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.

Aishah Nahar

Programme Coordinator

Aishah is a recent History graduate with an interest in education, international development, and increasing social mobility for marginalized groups. During her studies she worked in widening participation to help students gain insight into university life, build their confidence, and help them realise their potential. As an upReach alumni she learned firsthand about the incredible opportunities for growth provided by upReach to eligible students. She now hopes to provide the same invaluable support to current Associates. Aishah can be found with her head in a good book, making art, or watching history documentaries.

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 Veitch

Programme Leader

Alex joined the upReach Manchester office after graduating from the University of Cambridge with a determination to help tackle social and educational inequality. Prior to receiving her English degree, Alex was extensively involved in her college and wider university access work. As the first person in her family to go to university and a former pupil of a state comprehensive school in Greater Manchester, she understands that social mobility issues do not end once graduation is over. She is passionate about helping Associates realise their brilliance and potential. She can be found with either a coffee, book or online shopping order in her hand

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.

Anna Sawicki Smith

Programme Leader

During her time at university, Anna worked with school students from less privileged backgrounds to gain the skills needed to attend university. She 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.

Daniel Davis

Programme Coordinator

Dan is a recent Philosophy graduate from the University of Exeter. Having been an Associate, and a mature student, he is aware of how valuable upReach’s work is. He has a passion for social mobility and mental health and is excited to make a positive change in the world. Outside of work, Dan can be found travelling, gaming or hanging out with his two pugs, Alfie and Beau.

David Steel

Employer Partnerships Manager

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.

Dulcie Huwew

Programme Leader

Dulcie joined upReach as she wanted to work in an organisation that made a signifiant difference to students’ lives, and aims to make a real change in the Higher Education sector. After applying to University through a scheme called Access to Leeds, and understanding the challenges of adapting to University and the transitions that follow, Dulcie is passionate about ensuring that access to graduate employment is inclusive and accessible, and wants to ensure that all students are given equal opportunities. Her main interests are cooking, travelling, and learning about different cultures.

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.

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 Coordinator

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 Coordinator

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.

Gavin Davis

Finance & Operations Manager

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.

Halima Aidarus

Business Analyst

Halima recently graduated from SOAS University with a degree in Arabic and English. She joined the Civil Service Fast Stream after her studies and is currently completing a secondment at upReach. As a former upReach Associate, Halima has experienced firsthand how valuable the work upReach does. Working as a tutor during university fuelled her passion for improving access to education for all, regardless of their background, so that everyone has a fair chance in employability. Outside of work, Halima enjoys baking, travelling and (more often than not) watching a good show on Netflix!

Hannah Judge

Programme Coordinator

Hannah joined upReach after completing an MSc in Educational Research at the University of Bristol. With previous experience working for universities and charities to widen participation in university study, she is excited to move into the field of improving access to competitive employment. Away from the office, Hannah enjoys climbing, travel and working her way around all of London’s coffee shops!

Hannah Stoddart

Sector Programmes & Mentoring Manager

Hannah is the Sector Programmes and Mentoring Manager. 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.

Isobel Plant

Professional Experience Programmes & Partnerships Manager

After teaching English in secondary schools in Sheffield and Liverpool, Izzy's worked for the past six years in social mobility and education charities. She's passionate about tackling social inequality and is excited to work with employers to develop partnerships that provide invaluable opportunities for young people. Outside of work, you'll find her curled up with a cup of tea and a good book or swimming in the open water.

Jacque Dieu

Technology and Data Lead

Jacque is a programme coordinator, 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.

Joshua Fine

Programme Coordinator

Joshua joined the FCLP after graduating from The University of Oxford with a BA is 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.

Kudzai Zimowa

Programme Coordinator

Having been an upReach associate at the University of Liverpool, Kudzai was very keen to join upReach because of his passion for reducing social and educational inequality. While studying Law he worked alongside the widening participation team at the university of Liverpool helping tackle barriers to entry into higher education. Outside of work, Kudzai enjoys playing football, reading and loves collecting retro trainers and streetwear.

Laura Bland

Programme Coordinator

After graduating with a degree in Psychology from the University of Bath, Laura joined upReach as a Programme Coordinator. She believes passionately that everyone should have access to the careers they want. She is excited to be able to help students from less-advantaged backgrounds overcome graduate employment barriers and achieve their full potential. Outside of work, Laura enjoys spending time with her two dogs, watching stand-up comedy and live music.

Laura Simpson

Programme Manager

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!

Liberty O'Hagan

University Partnership Lead

Liberty first heard about upReach through her shortlisted nomination at the 2018 Student Social Mobility Awards for her voluntary work at university. She is very excited to join upReach to be part of a team that is enthusiastic to help improve social mobility and support a wide inspiring cohort of students. In her spare time Liberty likes reading about world politics, being near the sea and travelling!

Lee Robertson

Springboard Manager

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.

Lidia Barbuti

Senior Brand, Marketing & Communications Officer

Lidia is our Senior Brand, Marketing and Communications Officer 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.

Liam Flannigan

Rise Programmes & Impact Manager

Liam is coordinating the upReach University Societies. He joined upReach because he is passionate about bridging the attainment gap in graduate employment for students from different backgrounds. In his spare time, Liam enjoys football, travelling and cycling everywhere he can.

Mabel Canham

Technology Springboard Lead

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.

Muhammad Gangat

Programme Coordinator

Muhammad is a Law Programme Coordinator. He joined upReach having just completed his LPC at the University of Law. He is extremely passionate about Social Mobility and has a keen interest in ensuring that candidates from socially mobile backgrounds can get the job of their dreams! Outside of work, Muhammad is a huge Arsenal fan (which often compounds him to immense misery!).

Niamh Mac Namee

Programme Leader

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

Fundraising & External Affairs Manager

Olivia is our 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.

Rebecca O'Leary

Programme Coordinator

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

Programme Officer

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!

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

Senior Fundraising & Events Officer

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

Programme Leader

Sarah is a Programme Leader 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.

Sophie Savage

Programme Coordinator

Sophie joined the FCLP after studying PPE at the University of Leeds. She joined upReach because she is passionate about combating social and economic inequality. Outside of work, Sophie can be found painting or in the park reading, weather permitting.

Tabitha Carrington

Programme Leader

Tabitha is our Programme Leader 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!

Yolanda Kisenyi

Programme Leader

Yolanda joined upReach because of her passion for contributing to social change and mentoring young people from under-represented communities. Before completing her Masters in African Studies at the University of Oxford, Yolanda was a member of the Executive Team for the Patchwork Foundation Masterclass Programme, further propelling her to pursue a career whereby she can have a positive social impact. Yolanda enjoys museums and anything to do with colonial history.