By clicking “Accept”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.

Meet our team

With a diverse range of skills and expertise, our team works together to achieve our mission.

A group of people high fiving in a circleIllustration of a light bulb lit upIllustration of a lightning bolt

Our team is comprised of dedicated individuals who are committed to preserving the legacy of Elizabeth Heyrick, promoting her values of integrity, inclusivity and social justice in all aspects of our work in order to create collective impact.

Dedicated individuals, collective impact

Meet our trustees

At the heart of our campaign is a board of trustees responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and governance of the charity. Committed to upholding the highest standards of governance, our trustees ensure that the campaign operates within its charitable objectives and complies with all legal and regulatory requirements. Supported by a set of robust policies and procedures, our governance framework ensures transparency, accountability, and effectiveness in all our endeavors.

Praesent nec orci at nulla consequat congue ut non arcu. Praesent nec orci at nulla consequat congue ut non a
Joshua Thorpe
Chair

Joshua is a UK Civil Servant, working for the Department for Business and Trade. He completed his MSc in Empires, Colonialism and Globalisation at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in 2020, thereafter he taught English and History in Girona, Spain. He is originally from Leicestershire and has deep roots in the county. He now resides in West London.

A headshot image of Jess looking directly at the camera
Jess Jenkins
Trustee

Jess Jenkins worked as an archivist at the Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester & Rutland for over thirty years. It was here that she came across Elizabeth Heyrick and her work for the first time. She has written various books on women's history and continues to write and give talks now that she is retired.

A headshot image of Emma Lee looking directly at the camera
Emma Lee
Trustee

Emma Lee has been a trustee of the Elizabeth Heyrick Society since 2023. She is a published poet of 4 solo collections and co-editor of 2 anthologies, has published a novel and is book reviewer concerned with making women's voices (contemporary and past) heard. Emma is a member of All-In, a Leicestershire accessibility advisory group, Leicester Writers' Club and also a parish councillor.

A headshot image of Susan Pares looking directly to the camera.
Susan Pares
Trustee

Susan Pares has been a trustee of the Elizabeth Heyrick Society since 2023 and of the Friends of the Women’s Library at LSE since 2013. She worked in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office with postings in East Asia, followed by a career in research, editing, and writing. Recently, she has focused on family history. Susan is deeply involved in women's rights and feminist activities. She admires Elizabeth Heyrick’s independent pursuit of causes like the abolition of slavery. Susan lives in London with her family.

A photo of Aisha Suleiman facing the camera
Aisha Suleiman
Trustee

Aisha is a renowned diversity and inclusion leader, entrepreneur, and film director. She founded Amazon UK's Black Employee Network and now leads The Inclusive Culture, helping organisations meet their diversity goals. A board member of the Rugby Football League’s Inclusion Board, she launched the True White Allies film series in 2022 to inspire allyship—one of the films focused on the extraordinary work of Elizabeth Heyrick. Recognised in the Investing in Ethnicity Top 8 Future Leaders (2018) and the EMpower 100 Ethnic Minority Future Leaders (2020), Aisha is committed to promoting equity, mental health, and social justice.

“Are we ourselves sincere, or hypocritical? Are we the true friends of justice, or do we only cant about it? To which party do we really belong?”

Elizabeth Heyrick, Immediate, Not Gradual Abolition
An image of two young females with notepads, discussing and smiling, whilst sitting out in the open
United in purpose, driven by passion

The wider team

In addition to our board of trustees, the Elizabeth Heyrick Society is supported by a dedicated group of volunteers who play a vital role in supporting the work of the campaign. Through their time, skills, and commitment, our volunteers contribute to the success of our initiatives and help us achieve our mission of honoring Elizabeth Heyrick's legacy and promoting social change.

Rachael Ward
Head of Creative

Rachael is an accomplished graphic designer and Webflow developer with over a decade of experience. She developed the Elizabeth Heyrick Society's visual identity and website and leads the creative team, bringing her expertise in cross-media campaigns for socially conscious and purpose driven organisations. Rachael's notable work includes an award-winning animation for Pump Aid. Outside of her professional work, Rachael loves spending time by the sea and learning languages. She is also a volunteer translator and design mentor.

Christopher Matthew
Designer, Animator and Illustrator

Christopher is an experienced designer and animator with a strong passion for branding and visual storytelling. At the Elizabeth Heyrick Society, he has played a key role in the rollout and application of the brand identity, creating additional illustrations and wider graphics that bring the Society's mission to life. Christopher's expertise in animation complements his illustration skills, making him a versatile asset to the creative team.

Courtney Budd
Designer

Courtney is a key member of the creative team, responsible for producing various elements of brand collateral and sourcing and artworking photography for the website. With a degree and master’s in design, Courtney blends her academic background with hands-on experience, including her role as an event administrator for an organisation that transforms young lives through music. She is passionate about art and actively facilitates local creative workshops, bringing her keen interest in design to her community and professional work.

Amy Earthrowl
Head of Educational Content

Amy is an experienced educator and the Subject Lead for History, Citizenship, and Religious Education at University Academy Long Sutton. She holds a BA and MA in History from Cardiff University and has over a decade of experience in secondary education, including roles as a teacher, department head, and mentor. Amy also works as an external examiner for Pearson. Passionate about British history, she volunteers at local museums and the National Trust. In her free time, she enjoys local history research, painting, and playing the guitar.

Wiam Milles
Head of Social Media

Wiam is an academic researcher and digital marketing professional with a PhD in Feminist Media Studies and a BA and MA in Education. She combines her expertise in feminism, postcolonial theory, and decolonisation to craft impactful communication strategies. As Head of Social Media for the Elizabeth Heyrick Society, she enhances its online presence. Passionate about activism, education, and community service, Wiam volunteers with charities, advocating for social equity and justice through her skills in storytelling and digital outreach.

Ana Tecpa Arroyo
Head of Fundraising

Ana is a Senior Manager at Amberside Advisors Ltd, specialising in project finance consultancy and advisory services. She holds a Master's in Finance from London Business School and has extensive experience in private equity, infrastructure, and financial institutions. Passionate about gender equality, Ana actively supports feminist charities and has volunteered for various organisations in Mexico. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and running, and resides in London.

Check out these volunteering opportunities

Join our team and make a difference in the community.

Unleash the Heyrick in you

Embrace your power to shape a world of equality and justice. Support our campaign to create a lasting memorial that inspires future generations.