Philanthropy

Tell us about your journey before working at Crisis and your time working here.  

I have been working in the homelessness sector for 11 years now. My career has varied between everything from street outreach, to helping people leaving prison with complex housing issues. I'd always been impressed by Crisis’ innovative frontline work, and they had always stood out to me as an organisation that fearlessly fights for the rights of people experiencing homelessness across the UK. In 2015, I was lucky enough to join their frontline team in the London Skylight as a Housing Coach, and then moved over to our incredible fundraising department a little over 5 years ago. 

What inspires you about working for Crisis?  

My time working within our frontline teams has given me first-hand experience of the important impact that Crisis has on our members- it is truly lifechanging. To see someone come through our doors who has been repeatedly turned away from other services begin to thrive and not just survive is incredibly moving. And to now be able to work with our incredible supporters that enable this work to happen is an immense privilege. 

What are you passionate about?

Working day in, day out with some of the most motivated, committed, and passionate individuals across Crisis all striving towards the same goal is something I feel very fortunate to experience professionally. Outside of work, you’ll usually find me thinking about what to have for dinner or running the odd marathon here and there! 

Tell us about your journey before working at Crisis and your time working here. 

I spent my 20’s teaching abroad before moving back to the UK to take on a role selling modernist art at a gallery in Oxford. In 2019 I moved over into the charity sector to work with Philanthropists at Help Musicians, followed by time working with dual tax paying Philanthropists at Charities Aid Foundation (CAF).  

In 2022 a role at Crisis presented itself and I jumped at the chance to join this amazing organisation – I have never looked back. I spend my days, working with some of the most truly philanthropic supporters I have ever known, what a privilege.  

What inspires you about working for Crisis?  

At Crisis, we know what needs to be done to end homelessness, but we recognise that we can't do it on our own. We work in partnership with a community of incredible supporters, partners and organisations all of whom are working towards achieving this common goal.  

When those infamous 'lifestyle choice' comments were made last year, we came together as one, to give a voice to those who had been so grievously and cruelly, misrepresented. In that moment, I was blown away by the power we have as a sector to affect change in public and political opinion and very proud to be a part of the role Crisis has to play in it. 

What are you passionate about? 

I am so grateful to have a home. It's safe and warm and allows me to sleep peacefully at night. For an increasing number of people in our country this isn't the case and that is not good enough. My passion comes from my desire for an equitable society, one that treats people with empathy and dignity and that demands that things change for the better.  

Outside of this, I love fresh air, exploring the countryside with my dog Albus, listening to music and visiting the odd gallery or two. 

Tell us about your journey before working at Crisis and your time working here.

The entirety of my career so far has been in charity. Prior to joining Crisis, I was working for the NSPCC and Childline. I was determined to work in social justice, having studied social policy at Cardiff University, where I conducted my research dissertation on the omnipresent stigma and exclusion forced upon those who experience homelessness. Whilst researching for this thesis, I came across Crisis and was inspired by the variety of approaches this organisation takes to end homelessness. The role of Philanthropy Account Manager at Crisis came to my attention in December 2022, and I leapt at the chance to work here.

What inspires you about working for Crisis?

I am inspired by every single person that my role enables me to work with; members, philanthropists, and colleagues. There is a sheer, collective determination to end homelessness among us that is incredibly motivating. I love being able to work from our Skylights and witness such life-changing work in action.

What are you passionate about?

I’ve really enjoyed seeing our well-being offer (arts for well-being, music for well-being etc) have an immensely positive impact on members journeys and it has motivated me to nurture my own well-being! I have a passion for women’s health and fitness, and outside of work you will generally find me riding, on a run, or dragging my friends to a yoga class.

Tell us about your journey before working at Crisis and your time working here.

Before Crisis, I worked as a Recruitment Coordinator at Google, scheduling interviews across the world for Google candidates of all levels. I joined Crisis in 2019 and have worked in the Community and Events team until recently, when I had the exciting opportunity to join the Philanthropy team.

What inspires you about working for Crisis?

There is a fountain of knowledge here, and the people are incredibly passionate about the cause. What inspires me most is seeing the frontline team in action, supporting our members in the most kind and compassionate manner. Our supporters are also incredibly special. In the past four years I have been lucky to support 100s of our fundraisers undertake challenges like the London Marathon, or swim a length in 0-degree weather, all to raise vital funds for Crisis.

What are you passionate about?

I have always been passionate about the homelessness sector, having grown up in Tower Hamlets and witnessing some of the worst forms of homelessness. However, my family are from Cuba, which means cultural differences taught me a lot about what homelessness can look like in very contrasting settings, and I became determined to learn more about this and how homelessness can be ended. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, knitting (badly), salsa dancing, and at Christmas, I enjoy volunteering for Crisis at Christmas.

Tell us about your journey before working at Crisis and your time working here. 

For most of my career I worked in secondary teaching and educational leadership. With my background as a Geography teacher, I was fortunate to be able to combine this with travel and worked in international schools in Kuwait, Vietnam, Oman and the UK. After returning to the UK, I spent 3 years working in the education and learning team of the environment charity Keep Scotland Beautiful. I am excited to have joined the Philanthropy Team at Crisis and look forward to using my skills to support the team through administration, communications and events.

What inspires you about working for Crisis? 

A golden thread of care and purpose runs through the team at Crisis. The determination to give dignified, individual support to each of our members and willingness to consider innovative approaches to end homelessness are truly inspirational.

What are you passionate about?

I strongly identify with the promise of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) ‘Leave No One Behind’ and believe a holistic approach is the best way to tackle the world’s challenges. For those experiencing homelessness, I believe the dignified and individual support Crisis provides really embraces this approach. I love to learn and develop new skills both personally and professionally. I have recently learned to sew and have made some of my own clothes. I also really enjoy walking my dogs in London or the countryside.