Shereen’s background in Journalism and Mass media has given her the privilege of working in some interesting places over the last 20 years and has met some high-profile people! In her most recent position, as a Senior Employment Specialist, Shereen worked closely with clients, helping them to find and maintain employment.

Shereen has always enjoyed working with people from all backgrounds, to the point where she was involved in campaigning, mentoring and supporting young people from ethnic minorities in London. Shereen enjoys going out, discovering new places, playing pool, cooking on the weekends, and trying out new restaurants. Her favourite place is Camden Town Markets, where she enjoys the historic buildings and walking down the canal.

Ahmed has been supporting vulnerable people such as mental health and learning disability into meaningful employment for just over 10 years. During this time, he has worked on several employability projects as well as being a Volunteer Coordinator for two charities and a Service Manager for another.

Ahmed is passionate about bringing the best out of people he supports. Previously worked in retail management so was able to bring his recruitment , training, and development experience to the Charity sector. Fun fact about Ahmed is that many moons ago he was a Gymnast who competed at national level and has the medals and bruises to prove it. Ahmed enjoys keeping fit by going to the gym as he believes it to be good for his physical and mental health.

Felix has a background in advice and guidance with charitable organisations and believes passionately in supporting people to achieve their full potential and engage positively with the barriers that hold them back. He loves listening to jazz and can play a decent blues on the saxophone!

With a foundation in Film and Theatre from the University of Reading, Amy began her journey in the creative industries, volunteering in youth theatre and community productions. Over time, her passion for supporting people and making a difference led her to roles within the recruitment and Department for Work and Pensions sectors, before moving into the youth and charity sector.

Blending creativity with purpose, Amy is driven by opportunities to connect with others, empower young voices, and use her creative skills to inspire growth and build community.

Sara brings a wealth of experience from across the employability sector, having worked in diverse areas including ESOL provision, modern slavery support, and refugee advocacy. Her background reflects a strong commitment to empowering individuals from all walks of life and supporting their journey toward independence and opportunity.

Outside of work, Sara enjoys sewing and designing her own creations, discovering new music at gigs with friends, and spending peaceful moments fox‑watching in her local park.

Having studied Criminology and Criminal Justice, Janet developed a strong interest in understanding social challenges and supporting individuals to overcome barriers to opportunity. Her career has since focused on recruitment and employability, particularly within the mining, construction and public safety sectors, where she has worked to connect individuals with meaningful career pathways.

Janet is passionate about building strong relationships with people from diverse backgrounds and supporting those who may face barriers to employment. She finds great fulfilment in helping individuals recognise their strengths, build confidence and take the next steps towards achieving their career goals.

Driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact, Janet is committed to empowering people with the tools, guidance and opportunities needed to build sustainable and fulfilling careers.

After a successful career in the corporate world driving growth and forging lucrative partnerships, Edith made the radical decision to change into the social sector. With a strong desire to use her skills and experience to create a lasting impact, Edith moved into employability and careers services.

She is passionate about enabling people regardless of their background to take the steps necessary to build positive and sustainable lives for themselves. This is why Edith joined Drive Forward, to encourage and inspire young people to identify their passions and take up the opportunities available to them to further their education and careers. Dedicated to lifelong learning and development, Edith is an avid traveller and excellent amateur chef!

With 22 years in the civil service and over 4 years in mental health charity work, Najla values the freedom of mind and body. Her journey has shaped her priorities, and she now finds purpose in letting her actions speak for themselves. Four years ago, an Employment Specialist transformed Najla’s life, guiding her from client to senior specialist, and highlighting the importance of positivity and human connection.

Najla chose this career to make a difference and finds joy in seeing others succeed, paying forward the kindness she received. She is drawn to Drive Forward Foundation’s vision of helping individuals affected by care to achieve happiness and self-fulfillment. Committed to fostering a world where everyone can thrive and be their true selves, Najla is honoured to support young people in reaching their full potential.