Youth Advisory Board Members 2024
Meet the inspiring young people who will support Groundwork in 2024:
Alanis, 23, London
“I am a Development Studies graduate from School of Oriental and African Studies with a particular interest in people-centred environmentalism and social justice. I have gained experience in event planning, case study creation and stakeholder influencing working in External Affairs at CPRE, the countryside charity. I’m passionate about affordable housing and will be joining B3Living in their mission to make a sustainable, positive change to the housing crisis for local communities in Hertfordshire.”
Caroline-Emma, 20, Leeds
“I’m currently studying Musical Theatre at University and am passionate about how arts can help us communicate with each other. I’m also very passionate about advocating for young people who are neurodiverse and connecting people with nature through all their senses to promote learning and wellbeing.”
Chelsea, 19, Shropshire
“I am a climate justice advocate with a focus on working class people when it comes to the effects of climate change. I have a background in climate activism and working in environmental spaces I have a love for nature and the world.”
Ethan, 17, Swansea
“My interests are biodiversity and I have always been part of trying to help the environment. I am currently studying for my A Levels and look forward to what the future holds.”
Hannah, 18, Leeds
“I am grateful to be going into my second year of being on the Youth Advisory Board. Learning about grassroots community projects that Groundwork support and creating a campaign inspired me to continue this role. I am currently studying Environmental Science at the University of Leeds, and I enjoy volunteering for local conservation events, swimming, and, in my spare time, I have recently taken up embroidery!”
Jaide, 22, Durham
“I’m helpful, bubbly person who loves to eat and enjoy life to the fullest, and my goal is to secure employment in travel or social sector. My involvement with groups such as ‘Investing In Children’ and the ‘EXstream Group’ speaks of her commitment to advocating for the rights and concerns of young people with disabilities within County Durham. My work on the Youth Advisory Board for Groundwork shows a strong dedication to influencing positive change, ensuring that the voices of young people are not just heard but are instrumental in shaping the future.”
Jasmine, 23, London
“I am passionate about inclusive, intersectional environmental action and empowering young people to be frontrunners for change. I currently work in policy for an environmental charity and have been involved in youth centred movements such as Green New Deal Rising, Youth Act on Climate and EmpowHER. I am an advocate for increasing the representation of people of colour within the environment sector and platforming underrepresented voices.”
Jed, 20, Lancashire
“Nature, the coast, and rivers have always been an important part of my lived experience. Coming from the Fylde coast, regeneration and deprivation issues have also always been something I have been acutely aware of. Groundwork aims to help in both of these areas, I am immensely proud to be on the Groundwork Youth Advisory Board. Being a community-based organisation, I believe it’s incredibly empowering, and I’m so happy to help guide the charity’s nationwide policy, to help input a youth perspective to continue the tradition of keeping Groundwork true to its nature of being grounded in the nation’s diverse voices.”
Joanna, 17, Birmingham
“I’m currently studying for my A Levels and a prospective law student. I’m deeply passionate about youth voice and empowering young people to do anything they dream and desire to. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and helping to design a programme which will truly impact lives!”
Leona, 22, London
“I’m a Data Science student with sustainability experience from both the private and public sector in over eight industries on topics from renewable energy to urban climate action. Building on my early experience on the NCS Local Youth Board, I am especially keen to shape governance to uplift minority communities and build pathways for green entrepreneurship. In my spare time, I enjoys hiking, triathlon, and attempting to learn the piano.”
Lilia, 18, Liverpool
“I really enjoy spending time outside and learning about the natural world, so I’ve decided to study Wildlife Ecology and Conservation this year. I’m very excited to be part of the YAB and join a community of equally passionate young people, working together on projects to encourage greater youth engagement in environmental conservation that will contribute to real change.”
Lily, 24, London
“I am passionate about tackling the nature and climate crises through social action. I have a background in youth-led and community-led climate campaigning and currently work at a protected landscapes charity, working to connect more people to the joy of spending time outdoors. Outside of the Youth Advisory Board, I enjoy being creative and am a keen yogi.”
Lisa, 18, Exeter
“With a love of nature and sports like surfing and snowboarding with a particular interest in geography and politics; I am passionate and dedicated to tackling climate change and issues of climate justice. Involved within many different organisations in the environmental sector, I am excited to continue to speak up for youth voice within Groundwork for a second year.”
Maia, 24, London
“I’m most passionate about tackling the climate crisis by amplifying the voices of young people, mobilising communities, and lobbying the financial systems that fund the fossil fuel industry. I currently live in London, working as a Community Engagement Manager at a children’s charity. I am also a member of the steering group for SOS-UK’s Invest for Change campaign and in 2023, whilst President of Royal Holloway Students’ Union, I led a successful fossil fuel divestment campaign.”
Niamh, 21, Belfast
“I’m a maths graduate currently working as a systems engineer for electric vehicles. I came into environmental action from the feminist movement, recognising how exploitative environmental practices further exacerbate inequality in our society. I’m excited to learn more in my role at Groundwork to support building sustainable communities and creating a more hopeful future.”
Ruby, 17, Merseyside
“I am passionate about community engagement and youth empowerment, I’m thrilled to be part of Groundwork’s Youth Advisory Board to collaborate and have the opportunity to work on initiatives that give young voices a platform, promoting teamwork and creating a positive impact for our community.”
Zak, 20, Northamptonshire
“I am currently a law student and an education activist, passionate about equality in the education system. I’m really excited to be apart of the Groundwork YAB and look forward to all the exciting projects ahead.”
Zara, 18, London
“I am a British Nigerian who has lived in Spain. As a result, I have become well-versed in languages and cognizant of different cultures. My worldview has not only been shaped by my background but also by my time volunteering at ClimaTalk, where I had the opportunity to discuss climate policy at COP28. I am currently studying PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) at the University of Warwick.”
