Charly Young CEO and Co-founder Expand Charly founded The Girls’ Network with Becca in 2013, whilst they were teaching in secondary schools in North West London. Her background is in education that supports the whole child, and the use of networks to facilitate this. Prior to teaching, she worked at the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) as an education researcher, and with Whole Education supporting school leadership teams. She is passionate about the use of networks to empower, support and mobilise people, and believes that good mentoring can be transformational, for both mentor and mentee. She ran her first marathon in November, and would secretly love to complete an Ultimate Ninja Warrior course one day! [email protected] @young_charlotte
Nat Rossetti Head of Communications and Impact Expand Nat started at The Girls’ Network as a network manager in 2016, running the London mentoring programme. She's held the post of head of communications since 2018. Prior to joining The Girls’ Network she worked in publishing, theatre and film. She has a degree in English & Theatre from Warwick, an MA in Text & Performance from RADA and an MPhil in Multi-Disciplinary Gender Studies from Cambridge. In her spare time, Nat writes and produces plays. Her dream female mentor would be Cheryl Strayed, because all any of us can do is hope to be that wise one day! [email protected] @nat_rossetti
Krishna Hathi Head of Programme Expand Krishna taught science at a secondary school in London after completing a Masters degree in Geophysics. Before joining The Girls’ Network she worked in finance and education technology, building an app for A-level physics students. When she's not thinking about food or eating said food, you'll usually find her trying to revive house plants she's struggling to keep! Her dream female mentor (other than her mum) would be Mindy Kaling, because her creativity, confidence and wit is inspiring and their mentoring sessions would be all fun! [email protected] @KrishnaTGN
Taiwo Adegbola Programme Coordinator Expand Taiwo is a recent graduate from the University of Kent, where she acquired a Bsc in Sports and Exercise Science. After graduating she decided to have a career change and desired to have a job that was fulfilling and rewarding, helping others on a much larger scale. A close friend recommended The Girls’ Network to her and thank God they had an opening! Her dream female mentor would be Priscilla Shirer who is an American author, motivational speaker, actress, Christian evangelist. She makes inspirational movies and travels the globe aiming to empower women to be the best version of themselves! Taiwo performed in a lot of musicals at school and she once landed a role as Audrey in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’. [email protected]
Sarah Dyer Grants and Relationships Manager Expand Sarah studied Politics at the University of Nottingham before going on to work in the private sector in Brighton as a trainer, coach and mentor. She always had a drive to help others, and whilst working she volunteered for numerous development charities with a focus on children and youth, and completed a PgCert in Development Management. She then moved home to London to work in the charity sector as a project and business manager, fundraising manager and consultant. Her dream female mentor would be Maya Angelou, who, after a long, often unconventional and difficult path, reminds us that "You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." When Sarah isn't singing along to Moana songs with her daughter, she plays the guitar and is learning Kung Fu. [email protected]
Florian Preusser Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning Manager Expand Florian did African Development Studies in Geography at the University of Bayreuth in Germany, gathering initial experience in the charity and development sector. After graduating from Durham University's Risk Master, he went on to work in the Global South building up his expertise in Monitoring and Evaluation. Florian is passionate about advocating for the least advantaged and making their voices heard.His dream mentor would be Marie Skłodowska Curie, who, as a champion for women's education and careers in academic research, paved the way for generations to come. Despite not being allowed to join regular university due to her gender, she went on to become the only person to ever win the Nobel Prize in two different scientific fields.In his free time, Florian enjoys the great outdoors, going trekking and camping, climbing, and on kayaking tours. Unfortunately, he seems to be very unlucky when it comes to weather, which is why he tends to end up doing all of these activities in the pouring rain. [email protected]
Claire Hill-Dixon Senior Network Manager - London Expand Claire has over five years’ experience in the charity and social enterprise sectors. Through her programme management and facilitation roles she has advocated for women and young people through the use of participatory tools. Alongside her work with The Girls’ Network Claire also facilitates a community space in Brixton with Impact Hub. Claire has a BA in Social and Cultural Anthropology from Goldsmiths. In her free time Claire likes plotting her next adventure and persuading friends and family to explore with her. Her dream female mentor would be Alexandria Ocasio Cortez because she isn’t afraid of who she is or what she stands for. [email protected] @ClaireHillDixon
Stacey Wagstaff Network Manager - the North East Expand Stacey grew up in County Durham and studied History at Newcastle University. She enjoys volunteering in her spare time doing everything from archeological digs to painting hospices and teaching school children to read! Prior to The Girls' Network Stacey was a charity fundraiser for an urban farm, where she fell in love with the quirkiness of Newcastle city all over again. She was introduced to The Girls' Network as a mentor. Stacey enjoys crochet, reading and camping with her family and Labradoodle dog, Toby. She was once an extra on Byker Grove, but if you blinked you would have missed her! Her dream female mentor is Dolly Parton: her life story and hard work within the music and entertainment industries is inspirational but she is also a dedicated philanthropist especially in promoting children’s literacy via her own charity, The Imagination Library. [email protected]
Tigan Palmer Network Manager - London Expand Tigan grew up in Cornwall and feels most at home by the sea with her dogs. She obtained her undergraduate degree in English Literature at the University of Sussex before studying for a PGCE. She worked as an English Teacher, then completed her Masters degree at Oxford University before moving to London to work in the education and charity sectors. Watching the film Babe aged 3 turned Tigan vegetarian for life. Her dream female mentor would be Greta Thunberg because she’s mobilised millions of people across the world to address and combat climate change and is an incredible and inspiring voice not only for young people, but for all of us. [email protected] @Tigan_TGN
Julie Boyle Network Manager - West Midlands Expand Julie joined The Girls' Network from a social work background. She is a qualified social worker with 12 years’ experience in adult and children's services inclusive of exploitation, children's rights, and LGBTQIA+ services. She decided to leave the world of direct work to embark on extended travels in South East Asia and Central America, further developing her passion for breaking barriers faced by young girls globally. In Mexico she marched in a women’s protest while chanting in her terrible Spanish, most likely making no sense at all! On her return to Birmingham, she knew she wanted to continue working with young people and try to make a positive impact on girls and young women. With Julie’s activist spirit for empowering young girls and taking on new challenges, joining The Girls’ Network seemed like the perfect fit! She spends her time struggling to finish books, learning to play the Ukulele and teaching her dog Rudy unique tricks which she believes will one day help them win Britain’s Got Talent! Julie's dream mentor is Jane Elliott because of her commitment to fighting racial injustice and discrimination. [email protected]
Rebecca Stevens Network Manager - Greater Manchester Expand Rebecca's background is in the arts, charity and education sectors. She studied her first degree in History, followed by an MA in Arts Management while working at The Whitworth, Manchester Museum and with Manchester Histories Festival. She then completed the Teach First programme, working as a primary school teacher for a few years before deciding to head back to the charity sector. Rebecca has an adorable dog called Fival. He does NOT enjoy her newfound love for wild swimming as much as she does. Her female role model is Georgia O'Keeffe, not only because she was a phenomenal artist but also for her resilience and success in a world dominated by male artists. [email protected] @RebeccaTGN
Kate Whittington-Smith Network Manager - Merseyside Expand Kate has spent the last 10 years working on gender issues and championing the rights of girls all over the world. Prior to joining The Girls' Network Kate worked for Girls Not Brides conducting research and policy analysis on the issue of child marriage. She holds a degree in Politics from the University of Bristol and an MSc in International Development. In her spare time she looks after her tiny tyrant of a toddler and her mischievous dog Hector. Her dream female mentor would be the New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern because she seems so down to earth and handles motherhood while running a country with such grace. [email protected] @KateTGN
Paula Falck Network Manager - Portsmouth Expand Paula comes to The Girls' Network from working in Community Fundraising for the British Red Cross based in Portsmouth. She has enjoyed many years in the Events Industry mainly in Oxford working with cultural organisations and as Head of Events at the Ashmolean Museum. She moved to Portsmouth to live and work near the sea which has always been her dream, and has adopted Portsmouth as her new home town. Interested in Yoga, nutrition, photography, painting and cooking; she enjoys family time with her two grown up daughters whenever possible. She volunteers with local environmental action groups, Homestart Portsmouth and humanitarian causes. Her dream mentor and heroine, would be Dame Stephanie Shirley, a successful IT entrepreneur turned ardent philanthropist. Having arrived in Britain as an unaccompanied child refugee in 1939 she championed women's working rights and employment mobility. She gained her wealth through hard work and remained humble and generous her whole life. [email protected]
Rebecca Jewitt Network Manager - Sussex Expand Before joining The Girls’ Network, Rebecca had worked and volunteered in mental health services for many years. She was always most interested in the social determinants of wellbeing, particularly discrimination and economic insecurity, and in how pivotal human relationships can be for growth and change. Living by the coast, she enjoys sea-swimming and toasted marshmallows on the beach with friends all year round. Rebecca’s first love is literature. Her dream mentor would be the late Toni Morrison, who wrote about injustice so powerfully and so beautifully, and who was also a passionate advocate for mentorship. [email protected]
Amy Metcalfe Senior Network Manager - North West Expand Before joining The Girls’ Network, Amy worked in the Learning and Development team at the National Union of Students helping Student Union staff become effective leaders. She also co-founded a management training business and ran fitness classes for women promoting body positivity. Amy studied Journalism at the University of Chester. Amy is still waiting for her Hogwarts letter. Her dream mentor would be Brene Brown because she is proving that vulnerability is a strength whilst being a successful business woman, author and mum. [email protected] @AmyMetcalfe14
Grace Veenman Network Manager - London Expand Before joining The Girls’ Network Grace worked at the Sutton Trust as part of their communications and alumni team. While studying History at UCL, Grace was an ambassador for Young Minds and also relaunched the Cambridge Women’s Resource Centre's digital communications. Grace can usually be found cycling across London, rain or shine... Her dream female mentor would be Ano (her grandma) because her passion for life is infectious. @grace_tgn 07946104695
Rosalind Stuart Network Manager - Tees Valley Expand Rosalind spent three years in Oxford studying Philosophy and Theology before taking the (obvious?!) step to join the Army, where she served as an Officer in the Royal Artillery and learnt how to thrive as a woman in a man's world. Thereafter she retrained as a teacher and taught Philosophy and Ancient History, also taking on responsibilities around the pastoral care of girls in particular. Then came the biggest challenge so far, the arrival of twins! Most recently Rosalind has worked in the third sector with an emphasis on careers education and building pathways for young people. Rosalind loves singing, running, Rome, her Labrador Boudica, Scotch Eggs, Seneca and the sea. Her dream female mentor would be Caroline Criado-Perez because she intelligently and fearlessly shines a light on the inequalities women face, and she works towards solutions. [email protected]uk @roseywilloughby
Our Trustees Meet our board Expand Sue Rimmer OBE (chair) Hannah Essex Gemma Gooch Claire Hopkins Michelle Rodrigues Sarah Vawda Pip Wilson