Young Camden Foundation
ABOUT US
Established in 2017, Young Camden Foundation is a registered charity set up to address the growing uncertainty of long-term investment in the children and young people sector in Camden and the need to build more cross-sector partnerships. Young Camden Foundation aims to provide a new model of local support for its members, which includes building capacity and better equipping the community with resources and funding, connecting and working with organisations to develop new and entrepreneurial approaches to supporting young people and championing critical issues facing the local community.
MEMBERSHIP
Young Camden Foundation offers free membership to voluntary and community groups (including faith and sports groups) that work with children, young people and their families who live in the London Borough of Camden.
Click here to learn more about membership.
OUR TEAM
A small but ambitious team with experience of working with and in the Children and young people sector:
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Alev Omer
Membership and Events Assistant
Alev joined YCF as the Membership & Events Assistant in September 2023. She is of Turkish-Cypriot heritage and grew up in East London / Essex. Prior to YCF, she worked at Mi-Soul Radio where she also did volunteer work for Crisis. Before this, Alev completed an undergraduate degree in English Literature at the University of Birmingham, where she spent time volunteering at food banks. She is looking forward to working with the members of YCF to help them further support young people in Camden.
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Daisy Srblin
Chief Executive Officer
Daisy joined YCF as CEO in May 2022. She serves as a school Governor in Camden, is a Board member of Camden Council's Youth Justice Board and is Vice Chair of Camden's Youth Safety Taskforce.
She was previously the CEO of the national youth social action charity Million Minutes (where she was appointed at the age of 29), and has worked across campaigns, policy and advocacy at Christian Aid, Child Poverty Action Group, the Fabian Society and Gingerbread. Daisy also previously worked as a Senior Researcher to a London MP and for a member of the House of Lords. She holds First-Class BA and MA degrees in Modern British History from University College, Durham and Queen Mary, University of London, on an academic scholarship.
Daisy grew up and went to school in Camden, is of Croatian and Lebanese heritage, and was raised on Free School Meals in social housing, and was the first person in her family to be university educated. She is from an immigrant family and attended supplementary schooling in Camden. Daisy is proud to work at YCF and is passionate about ensuring that opportunity is equally distributed across communities, especially in London.
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Ellie Lewis
Membership and Communications Manager
Ellie joined YCF as a Membership Engagement and Communications Officer in October 2022 and became a manager in September 2023. She identifies as mixed-race (white British and Black Caribbean) and grew up in social housing in Camberwell, and later in Wandsworth. Living and going to school in Inner London made her the open-minded and socially conscious person she is today. Ellie understands what it means to be marginalised and is passionate about championing young people, especially those who are disadvantaged.
Before starting at YCF, Ellie completed an undergraduate degree at the University of Leeds in English Literature as well as a master’s degree in Race, Media and Social Justice at Goldsmith’s, University of London. Alongside her studies, she worked as a Health and Wellbeing Ambassador and led a decolonisation project at university. She also volunteered as the Diversity Officer at National Student Pride.
Since January 2024, Ellie has been a trustee at Mosaic LGBT+ Young Persons' Trust.
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Grace Maric
HAF Officer
Grace joined YCF as the HAF Administrator in May 2023. Prior to working at YCF, Grace worked directly with young people at an Islington secondary school. During her time there she particularly enjoyed supporting students with their reading as she loves to read herself. While Grace gained great experience working in education supporting students, she is looking forward to helping to support young people through her work on the HAF program as she is passionate about the wellbeing and the future of children and young people.
Grace was born and raised in Camden and grew up in social housing, she is of English and Montenegrin heritage. Grace was educated in Camden from primary school all the way through to sixth form, where she then went on to complete a degree in History and Politics at the University of Manchester.
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Mohamoud Hassan
Supplementary School Network Coordinator
Hey everyone, I’m Mohamoud, the newest member of Young Camden Foundation as the Supplementary School Network Coordinator since May 2024. I’ve been living and working in Camden for the past thirty years and love this borough.
I'm really passionate about helping young people, especially those who face challenges in education and life. As a former refugee who learned English when I arrived in the UK, I understand how hard it can be to express yourself and why support is so important. That’s why I’ve spent most of my adult life working in the voluntary and community sector.
I have a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Westminster and a master’s from South Bank University in Urban Regeneration. I’ve worked in various roles, including BME outreach worker, youth worker, school exclusion worker, supplementary school manager, referral and signposting coordinator, BAME health and wellbeing coordinator, liaison officer, and community centre director.
In my free time, I love volunteering, reading, and traveling to East Africa.
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Shannon Roncari
Operations Officer
Shannon joined YCF as Operations Administrator Apprentice in December 22, and became Operations Officer in June 2024. With her mixed Irish Traveller and English heritage, grew up and went to school in our vibrant multi-cultural borough of Camden. After completing sixth form, she spread her wings, leaving her family home to pursue and earn a Criminology BSc degree, at the University of Leicester. Currently, she resides in Camden again, where she applies her skills, broad perspective, and deep commitment to her community.
Having been a service user of various third sector organisations and programmes within Camden, she understands first-hand how vital accessible opportunities are to our children and young people’s safety and development. As a result, she is passionate about giving back to the community that helped her to grown. Alongside her work with YCF, she also volunteers her time to Camden's residents panel, and The Traveller Movements' advisory group.
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Sophie Kruger
Head Of Partnerships & Grants
Sophie joined YCF as the HAF Project Manager in October 2023. She was previously a Site Supervisor for National Citizen Service, leading an 8-week residential programme to encourage young people to unlock their full potential through a series of adventure workshops. She has also worked with NCS Trust to develop and deliver their nationwide strategy and marketing campaigns.
Having spent several years in the Creative Advertising sector, she always gravitated towards charitable clients. She has worked on an anti-bullying campaign with Cybersmile and Urban Outfitters, and was a corporate champion and volunteer for North London Cares. She is excited to join the not-for-profit sector, contributing to the great work happening at YCF and in Camden more widely.
She grew up in Redcar, North Yorkshire, and has lived in London since 2018. She holds a BA in Management with Marketing from the University of Leeds.
Our values
Through ongoing community and member feedback, Young Camden Foundation has identified three key areas of focus
OUR TRUSTEES AND ASSOCIATE TRUSTEES
YCF is governed by a dedicated and skilled team of trustees and associate trustees from across different sectors, including private, public and third sector. Our governance structure includes four committees: Finance, HR and Safeguarding, Fundraising, and Grant Giving.
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MARTIN PRATT
CHAIR
Martin Pratt is the Executive Director, Supporting People and the Deputy Chief Executive for the London Borough of Camden. He has over thirty-five years’ experience in the field of Children’s Services and Education and has been involved in establishing and developing the young Camden Foundation from the outset.
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NIELS PEDERSEN
VICE CHAIR & TREASURER
Niels Pedersen spent 30 years in investment and corporate banking in London before transitioning to the charitable sector. He is currently studying for a Masters in Charity Accounting and Financial Management from Bayes Business School. He is the former treasurer of a national outdoors activities charity and is on the finance committee of an international human rights organisation.
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HDAYET OTAKY-JALALZADEH
YOUNG TRUSTEE
Hdayet grew up and went to school in Camden until age 17. He was a deputy Youth MP for Camden, Vice Chair for FYA Youth Ambassadors, a YCF Young Ambassador and has other various ties. Hdayet looks forward to what he can accomplish as a Young Trustee.
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TOM SIMPSON
TRUSTEE
Tom Simpson is a lawyer at YouTube based in Kings Cross. Tom grew up and went to school in Camden.
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ANNEKA MUNSCH
TRUSTEE
Anneka is a Partner in Portland’s Government Advisory Practice. She is an experienced government communications specialist and has worked with governments in the Middle East, Asia, Central Asia and Europe.
She has led major reputation management and capacity building programmes for Portland’s government clients, advising leadership at the highest levels and providing on-the-ground support.
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ABDIKADIR AHMED
TRUSTEE
Abdi Ahmed is a Youth Services Coordinator at Somali Youth Development and Resource Centre.
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FOYEZUR MIAH
TRUSTEE
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MAGGIE MENDY
TRUSTEE
Maggie is a Camden resident and has been so her entire life, She wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Consequently, she feels that she is lucky enough to grow up with a vibrant cosmopolitan backdrop which no doubt has shaped her life. Maggie is also a married mother of three grown up sons. As a result, she has seen and been involved with several services offered by the borough.
Maggie has been with Wac Arts for almost 35 years in various capacities, as a parent, a volunteer and then a full-time employee having retrained in many areas, including a degree in health and social care. She has worked across programmes, in youth, play and since 2007 the SEND areas of their inclusive offer. She has a real passion for supporting young people to enhance their lives and has found over these years, that the Arts not only can but do have a truly profound impact whether as a chosen career or otherwise.
It has been Maggie's mission to lift our young people with additional needs and to make them more visible in the community in which they live. To grow the world of inclusion and integration across the board to allow all people to have those equal opportunities which so many of us strive for.
Maggie highlights that she is very happy, and honoured to join the YCF Trustee Board, to continue the good work in Camden
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LUCY PEARSON
TRUSTEE
Lucy is a Data & Technology Project Manager at The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). She is experienced in strategic planning and overseeing large-scale change and technology projects.
Prior to her role at the LSE, Lucy worked at Teach First - a national, education charity that aims to address educational disadvantage, by giving children with the fewest opportunities access to a great education. Having benefitted from various charitable initiatives in her formative years, Lucy joined the Board of Trustees to support YCF's work and champion it’s vision.
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FRANCESCA DE MUNNICH
TRUSTEE
Francesca grew up in Camden and is passionate about giving back to the local community.
She is currently Head of Policy at the Association of Charitable Foundations and is an experienced policy specialist on young people, grant-making and social policy. Prior to her current position, she held policy and advocacy roles at Save the Children and the National Lottery Community Fund.
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DANIEL OMISORE
TRUSTEE
Daniel is an experienced chartered accountant with over 20 years’ experience spanning across the private and public sectors.
He is currently the Director of Finance for Camden Council where he has a track record of continuous improvement and innovating in local government finance to improve outcomes for residents, including for children and young people.
Daniel had been recognised for his experience and is currently serving as a member of CIPFA LASAAC, the board responsible for compiling the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting for the United Kingdom.
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GEORGIA GOULD MP
ASSOCIATE TRUSTEE
Georgia was appointed Leader of Camden Council in May 2017 and has served as a Councillor for Kentish Town Ward since 2010. Prior to becoming leader she held cabinet roles responsible for young people, economic growth and adult social care.
Georgia studied at Camden School for Girls and has lived in the Borough for most of her adult life. Georgia studied History and Politics at Oxford, and graduated with a master's degree in global politics from the London School of Economics.
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FIONA MILLAR
ASSOCIATE TRUSTEE
Fiona Millar is a writer and journalist, and formerly served as Young Camden Foundation’s Chair, from 2018-2024. Fiona specialises in education and parenting issues, and previously served as Special Adviser at Downing Street. She regularly takes part in television and radio debates about education policy, writes for the Guardian and other outlets, and between 2003-2010 she chaired the Family and Parenting Institute.
Fiona co-founded the Local Schools Network, previously Vice Chaired the National Youth Arts Trust, and in 2009 published a book about work life balance called “The Secret World of the Working Mother.
Fiona has three grown up children and is a Governor of a North London comprehensive school, after serving as Chair of another school. Fiona has been involved with schools and young people in Camden for over 25 years.
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STEPHEN GREENE
ASSOCIATE TRUSTEE
Stephen served as Vice Chair of Young Camden Foundation, from 2017-2024. He has a long and established career in volunteer engagement, entertainment and pro social marketing, As CEO and co-founder of RockCorps, he has worked to deliver social engagement platforms in 10 countries around the world; including 50 volunteer-exclusive concerts, featuring music artists such as Pharrell, Lady Gaga, Maroon 5, Rihanna and over 100 more.
Stephen’s experience, passion and deep understanding of social action and youth engagement also enables him to provide strategic counsel to a wide range of organisations across the public, not-for-profit and private sectors.
In 2010, Stephen became an advisor to the UK Office of Civil Society around volunteering and youth policy. In November 2012. Stephen was appointed by then Prime Minister David Cameron to be the founding chair of NCS Trust, responsible for the management and delivery of National Citizen Service. Stephen was previously the vice-chair of Young Camden Foundation. Stephen was appointed CBE in 2019 for services to young people.
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SHANNON RONCARI
CLERK TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
