SMK is delighted to announce the appointment of six new trustees who between them bring a wealth of valuable and diverse skills and experience.
Pete Moorey, Chair of the Sheila McKechnie Foundation, says:
“We’re thrilled to have six trustees with such significant experience joining the Sheila McKechnie Foundation at this important moment for change makers. As many of us wrestle with a constantly evolving political environment, our new trustees’ campaigning knowledge and expertise will help SMK to deliver on our mission of supporting, connecting and championing campaigners to make change happen.”
Our new trustees are:
Tony Burton CBE
Tony works on community, design and environmental projects and is a community activist and campaigner. He founded Civic Voice and is the chair of Wandle Valley Forum. Tony also chairs CPRE’s national Policy & Campaigns Committee and is a former Vice Chair of Friends of the Earth. Tony chaired the National Lottery Community Fund during the pandemic, is currently Chair of Power to Change and TCV Chestnut Fund. He is also a trustee of Nationwide Foundation, advised the National Infrastructure Commission on design and is Vice Chair of HS2’s Independent Design Panel.
“Very little that is good in the world has come without the commitment, skill and vision of campaigners. The art and science of campaigning deserves more attention and the role of campaigners more support. That is why I am energised by being part of SMK in its unique role as the campaigners’ champion.”
Juliet Can
Juliet Can is Director of Stour Trust, a social enterprise, developing models of community led regeneration that seeks to democratise access to land, building and spaces. They also influence policies to deliver racial, social and economic justice for under-represented communities. Juliet’s career has focused on three core tenets: social justice, arts and culture, and entrepreneurship. She is passionate about supporting local people and communities as they shape their neighbourhoods. Juliet sits on the boards of ACME Studios, London Community Land Trust and Ethical Property Company.
“I am so thrilled to be joining the Board at SMK. Twenty years ago, I began my social change journey as a volunteer community campaigner. Pushing for change takes dedication, commitment, and incredible resilience. For many individuals who feel voiceless or experience injustice stepping up as a campaigner can feel equally empowering and daunting. I look forward to joining SMK’s incredible Board and supporting the vision to help campaigners thrive and drive positive change in our society.”
Sami Gichki
Sami is co-chair of the #iWill Movement, Britain’s leading youth social action movement. He is a trustee with Young Roots, Intergenerational England, Manchester City of Sanctuary and Euro Youth Mental Health. He brings substantial experience of youth engagement and participation. His spirit for campaigning lies in his lived experience of being an asylum seeker and being excluded from the narrative of government policy.
“Being a trustee for SMK is exciting: this is a place I know is bold in what it does to support the dream of campaigners and civil society. I hope I can be part of the puzzle to help it grow to ambitious heights whilst embedding my voice, both as a young person and as an asylum seeker into our long-term strategy. Allowing us to embrace change and be a reflection of campaigning in our home, our Britain.”
Alex Kent
Alex is the Co-CEO of Restless Development, a global non-profit for youth-led change, that delivers youth-leadership programmes in 26 countries, as well as supporting and connecting young changemakers to strengthen youth civil society. Alex is a feminist leader with over 20 years’ experience working on social justice issues and campaigns at WaterAid, Save the Children, Comic Relief and the Global Campaign for Education and led the 1GOAL: Education for All, campaign in South Africa during the 2010 World Cup.
“I am delighted to be joining the board of SMK. An organisation I’ve long admired as the fairy godmother of campaigns. The role that SMK plays, championing and supporting changemakers in a world that doesn’t always communicate progress is so vital for enabling positive change.”
Gillian Lazonby
Gillian has over 10 years’ experience working in the charity sector and is currently the General Counsel for 350.org, a global climate movement organisation. Prior to this she worked with the human rights charity, Reprieve and international development charity, Tearfund in her capacity as in-house legal counsel. Gillian is a dual qualified solicitor in England, Wales and Scotland and is based in Edinburgh.
“I am delighted to be joining the Board of SMK in a time where continued hope that change is possible has never been more critical. SMK is a uniquely placed charity that which equips, champions and celebrates our tireless campaigners and I look forward to supporting them in achieving their vision.”
Emilija Rudzinskaitė
Emilija is the learning and engagement coordinator at Earthwatch. She is a primary school teacher specialising in environmental education and leads teacher training programmes, advocating for climate education and pathways to green and STEM careers. After seeing the effects of the Fridays for Future protests on pupil awareness of the climate crisis, she joined the Earthwatch Education team to address key barriers to consistent climate education. Emilija also works on diversifying opportunities in engineering and motorsport through her work with Espire Education, and volunteers for the Women’s Equality Party Basingstoke Branch.
“I am extremely proud to be joining the Board of Trustees at SMK and to bring my lived experience and expertise within the education space. This is a pivotal moment for campaigners and activists to hone their craft and lift the voices and profiles of the people and causes they represent. I am grateful for the opportunity to bring my passion and perspective on community organising. I hope to grow in my role and support this organisation in creating spaces for changemakers to share their knowledge and collectively raise the bar of our civil society.”