- Samuel Kasumu, Founder
Samuel is one of the first Rising Stars for the International Key Club. He recently finished studying a Masters degree in Ethnicity, Migration, and Policy having obtained a degree in Business Management and Accounting at Brunel University. Samuel sits on the No barriers board at the British Fashion Council, helping to get more diverse groups into the industry. He also sits on the steering group for the London Week of Peace, and the Olympic Committee Engagement Forum. Whilst at university he became interested in journalism, resulting in him writing articles which were read in universities across the UK and eventually featured by the “The Voice”. Samuel also became heavily involved in student politics; becoming the first and youngest candidate to receive 1000 votes in Brunel University’s Student Union election for the post of Vice President. The only student on the university governing body (university council), Samuel was involved in the distribution of university budgets of nearly £165 million. Samuel was the President of the largest African & Caribbean Society on a university campus and in 2008 was also the youngest person to feature on the UK Power List of top 100 most influential African/ Caribbean’s. In 2009 he featured in their Future Leaders’ supplement. His three passions are Business, Politics & Teaching.
- Barbara Soetan, Chief Executive
Founding member of EN, Barbara has represented the UK globally at a number of International meetings including being part of the official delegation to the G8 and G20 summit in Canada 2010. Barbara consults and speaks on youth participation, employment and leadership. She has worked extensively with government departments, NGOs and various youth initiatives across Europe, Africa and the Caribbean. Barbara is an associate for the National Youth Agency, consulting and training on youth development strategy. Previously she worked with the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) to help to improve the LGIU’s practice and policy regarding the inclusiveness of young people in promoting local democracy, findings from her report titled “Youth Participation: Growing Up?” were published in December 2009. Barbara has also worked with the Commonwealth Youth Programme, DFID Youth Working Group, British Council, Oxfam GB, Changemakers and was appointed in 2010 to the Diversity Inclusion Board for the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG). Most recently Barbara helped to set up “Y-Participate” a global youth-led initiative providing relevant tools for active youth engagement.
Barbara has a BA in Politics and is pursuing a Masters in International Public Policy at University College London. Barbara was named the SMK Young Activist of the Year 2009.
- Kofo Sanusi, Research and Development Co-ordinator
Kofo graduated from Kent University with a BA (Hons) in Criminology and Sociology. She is passionate about social justice particularly in relation to young people and plans to pursue a career in Public Policy. Currently, she is volunteering for a number of organisations; she represents charities such as Barnardo’s and the Royal Commonwealth Society. Alongside this, Kofo is working as participation and volunteer development youth worker for a local authority. She hopes to become more involved in the promoting the interest of young people globally.
- Samson Osun, University Outreach Co-ordinator
Samson is currently a student at Goldsmiths, University of London studying BA Politics and Economics. He is the Vice-President of the ACS. Samson is fascinated with current affairs particularly politics and social policy. The realities of war, economic changes and historical precedents within the justice system have stimulated his search for further knowledge, understanding and reflection of those areas. This passion has seen him get involved in various political activity, such as being a young advisor for the Local Government and Communities role model initiative ‘REACH’, speaking at high profile inquires such the ‘Stephen Lawrence Inquiry 10 years on’ and working for crime prevention lobby organisations such as the Peace Alliance. His hobbies include acting in theatre productions on social issues, watching documentaries, and getting involved in any activity that challenges his thinking.
-Student Action Team
All of our programmes are supported by a Student Action Team (SAT) made up of students and recent graduates from across the UK. The SAT help to cater for the needs of their peers. It is this point of difference that we seek to use as a means of being more accessible to young people and bridging the gap between you and potential employers.
-Our Trustees and Patrons
Patron:
Rachel Osikoya is the current Head of Diversity, Inclusion and CSR Corporate and Investment Banking – International: Standard Bank Plc. She was the first professional to believe in what Elevation Networks wanted to achieve, and continues to be a valued supporter.
Graham Robb is a former teacher and headteacher of two contrasting secondary schools. He has also been Chief Inspector of Careers Services within the DfES and was a member of the Crick Commission on Citizenship.
Graham Robb works as a consultant with local, regional and national bodies on issues which overlap between children’s services and the criminal justice system.
Graham Robb was appointed to the Youth Justice Board in 2004 and was Interim Chair of the YJB from February 2007 to January 2008. He chairs the Secure Accommodation Committee.
Maxine Ayton is the director of Dignity Management Consultancy Ltd. She is also the former CEO of the Equality and Human Rights Commission
