Reaching Higher Dream Team Mark HCEO (Voluntary) Why RH? RH was born out of a desire to create a space for young people to be encouraged, believed in and crucially to take the lead on projects and influence their generation. Having worked with young people for nearly 20 years I have learnt the key to quality youth engagement is to support, inspire and develop them as leaders and give them space and opportunity to raise up the next generation. The truth is they are the key. We lay the foundation but they build the house. And nothing leaves me more excited than watching a young person stepping out as a leader and inspiring someone else. Random Fact I’ve eaten a portion of KFC chips in one mouthful. What would be your superhero power? Create water Jordan I Strategy & Partnerships Manager Why RH? I first experienced Reaching Higher as a young person and began to volunteer in schools. It was then that I realised that young people are the very heart of the organisation. Not only this but the desires of young people have shaped what we do as an organisation and being young people led is incredibly important to me as a member of the team. Reaching Higher believes in a youth centred approach in the way in which it works and as result, this is why I choose Reaching Higher as my place of work. Random Fact I can walk on my hands ;) What would be your superhero power? Teleportation Pelumi K Schools Coordinator Why RH? Reaching Higher gives me both a sense of purpose and fulfilment in equal measure. I am a beneficiary of the values of trust and unconditional regard as I started as a volunteer and understand how important it is to extend those values to others. It is incredibly important to me that the organisation continues to embody these values and that we are so committed to helping our community. Random Fact I have several first names... What would be your superhero power? Super speed. Bryan N Head of Reaching Higher Football Academy Why RH? The sense of togetherness, the people and freedom to express yourself within your role. I mainly wanted to join Reaching Higher because of their core values of the organisation; compassion, excellence, trust, simplicity and innovation. I felt that I would have the ability to excel with these principles in place. Random Fact I fractured my hip during a regional athletic 4x100m relay race. What would be your superhero power? Telepathy Khalifa J Community Coordinator & Deputy Safeguarding Lead Why RH? Reaching Higher has contributed massively to my personal development from the age of 11. I learned the importance of making sound decisions and being a positive influence on my peers. Reaching Higher provides me with the liberty to express myself and have the autonomy to make positive changes in my community. I want to offer the same opportunity to other young people. We are people focused here at RH, which has created a lovely family atmosphere. Random Fact I have to have volume on 5, 10, 15… you get the gist What would be your superhero power? Teleportation Nicola C Logistics & Administration Lead Why RH? I started volunteering with Reaching Higher in 2013 when my daughter first started attending The Outlet. Not only did I see her growing in confidence and begin reaching her potential, Reaching Higher allowed me to develop as a leader too. Almost 6 years on and I still love everything that Reaching Higher is about and what they do. When the opportunity came up to join the team, it was one that I had no hesitation in applying for. I was so happy to get the role that I pretty much burst in to tears on the spot (slightly embarrassing but 100% genuine) I’m proud to be part of such an amazing organisation and hope to be for a good while longer! Random Fact Didn’t go to university until I was 39! (It’s never too late) What would be your superhero power? It would have to be the ability to fly! Dami O Youth Worker Why RH? My Why for working at Reaching Higher comes from days as a service user when I was about 13. RH always had a different vibe/approach to anything I had seen at the time. Everyone nurturing, caring and welcoming that you almost instantly felt part of the family. Since then I went to just about every provision RH provided, from football academy, to camps, to summerblitz’ chances are I’ve done them all. RH has supported me and so many of my friends that I wanted a chance to be do the same for someone else. To pay it forward. Random Fact My last name has 12 letters in it. What would be your superhero power? If I could have a super power it would be to predict the future. Lawrence K Head of Media Why RH? Reaching Higher is like a second home! When I first started, I was a volunteer with no real direction of what I wanted to do for the future. However, after 2-3 months of volunteering, Reaching Higher gave me a reason to express myself and influence the people around me. The core values that Reaching Higher embody is something that resonates with me, and I was fortunate to be giving an opportunity to be a part of this family! Random Fact I can play the piano What would be your superhero power? Teleportation Renee J Social Media Lead (Voluntary) Why RH? Being among the first group of young people to experience Reaching Higher meant I was able to see the growth of the organisation first hand. My own confidence sky rocketed and as I got older I was committed to giving back. The opportunity to influence, guide and mentor young people is extremely rewarding and being able to do that through my talents makes it even better. Random Fact I do backing vocals for a variety of different musicians/artists. What would be your superhero power? Telekinesis / Teleportation Jenai R Graphic Design Lead (Voluntary) Why RH? My journey from a youth to a young adult is highly influenced by Reaching Higher. Confidence was something I struggled with as a young person and even though I was amongst many other young people, I was still recognised and encouraged to excel. After graduating university, being lost in direction and experiencing discouragement. Reaching Higher continually supports my ambitions within the organisation and in other areas of my life. I just can’t seem to leave the RH family and that’s because of the togetherness, the passion and of course the trips! I’ve been attending SummerBlitz since the age of 13 and I still will be going at 30! Random Fact Skydiving is on my bucket list even though I’m afraid of heights What would be your superhero power? The ability to create duplications Alecia B Delivery Manager Why RH? In my journey of working in the youth sector I was able to work alongside reaching higher for a few different projects and I was blown away with their love for people and the outstanding relationships they made with young people which as a whole made me much more inquisitive of Reaching higher. I followed the journey, I was able to witness my younger sister grow in confidence whilst attending forerunners and LITS and the love I had for what they do only expanded , when the opportunity came to join the team I jumped at it because I knew I would be surrounded by great people a family all pushing for the same outcomes and challenging each other to become better versions of themselves. Random Fact I have double digit amount of siblings What would be your superhero power? Invisibility Rochelle S Leadership Lead Why RH? RH gave me the opportunity to full fill my passion of working with young people, which I have thoroughly enjoyed from working within schools and in community. I have learnt a lot about the importance of mentoring and supporting our young people to create a better and safe community. Random Fact I used to compete in swimming galas around Croydon and was aiming to progress professionally . What would be your superhero power? Telepathy Lisa H Fundraising Lead Why RH? I am passionate about empowering young people to reach their potential. I love the energy and enthusiasm of the RH team and really enjoy being part of something which makes such a big difference. Random Fact I saw Lady Gaga as a support act at a gig in 2008 before she became famous! What would be your superhero power? The ability to fly!