Maryam is our Events Manager and is part of the Finance and Operations Team. In her role, she organises and manages the Events of the Fellowship across all its departments, drawing on her 10+ years of experience working in the charity sector. Outside of work, she loves long walks, travelling and spending time with her family.

Shahala supports the Chief Executive in all areas of her work, including managing diaries, projects and providing support to the Board and Council. Shahala has come from a banking background and now looks forward to being part of an organisation that provides funding for so many inspiring individuals. In her spare time Shahala loves to read, bake, and visit places with beautiful scenery.

Abigail manages the Fellowship selection process and supports Fellows to make change happen in the UK. Previously Abigail worked at The National Lottery Community Fund and the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. A former local Councillor, Abigail is passionate about enabling civic participation and has run a wide range of festivals and events. Abigail reads a lot, runs a little and is an active member of her local climate action network.

Samantha brings over 10 years of experience in human resources across various sectors. In her role at the Churchill Fellowship, she will be assisting in the development of a strong workplace culture, as well as supporting the organisation’s efforts in equity, diversity, and inclusion. Samantha is dedicated to fostering an environment where individuals can flourish both personally and professionally. Outside of work, Samantha enjoys spending time with her son, appreciating the world through his eyes. She also loves taking long walks in the countryside, getting to know new people, and engaging in DIY projects.

Usman works as the Fellowship Officer and helps to manage the selection and award process for Fellowship, specifically providing one-to-one support and guidance to applicants throughout the process. Previously Usman has worked with grassroots organisations as well as charity fundraisers. In his spare time Usman enjoys playing and coaching football.

Naomi researches and develops new Fellowship programmes on topical issues, working closely with subject-matter experts. She supports Fellows to share learning with their sector and connect them with our networks. Previously she worked in communications roles within the arts and publishing sectors. In her spare time, Naomi enjoys long walks in the countryside and exploring London’s vibrant cultural scene.

Claire researches and develops new Fellowship programmes on topical issues, working closely with subject-matter experts. She supports Fellows to share learning with their sector and connect them with our networks. Claire has extensive experience as a communications professional, journalist, and editor in the UK and internationally, and previously worked for the NHS. In her downtime, she enjoys pursuing sporting activities and making crafts, and is also a trained yoga teacher.

Jenni looks after our data and IT systems and ensures the smooth running of the online application process for Fellowships. Previously she worked in the energy policy team at Citizens Advice and in the wine industry. Outside work, Jenni enjoys exploring the Essex countryside, gardening and sailing, preferably in warmer climes.

Tracey helps to support the Development and Fundraising function of the Churchill Fellowship. Prior to this she worked in Executive Assistant and Office Manager roles within asset management and the charitable sector. Outside of work she loves to experience live music, theatre and travelling as well as trying new cuisines. She is a self-confessed chocoholic!

Selina leads our Ambassador programme where she is responsible for finding the perfect Ambassadors to represent the Fellowship globally and support our fundraising. Selina has a background in journalism and broadcasting as well as working more recently with disability charities. In her spare time she writes history books, opera librettos and binge watches bad psychological TV series with her husband.

Cynthia is our Digital Officer, working to develop our digital presence and improve the reach of our online channels. With a background in charity communications, Cynthia leverages her digital expertise to empower our Fellows in driving impactful change across the UK. In her spare time, she likes to read, watch reality tv and go to the theatre.

Nikesh has overall responsibility for the selection of Fellows and supporting them while they learn from overseas. He has been with the Churchill Fellowship since 2017. In his spare time, Nikesh enjoys watching and playing an array of sports, hiking and building customised keyboards.

Sandy supports the Head of Salesforce & Systems in looking after our data and IT systems. Before joining the team, she worked as a database administrator in the charity sector. In her spare time, Sandy enjoys cooking, taking care of her plants and exploring new countries.

Ellie works with our Fellowship Director to help Fellows plan their research and provides support to make their Fellowships successful. She is fascinated by their diversity and the contribution they make to societal change. Ellie is also a PhD candidate at King’s College London, with an aim of guiding governments in atrocity prevention. Outside of work, Ellie loves CrossFit, baking and time with her Whippet.

Suruthie works as a Fellowship Officer, helping fellows prepare for their overseas learning experiences. Previously, she worked at a charity supporting adults with disabilities. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and drawing.