leadership and inspired me to dedicate my career to creating opportunities for young people facing multiple challenges.”
New Business Manager, Think Forward,
Natasha’s path to the youth sector is deeply personal – starting her career in recruitment, she saw first-hand how unfair hiring practices can be, particularly for young people just starting out in their careers and facing barriers. Natasha became committed to changing that.
As New Business Manager at Think Forward, Natasha is at the forefront of youth employment, combining her relationship-building and commercial skills with a real drive to create opportunity where it's needed most.
“A defining moment for me was when both of my parents were imprisoned when I was 14. Experiencing that at such a formative age shaped my empathy, resilience, and ultimately what I look for in a meaningful career. I saw first-hand how little structured support exists for young people in those circumstances, and how easily they can be overlooked at a systemic level. That experience has ultimately motivated me to be part of the change — supporting young people who face the greatest barriers and helping ensure they don’t navigate those challenges alone.”
Youth Work Manager, The Winchester Project,
Youth work is baked into who Reece is. Inspired by a youth worker who had a substantial positive impact on his life growing up, Reece became determined to give back to his community.
At the Winchester Project, Reece’s commitment and leadership has seen him rise steadily – from youth worker to mentor, project lead, deputy manager, and now Youth Work Manager. Reece enjoys leading a team, balancing face-to-face work with young people with strategic leadership and guidance.
“I enjoy being able to do the on-the-ground work, while also being in a position to shape and lead a team with my experience, knowledge and passion for the work we do. I find comfort in being a leader in the team and someone who is able to help fellow colleagues when it comes to making decisions and delivering work that will benefit young people.”
Head of Partnership Programmes, Youth Careers Collective,
Rochelle has spent her career challenging underrepresentation, building programmes and partnerships that connect young people to meaningful careers.
Beginning in advertising, where she witnessed representation issues first-hand, Rochelle pivoted into careers work. With experience spanning the film and television industries, local government, and the charity sector, Rochelle now uses her knowledge, networks, and dedication to challenge unfair recruitment processes and support young people from underrepresented backgrounds into good work.
“I want young people to feel confident, to know the wide range of careers available to them, and to develop a broad set of skills so they feel ready to pursue a path that is right for them. I also want them to know what they should expect and deserve from an employer.”
Project Manager, Association of Colleges,
Shcara leads national education programmes across the further education sector, ensuring complex programme delivery is compliant, sustainable, and genuinely impactful.
With a background in youth justice, project leadership, and mentoring, Shcara is particularly focused on embedding safeguarding, equity, and inclusion into organisational practice, so that systems work better for the young people they serve.
“Helping young people navigate challenges and overcome adversity became a central focus for me after university and remains a fundamental driver of my ambition today. I am committed to making a positive impact wherever I can and providing guidance and support that can help others achieve their potential.”
Senior Partnerships Manager, Future Frontiers,
Tammy’s career in the non-profit sector began unusually – as President of Kent Student Union, she chaired the board and led an organisation from day one. This experience inspired her to build a career around giving back to local communities.
Driven by a commitment to create meaningful and lasting change, Tammy has worked across diversity, equality, and inclusion; supported young people at risk of homelessness; and championed equity in the early careers space. In her current role, she’s supporting young people from low-income backgrounds to access the skills and knowledge they need to prepare to the world of work.
“Coming from a single parent, lower income family, I resonate deeply with many of the barriers the young people we support face. I was lucky to have a supportive family, but my networks and understanding of the opportunities available to me were limited. I feel there is a profound injustice in the fact that we still live in a society where your family background dictates so many of the opportunities open to you, and it is that injustice which spurs me on to do this work.”
One Southwark Programme Director, United St Saviour’s Charity,
Will develops and manages key projects for young people at risk and ex-offenders, including building a new scheme from scratch.
He joined the youth work sector through sports coaching and mentoring before shifting toward programme development. Since then, Will has led multi-disciplinary teams, secured millions in funding, and built cross-sector partnerships that deliver measurable outcomes – whether that’s reducing NEET rates, improving youth engagement, or shaping organisational growth strategies.
“I would not be where I am today without the support and commitment from youth workers. I am grateful for the opportunities I accessed as part of youth provision - I saw first-hand what happened to other people who didn't have the same engagement and how easy it is to turn the other way. I am privileged to be able offer the same kind of support to the young people I work with today.”
Senior Programme Manager, Inspire Education Business Partnership,
With over 12 years’ experience leading youth engagement, child development, and education initiatives, Yasmin’s commitment to youth work stretches back to secondary school, where she founded a free youth empowerment initiative in her community. Since then, she has worked across secondary, primary, SEND specialist settings, alternative provision, and the non‑profit sector, designing programmes that build confidence, raise aspirations, and prepare young people for life after school.
An advocate for neurodivergent support, Yasmin works closely with children and young people with SEMH, SEND, and diverse needs to ensure they receive tailored guidance to thrive.
“Working closely with young people from diverse backgrounds, including those with additional needs, is incredibly rewarding. There are so many moments where I can encourage, empower, or simply listen, and those interactions remind me why this work matters.”
22/07/2024
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23/07/2021
