Our Team
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Tayla Murray
Creative Content Coordinator: As part of Volunteers Go Global, I offer my skills in both photography and videography by capturing moments during our trips aboard. As well as updating our website, any social presence we have and using my creativity to create more content to stay in communication with our target audience – of young people.
Trustees
Teo Benea
Teo Benea is the CEO & Co-founder of Social Equity Centre which is a non-for-profit organisation whose aim is to make different communities visible in policy-making set up in 2023. She is an experienced communications and community engagement consultant, having previously worked as a consultant for a public affairs company in the planning the regeneration sector across projects in Westminster and more widely across London, conducting public consultations and stakeholder engagement with local residents and local politicians for planning applications. She is also a local councillor on Brent Council, where one of her main priorities is working on community cohesion activities across the borough. In 2023 she organised an Eastern European festival in Brent which was very successful, bringing different Eastern European communities living in the borough together for a fun day of activities. Teo is also the Training Organiser for Migrant Democracy Project where she is leading on the design and delivery of the MPower Political Leadership Programme where first-generation migrants are being trained to stand for future local council elections regardless of their political affiliations. When the war broke out in Ukraine, Teo organised a donation collection in Sudbury, Brent for the people Ukrainian people affected and organised the logistics of the delivery of these at the border between Romania and Ukraine in partnership with other Romanian organisations and activists. Her skills and expertise include: project management, community engagement, advocacy, leadership, training delivery, people management and community campaigning.
Keni Thomas
Keni's journey is an inspiring testament to the power of connection, education, and cross sectoral practice. His diverse accomplishments and competences ranging from academia to working in communities, highlight his commitment to fostering understanding and creating positive change in society. Growing up in multicultural and multi faith London, Keni's exposure to various customs, traditions, lifestyles and experiences ignited his passion for engaging and embracing people from different perspectives. He operates within the neurodiversity paradigm and has a deep appreciation for diversity and inclusivity. His approach is culturally sensitive, and he's passionate about challenging inequalities that impact marginalised groups. He values connection and engagement with people from various backgrounds, which has shaped his worldview and instilled in him a sense of belonging for all. His critical, creative, and design thinking nature are fuelled by his commitment to being a lifelong learner, continuously seeking to understand and connect with others on a deeper level. His educational pursuits, including a BSc in Geography; a postgraduate diploma in the Sociology and Anthropology of Travel and Tourism; and a postgraduate qualification in Youth & Community Work, equipped him with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to navigate the complexities of human interaction and societal dynamics. Becoming a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society further solidified his dedication to the exploration and understanding of the world around him. His journey through working with culturally and linguistically diverse communities has shaped his passion for intercultural learning; personal resilience & multidimensional wellness; alternative tourism; social innovation; the black curriculum; and the physical environment; And his humanistic, relational, and spiritual philosophy shows his unconventional learning style around 21st century competencies; and contextual lived experiences. What sets Keni apart is his hands-on approach to learning and community engagement. From volunteering on health projects in Pakistan, to cultural exchanges in Brazil, his willingness to immerse himself in different environments demonstrates a genuine desire to connect with others to share his experiences and reciprocate that learning as well. Moreover, Keni's commitment to equalities is evident in his civic engagement and personal social responsibility. Whether advising greening organisations, mentoring young leaders on the Black Minds Matter or being a Governor for a 6th Form College, he consistently advocates for minoritised communities and works towards creating a more equitable society. His extensive experience working with children, young people, and families across various settings underscores his dedication to educational equity and social mobility. As an academic supervisor and external examiner, he not only imparts knowledge but also empowers practitioners to make a positive impact in their communities. Keni's holistic approach to community and business development bridges the gap between academia, policy, industry, and grassroots initiatives and exemplifies his vision for people-centric prosperity and sustainable development. By aligning his efforts with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, he demonstrates a commitment to creating a better future for all. Keni has worked from a variety of settings including youth, community & adult learning programmes; accredited projects; local government; higher education; CSR & CSI initiatives; social business and retail. And in essence, Keni's journey is a testament to the transformative power of education, empathy, and community engagement. His tireless dedication to fostering understanding, promoting diversity, and advocating for social justice has enabled Keni to acquire a love and passion for his life’s purpose, as well as street social, human and community capital throughout his professional career.
Zeena Gordon
'Currently I work within Joint Commissioning for a Local Authority and South East London ICB. With key working areas and specialism in children and young people services, which include *Special Educational Needs and Disability, *Learning Disability and Autism, * Statutory specialist CYP health and wellbeing services, *Mental Health and Wellbeing for Care Leavers 18+ and CYP * Perinatal and Parent Infant relationship provision. * Transformation and implementation of borough wide and multi-agency training offer I have extensive experience and working history within children, young people's and adult services. Which has included managing careers education information advice and guidance, employment, youth and mentoring services. As well as various voluntary posts, within housing. Currently, I am an elected Trustee for south London mental health charity as well as sitting on the Board of Govenors as a Safeguarding Govenor.
Silvia Fermo
Silvia Fermo has been the Director of CDB Heritage Centre CIC since 2010, a Brazilian Supplementary School and Heritage Centre based in Brent, London. With over 20 years of experience as a community leader, Silvia's passion for community engagement blossomed after having her two children. This life-changing experience introduced her to a wider community of families and carers, inspiring her to actively volunteer in projects focused on children and adolescents. Motivated by her involvement, Silvia founded a Community Interest Company to deepen her commitment to supporting her community's growth and development. She strongly believes that dedicating oneself to a noble cause and volunteering are crucial for fostering a sense of belonging and promoting understanding and acceptance across diverse cultures and backgrounds. Silvia takes immense pride in her role as a founding Trustee of 'Volunteers Goes Global'. This position allows her to continue contributing to the achievements of young people, inspiring them to pursue community leadership themselves. Through her work, Silvia remains dedicated to empowering individuals and nurturing a more inclusive and supportive community.