Pilotlight is delighted to announce the 21 driven and ambitious Pilotlighters joining the charity via our Ignite Initiative.
We are committed to improving diversity, equity and inclusion within Pilotlight and we share the common goal of tackling social disadvantage in all its guises. Our aim is to positively influence our partner charities, businesses and members. As part of this commitment, we want to champion diverse leadership through Pilotlight opportunities.
We developed the Ignite Initiative to focus on bringing more voices to the Pilotlight network, widening participation, and improving the diversity of thought we share with our charity partners. Ultimately, these Pilotlighters will be using their skills to support ambitious charities whilst benefitting personally and professionally from the unique leadership development opportunity.
The 2021 Ignite Initiative Pilotlighters are:
- Resma Patel
- Max Mckenzie-Cook
- Jamie Anderson
- Noha Al Afifi
- Celeste Blaize-Gibson
- Lola Askarova
- Asim Shah
- Vicki Dawson
- Tiwonge Chipeta
- Trey Bui
- Elena Martin-Laguna
- Kawika Solidum
- Susanette Mansour
- Shabana Qureshi
- Yinka Salami
- Shalomy Alagiah
- Anne-Marie Wardlaw
- Dr J Harrison Natalie Lennox
- Natalie Lennox
- Nanjika Nasiiro
Each person will be matched with three other senior leaders from the public, private and charity sectors, forming teams to support charities who have come to Pilotlight in need of strategic input.
Speaking of their excitement, Tiwonge Chipeta, one of the new Pilotlighters, said:
“I’m excited to join as a Pilotlighter. Charities are the lifeblood of our society and I relish the opportunity to bring my professional and lived experience to this opportunity.”
Sima Patel, Partnerships Manager and the Lead on Ignite Initiative, commented:
“I’m really excited to welcome these 21 outstanding individuals to Pilotlight. The Ignite Initiative has surpassed our expectations and we are very proud to champion inclusive leadership. I have confidence the unique experiences and knowledge these individuals bring will enrich our community of purpose, benefiting the charities we help."