What role do you play in lead?

I am thrilled to say I am a LEAD director specialising in fundraising and volunteer training. This means I work with all the lovely people, grants and trusts that support us financially and give us the means to keep LEAD going. I also have the absolute honour of working with and training our AMAZING volunteers. Our volunteers are from local communities surrounding our schools and aid us in running our courses. 

Who is your favourite leader?

My favourite leader is Aisling Bea. She is an Irish comedian, actor and screenwriter but also an activist for several causes including mental health (particularly battling loneliness), food banks, sustainability in the fashion industry and women’s rights. She also leads through her comedy and ability to inspire people to think differently while making them laugh. She embodies a leadership of fun, genuineness, kindness and care! 

Where are you leading?

I have been a leader in many different settings from rugby teams, as a bouldering instructor and as a youth worker. Now I lead in my local youth group where I support a group of young people aged 11-18 through life and through the challenges of high school. Something we teach at LEAD is that leadership is influence so I also feel I lead in my friendships as we support each other through life’s ups and downs. 

Why are you excited about working with LEAD?

I am excited about working with LEAD as I wish I had something like it when I was in school. Growing up I felt like I didn’t have a “thing” I was really good at. I only discovered my passion for people and my talent for leadership when I started volunteering at my local youth center back home in Northern Ireland when I was fourteen. Then I found that I was really good at working with people and standing up in front of a crowd. Something I didn’t regularly get the opportunity to do at school without it being attached to a musical or play which wasn’t really my interest. Therefore I’m excited to give young people the chance to find out what they are really good at, which is maybe something different from the typical school subjects.

What is your advice to a young leader?

Don’t be afraid to push yourself and step out of your comfort zone, I know it sounds cliqué but it’s TRUE! I spent so long thinking I was a shy person and wishing I could be the person at the front of the room. It wasn't until people believed in me and allowed me to try something different that I started to find my real talents. A wise leader in my life called Stan once told me that our comfort zones are like elastic bands, once you stretch them (not so far that they break!) they never go back to being the same shape. You’ve grown and changed and so then next time you’re able to push yourself even further!