John Craven

Chief Executive

John has been actively involved in social mobility since founding the successful Cambridge University Shadowing Scheme in 1999. Prior to joining upReach, he spent 11 years in investment banking, and as a Lead Practitioner, taught Maths and Economics in state and independent schools. A charity trustee for seven years, John likes skiing, marathons, coffee and red wine.

Stephanie Lieber

Director of Programmes and Impact

Stephanie joined upReach after working in the Corporate world as a tax director for 25 years. She wanted to join upReach so she could share insights she gained while developing her own career with Associates as they are launching their careers. After joining upReach in the first FCLP cohort in 2016, she now leads the delivery team to ensure we meet our commitments to our Associates and Partners as the Director of Programmes and Impact.

Sara Furness

Chief of Staff

Sara is the Chief of Staff, working on governance, team coordination and internal project management. She joined upReach in 2020 after having worked previously for a mix of charitable and educational organisations. She is passionate about ensuring all students have access to the opportunities they need in life to reach their full potential. Her other interests include travelling, reading and (usually) being disappointed by Crystal Palace Football Club.

Adam Poole

Programme Coordinator

Adam is an International Development graduate from Chester and Sussex universities. He is passionate about tackling social inequalities and supporting individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, having volunteered with youth organisations in the UK and on placements abroad. He believes it is critical to invest in the personal development of young people to support them to achieve their full potential. In his free time, Adam enjoys cycling, hiking, running, going to the gym and playing golf very badly.

Abbie Wilson

Programme Coordinator

Abbie graduated from the University of Birmingham with a degree in Education, where she realised her passion for educational equality and social mobility. Whilst working as a Tutor, and being the first in her family to attend university, she realised the barriers preventing social mobility and is excited to be pursuing a career where she can help to break down these barriers. In her spare time, Abbie enjoys travelling around the UK and beyond, eating different cuisines in every location and being by the sea!

Alex Webb

University Partnerships and Impact Manager

Reducing barriers and increasing social mobility within marginalised groups is something Alex wants to spend his life doing. He mentors in his local school and believes in the power of community to create positive social change. Alex is a proud plant parent and is always happy to share updates on how his plants are doing. He can usually be found learning about, and celebrating, queer history.

Amber Marikar

Programme Coordinator

Amber recently graduated from LSE with an MSc in Gender, Development, and Globalisation and a BA(Hons) in History. From taking up various volunteering positions in the charity sector and researching gender and racial inequality at university, Amber became firmly interested in matters of social justice. It was this interest that inspired her to become a Programme Coordinator at upReach, working towards a vision of a future in which one’s socio-economic background does not act as a barrier to success. Outside the office, Amber enjoys watching films, eating spicy foods, and travelling.

Andy Harding

Law Springboard Lead

Andy joined upReach because he is passionate about ensuring that all students have the knowledge needed to access opportunities that will allow them to develop the skills to go on to access top graduate jobs. His role is to support a new cohort of aspiring law professionals in doing exactly that. In his spare time, he likes to read, spend time in the great outdoors and travel overseas.

Annabel Cook

Programme Coordinator

Annabel recently graduated with a degree in International History and Politics and is interested in the intersectionalities of identity and improving social mobility for all widening participation students. During their time at university, Annabel worked with young people from less advantaged backgrounds to give them insight into higher education, as well as ran an awareness campaign about the experiences of estranged students. Having previously been an upReach Associate, Annabel now wants to support other working-class students during their time at university. In their free time, Annabel enjoys singing, playing video games, and watching Disney films.

Anna Sawicki Smith

Programme Manager (Rise University)

During her time at university, Anna worked with school students from less privileged backgrounds to gain the skills needed to attend university. She initially joined upReach as a Programme Coordinator to help students with the next step of gaining access to top graduate jobs. In her free time she enjoys cooking, exploring London by bus and finding bargains in charity shops.

Caitlin Smith

Programme Coodinator

Caitlin recently completed her undergraduate History degree at the University of Oxford where she was involved in the university’s efforts to increase access to higher education for students from underprivileged backgrounds. Having benefited from many access schemes herself throughout her education, she decided to join upReach’s FCLP because of her belief in social equality and a strong desire to challenge systemic inequality. In her free time, Caitlin can be found cooking tasty vegetarian things, reading, or on long walks (a lockdown habit that cannot be shaken).

Chloe Hill

Programme Officer

Chloe recently graduated with a Natural Sciences degree from Durham University. Through personal experiences and her involvement with university outreach and widening participation programmes, she developed a passion for social mobility. After setting up a student group for first-generation students, she realised that she’d like to turn this passion into a career and subsequently started working for upReach. Outside of work, Chloe is all-singing, all-dancing. She is a member of a community choir and regularly teaches musical workshops and swing dance.

Chloe Waterson

Programme Coordinator

Chloe has been an upReach associate since 2018. After graduating from the University of Durham with a degree in Philosophy and Psychology, she wanted to continue her journey with upReach as part of the FCLP to help tackle systematic inequality. Chloe has a long-standing passion for social mobility and dedicated her time at university to tackling these issues. Coming from a state school/low income family herself, she is looking forward to making a real difference and encouraging students from similar backgrounds to achieve their full potential! When she's not working, you will probably find her on TikTok, socialising with her friends or attempting to bake!

Christian Mussard

Partnerships Manager (Investments & Savings)

Christian is our Partnerships Manager focused on the Investment & Savings industry. After leaving sixth form he enrolled on a Banking Higher Apprenticeship programme and completed his dissertation on socio-economic diversity within banking. Seeing the positive impact a holistically focused diverse & inclusive organisation can have on both the company and individuals, he explored this further alongside working within Relationship Management. He hopes to help create a socially mobile culture within financial services. Alongside work, Christian enjoys sports, exercise and socialising with friends normally at a restaurant.

David Steel

Head of Employer Partnerships

Throughout his time at university David helped sixth form students from less-privileged backgrounds overcome the many barriers to university. He came to realise that it was these students that needed extra support during the transition which follows university, into employment. This is why he joined upReach. David has a strong interest in history and enjoys playing any sport that is thrown his way.

Dominic Paulucci

Programme Coordinator (Technology)

Dominic joined upReach following a career as a communications professional, mainly working with companies in the technology and industrial sectors. Having supported widening participation programmes at university, he knows the positive impact that social mobility initiatives can have on students, and is excited to once again help students from less-advantaged backgrounds to reach their full potential. Outside of work, Dominic occupies most of his time by playing guitar and creating instrumental music.

Eamonn Hoare

Law Programme Coordinator

Eamonn joined upReach as a Programme Coordinator after studying History at the University of Cambridge. Whilst at university, he enjoyed the opportunity to engage in social enterprise projects and, in particular, valued the opportunity to support charities advancing social mobility. He is excited to further upReach’s vision and help young people maximise their potential. In his spare time, Eamonn likes watching basketball, trying new restaurants and catching up with friends.

Eilidh Rowan

Programme Coordinator

Eilidh is a recent Law graduate from the University of Exeter. She is from a low participation neighbourhood and was an upReach associate herself. As a result social mobility is an issue close to her heart. Whilst at University she was a member of Exeter University’s upReach society and a volunteer tutor for disadvantaged children. She now looks forward to continuing her work on social mobility as a Programme Coordinator. In her spare time she enjoys charity shopping, eating, and most importantly socialising with friends!

Elizabeth Twells

Programme Coordinator

Lizzie graduated from the University of Leeds in 2019 with a BSc in Pharmacology. Being educated at a school within an area of high deprivation led to a passion regarding the reduction of inequality in education and society. Outside of work, Lizzie enjoys travelling, reading, socialising and supporting Leicester City Football Club.

Ella Shaxson

Programme Leader

Ella joined upReach as a Programme Coordinator after studying Social Anthropology at the University of Cambridge. While at university, she volunteered as an access mentor, supporting offer-holders from less advantaged backgrounds during their process of revising for A levels, meeting their offer and preparing for university life. She is excited to continue the vital mission of reducing socioeconomic inequalities while working with upReach. In her spare time, Ella loves cooking, hiking and trips to the beach.

Freya Mumford

Programme Leader

Freya joined the FCLP after graduating from the University of Liverpool with a BA in Criminology. Originally from Merseyside and working as a Youth Worker before starting university, she is passionate about social change and supporting young people in realising their potential. In her spare time Freya enjoys live music and playing guitar.

Gabrielle Thuesday

Senior Project Manager (Technology and Digital Skills)

Gabrielle is our Senior Project Manager (Technology & Digital Skills). She has previously spent the last few years managing diversity programmes within the third sector. Through this experience, she has seen the true impact organisations, such as upReach, can have on supporting students in reaching their full potential. Gabrielle joined upReach as she is passionate about social change and playing a role in challenging the inequalities underrepresented students face. Outside of the office, Gabrielle is a keen cook and is usually found trailing local food markets, making candles or volunteering her time to support neurodiversity awareness initiatives.

Gavin Davis

Head of Finance and Business Operations

Gavin is responsible for all things finance-related at upReach. Before making a career shift into the Third Sector and re-training as a Management Accountant, he co-founded and ran a niche recruitment business for over 10 years. Prior to joining upReach, Gavin worked as Finance and Administration Manager for a leading Arts Charity in East London. When not staring at various spreadsheets, he enjoys theatre and quality box-sets.

Grace Cook

Programme Coordinator

Grace joined upReach as a Programme Coordinator after graduating from Newcastle University with a BA in English Literature and Creative Writing. Her passion for social mobility and equal opportunities attracted her to the role, as well as the desire to have a career that helped create a positive change in society. Outside of work she enjoys going to museums, the theatre, and volunteering at film festivals.

Hannah Judge

Senior Data and Impact Officer

Hannah joined upReach as a Programme Coordinator on the FCLP, after completing an MSc in Educational Research at the University of Bristol. Now, she looks at the ways we can measure and communicate the differences we are making as a charity. Away from the office, Hannah enjoys bouldering, travel and working her way around all of London’s coffee shops and markets!

Hannah Mitchell

Programme Coordinator

Hannah graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2019 with a BA in English with History, as the first member of her family to attend university. Formerly a college Employability Coach and an ongoing social mobility charity volunteer, Hannah is excited to extend her support to undergraduates in accessing competitive professional opportunities and to champion Associates’ professional and personal development. In her spare time, you’ll find Hannah enjoying baking and the outdoors, singing loudly in the shower and relaxing with her family pet tortoise, Toby, in the garden.

Hannah Stoddart

Head of Sector Programmes and Mentoring

Hannah is upReach's Head of Sector Programmes and Mentoring. She joined upReach because she wants to help students reach their full potential, and ensure that no one feels their background can stop them from achieving their career goals. Her favourite things are tea, cake, and history.

Isabelle Read

Programme Coordinator

Isabelle graduated in modern languages from the University of Cambridge, where she was involved in various access projects to reduce barriers to higher education. After university, she taught English in Spain and worked as a private tutor, and she found it incredibly rewarding to see her students gain confidence and reach their potential, which she hopes to carry with her through Associate work at upReach. Being the first in her family to attend university and having benefited from many access initiatives herself, she is passionate about being able to tackle social inequality and barriers to graduate employment. In her spare time, she can be found running, hiking, camping or adventuring in the great outdoors.

Isadora Lynch

Programme Coordinator

Whilst studying for an undergraduate degree in Politics from Lancaster University, Isadora developed a keen interest in social policy and the impacts of global wealth inequality. She became determined to forge a career in the third sector after conducting research into the British welfare system and the intersection of gender and poverty, particularly focusing on India. Isadora volunteered extensively in her local food bank, and was Corporate Outreach Officer for the Lancaster 93% Club before joining upReach as a Programme Coordinator.

Jack Nguyen

Junior Product Manager

Having worked for numerous tech start-ups in London, Jack joined upReach as a Junior Product Manager. He was drawn to upReach’s mission of helping students from less-privileged backgrounds to succeed and reach their full potential. Jack's favourite things are cooking, travelling and Liverpool Football Club.

Jacque Dieu

Data and Technology Manager

Jacque is our Data and Technology Manager. He is passionate about social mobility and has previously worked on increasing access to higher education in Devon. In his free time, Jacque enjoys playing the guitar and ukulele and likes to play instrumental music and the occasional jazz standard. Jacque likes hikes in the countryside and listening to live music.

Jamie Pitts

Senior Project Manager

Jamie is our Senior Project Manager. He joins upReach after spending three years at Cancer Research UK, most recently as an Executive Project Manager. Whilst at university, he interned with a number of charities, centred around working with young people. He enjoys American Football and anything food-related.

Jonas Kitadi

Programme Coordinator

As an alumni of the University of Leeds’ Plus programme, a widening participation scheme for students from less advantaged backgrounds, Jonas became acutely aware of the positive impact of closing the gap between privileged and less advantaged students throughout his time at university. Through studying Sociology and working in Diversity and Inclusion for a Business and IT graduate consultancy for his year in industry, Jonas was able to explore how important networks, work experience opportunities and soft skills are in securing graduate employment. Jonas has recent work experience across the private, public and third sectors. Jonas is an avid football fan, a bit-part five-a-side player and a budding chef.

Joshua Fine

Programme Coordinator

Joshua joined the FCLP after graduating from The University of Oxford with a BA in Classical Archaeology and Ancient History. Joshua is passionate about social mobility, having been involved with the First Generation Society at university and later interning with a charity whose focus was on social mobility in South Africa. Joshua is a born and bred Mancunian, and can regularly be found moaning about Manchester United.

Katie Flett

Programme Coordinator

Katie was an upReach associate at the University of Manchester where she graduated in 2019 with a Politics and Sociology degree. Whilst studying, and since graduating, she worked at a number of social mobility organisations to help students from similar backgrounds to reach their full potential. Outside of work, Katie enjoys baking, meeting up with friends, and trying out new eyeshadow looks (the brighter the better).

Laura Simpson

Programme Manager (Rise)

Laura is the Programme Manager for our postcode programmes, including our Building Success Programme, Southwark Internship Programme and our John Lyon's Charity Programme. She joined upReach in 2021 after having worked for another social mobility charity. Laura is dedicated to tackling socio-economic inequality and supporting underrepresented students achieve their chosen graduate role. In her spare time she likes running, kickboxing and being outside, preferably near the beach!

Lee Robertson

Head of Springboard Programmes

Lee is responsible for running three of upReach’s “Career Springboard” programmes. He oversees the support we offer to students pursuing a career in Law, Technology and Investment Management. Lee joined upReach because he is passionate about helping students access jobs they previously wouldn’t have imagined, and giving them the extra boost they need to reach their potential.

Lici Eastman

Programme Coordinator

Lici joined upReach as a Programme Coordinator after graduating with an International Development masters and History undergraduate degree from the University of York. As the first member of her family to go to university, Lici is passionate about social mobility and collaborating with students to realise their full potential. In her downtime, Lici loves a picturesque walk, all the podcasts and trying out new veggie food.

Lidia Barbuti

Communications & Marketing Manager

Lidia is our Communications & Marketing Manager and is responsible for maintaining brand consistency and supporting upReach’s external communications. As the first in her family to attend university, she was drawn to upReach’s mission to help less-advantaged students succeed in the graduate market. She brings with her an agency background in content production, creative development and brand management. When she isn’t working, you can find Lidia learning to argentine tango or snuggling up with her two dogs.

Liv Garner

Programme Coordinator

Liv joined upReach as a Programme Coordinator after teaching secondary English in a state school, gaining a PGCE & QTS. Having studied English at the University of Bristol, Liv benefitted from and supported University widening participation schemes and voluntary projects encouraging social mobility. Liv is excited to continue her interest in supporting students from less advantaged backgrounds to reach their full potential and access equal opportunities. Outside of work, Liv enjoys going to the theatre, cooking, trying new restaurants and travelling.

Lulu Goodchild

Programme Coordinator

Lulu recently graduated from the University of Bristol with a Masters in Religion and Theology. As a First-Generation University student, she gained a clear understanding of the systemic obstacles preventing social mobility. This motivated her to pursue a career at upReach to help create a fairer society with equal employment opportunities for all students. In her free time, Lulu loves to travel, attempt new cooking recipes, and visit her two labradors.

Mabel Canham

Programme Manager (Technology)

Mabel joined upReach as she is passionate about dismantling systemic oppression and inequality. In her spare time, Mabel enjoys true crime documentaries and is a regular attendee at her weekly pub quiz. She can often be found sporting out-there nail designs and adores all things animal print.

Marielle Bordado

Student Attraction and Communication Senior Officer

Marielle has worked in Communications and Marketing for over 10 years, half of it focused on impact communication for the non-profit and development sector. Her fascination and passion for storytelling has brought her to this line of work. Marielle recently earned her MSc degree in Media, Communication, and Development from the London School of Economics under a scholarship from the UK government. She joined upReach in the hopes of making an impact and adding to the many amazing experiences she has gained in her short time in the UK. Her idea of enjoying her free time includes cooking, watching films, learning new stuff and solving puzzles, but also mostly traveling and going to beaches which remind her of home in the Philippines.

Melissa Pittman

Programme Coordinator

Keen to build upon her experience and help students reach their full potential, Melissa joined the FCLP at upReach. Whilst studying for her undergraduate degree in Social Policy at the London School of Economics, she learned about issues of privilege affecting mobility in education and work. Using this knowledge, she interned with charities helping disadvantaged children and adults access educational opportunities. Beyond the office, Melissa spends her time seeing friends, obsessing about politics and attempting to cook (but mainly ordering) vegan food.

Micayla Colman

Law Programme Coordinator

Micayla is a Law Programme Coordinator. She graduated from both the University of Cambridge with a degree in Law and the University of Cape Town with a degree in Environmental Science and Biology. She is passionate about social mobility and looks forward to working with students from socially mobile backgrounds to ensure that they land the job of their dreams! Outside of work, Micayla loves everything about cocker spaniels, reading and travelling.

Mimi Hedfi

Programme Coordinator

Mimi studied Social Anthropology at University of Manchester and has a particular interest in social inequality and widening participation, having been the WP student voice representative whilst working for her university’s career service. As a former upReach associate she resonates with the experiences of disadvantaged students and is committed to improving social mobility on the FLCP. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, travelling and practicing yoga.

Minna Gabbertas

Partnerships Manager (Technology)

Minna joined upReach as a Technology Partnerships Manager having previously worked in partnerships for a small media company. As a result of her volunteering with less-advantaged individuals, Minna is dedicated to creating real equality of opportunity and a network of support and possibility for students regardless of their background. Away from her desk, you can find her in a hot yoga class, running or eating dim sum on the weekends.

Niamh Mac Namee

Sector Programme Manager (Government, Public Sector and Charity)

Having been an upReach associate at the University of Exeter, Niamh was very keen to join upReach to be part of their ambitious vision to facilitate equal access to opportunities and to work with a diverse and interesting group of Associates. Before joining upReach she studied Middle East Studies and taught English to children and university students abroad.

Olivia Reeve

Senior Fundraising & External Affairs Manager

Olivia is our Senior Fundraising and External Affairs Manager. After working to help prepare sixth formers for the transition to university, she was attracted to upReach’s focus on the transition which follows, between university and employment. Olivia enjoys travelling and has researched primates in various rainforests in the tropics.

Priya Contractor

Programme Coordinator

Priya is a graduate from Warwick University, where she majored in Social Justice and Sustainable Systems. Her academic interests in systemic barriers to social mobility have since become her professional, and personal, ones. She is passionate about working towards ambitious, creative, and promising solutions with upReach. In her spare time she enjoys films, roping friends into watching reality TV, and pretending to be relaxed at social events.

Rebecca O'Leary

Programme Leader

Becca is a Programme Coordinator at upReach. Having graduated in 2018 with a BSc Psychology degree from the University of Bath, she has since worked within Student Recruitment. She is very passionate about addressing social mobility and helping young people achieve their full potential. Outside of work, Becca enjoys baking, travelling and a good pub quiz!

Rebecca Ige

Student Attraction and Pipeline Leader

Rebecca recently graduated from the University of Cambridge with a degree in Geography. She is passionate about tackling inequalities in the education system and has worked at a number of university outreach events as a Student Ambassador, contributing to Cambridge’s commitment to widening participation. Across her education, she received a lot of support from social mobility charities and is now excited to contribute to upReach’s mission of helping students from disadvantaged backgrounds reach their full career potential. Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys reading, baking and travelling!

Rebecca Woodcock

Programme Officer

Rebecca is a recent International Politics graduate with an interest in social mobility, gender rights and international development. After following her older brother in his footsteps as the first in the family to go to university, Rebecca realised the limits that somebody's upbringing places on a person's future. She joined upReach to ensure that the the link between a person's background and their job prospects is broken. In her free time, Becky is a DJ, and advocates for diversity within the music industry.

Rochelle Kenyon

Administration Assistant (HR & Finance)

Rochelle is a Psychology, Counselling and Psychotherapy graduate, passionate about empowering others to realise their full potential. Growing up and being educated in a deprived area led to an interest in social equity and dismantling systemic oppression. upReach’s commitment to breaking down barriers for those from less-advantaged backgrounds attracted Rochelle to the role. When not in the office, Rochelle can be found discussing Black British History with her book club, collecting antiques and rare books, or exploring as many countries as possible!

Rosa Pennington

Junior Product Manager

After graduating from the University of Nottingham, Rosa worked in both the private and public sector before joining upReach as a Junior Product Manager. She is really interested in Social Mobility and helping young people to reach their full potential. Rosa enjoys good food, making her own clothes and stand-up comedy.

Safia Nasli

Programme Coordinator

Safia graduated from her degree in Politics at the University of Leeds in 2020. During this time, she helped students from less advantaged backgrounds to access higher education and also worked as a Youth worker. Safia is passionate about social mobility, having participated in social mobility programmes as a student herself. Safia enjoys politics, reading and watching Netflix.

Salma Al-Hassan

Programme Coordinator

Salma joined the FCLP because of her passion for combating inequality in education through helping young people achieve their full potential. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Manchester where she studied History and Sociology. Salma has enjoyed working in a number of volunteer mentoring roles, she was drawn to the FCLP because of its focus on mentorship. In her free time, you can find Salma painting, listening to history podcasts, and attempting to master ceramics (emphasis on attempt).

Sam Fraine

Fundraising & Events Manager

Sam joined upReach in December 2020. He brings with him a wealth of experience in fundraising, project and event management in London, Lyon and Berlin, and the determination to help drive positive social change for less-advantaged undergraduates across the UK. Talk to him about good music, good food and good literature and he'll be happy.

Sam Gill

Senior HR Officer

Sam recently completed an MSc in Human Resource Management at the University of Salford and has worked in diversity and inclusion in Higher Education before joining upReach. Sam has also worked with local charities and social enterprises, and is passionate about helping people to reach their full potential.

Sarah Gregory

Delivery Project Manager

Sarah is the Delivery Project Manager at upReach. Originally from Liverpool, she graduated from Royal Holloway with BA Modern History and Politics. She then went on to study Economic History MSc at the London School of Economics and is passionate about the reduction of inequality in society. In her free time she enjoys cooking and spending time with her dog, Charlie.

Tabitha Carrington

Programme Manager

Tabitha is our Programme Manager for Exploring and Coaching, and organiser of the 2019 Student Social Mobility Awards. After working as a Sutton Scholars Mentor and President of Sexpression Warwick while at university, she was keen to further develop her knowledge of the charity sector. upReach’s ambitious Theory of Change and ever-growing impact on social mobility issues further drew her to the role. Tabitha enjoys collecting houseplants, listening to all sorts of podcasts and eating vegan treats!