Ridwana Wallace-Laher
Ridwana Wallace-Laher is a trailblazing leader in the humanitarian sector, serving as the CEO of Penny Appeal and making history as the first Muslim woman to lead a major British charity.
With over 20 years of senior experience in education and charity leadership, Ridwana has a proven track record of managing multi-million pound projects and leading diverse teams across the globe. Her transformative and compassionate approach to leadership is marked by innovation, sustainable impact, and nurturing the potential of those she serves.
Born and raised in Bradford, UK, Ridwana began her journey in the education sector, where she pursued her passion for shaping young lives.
She worked tirelessly to foster inclusive learning environments, advocating for equal opportunities and expanding educational access to underserved communities.
Ridwana's extensive experience in the non-profit sector has equipped her with the skills and expertise to drive organisational growth, diversification, and digital transformation.
As CEO of Penny Appeal, Ridwana focuses on future-proofing the charity in a post-Covid context, connecting with grassroots donor communities, and ensuring aid is delivered to those in need with efficiency and compassion. Her vision for Penny Appeal is to elevate the organisation's global impact, build resilient communities, and empower individuals to realise their fullest potential, all while maintaining a strong connection to the charity's core values and mission.
Issy Pollard
I started kicking a ball as soon as I could walk, luckily I had really supportive parents who hunted down a club for me through the WFA. I joined Bradford City Ladies when I was 11 and played around 5 years with them before joining Bronte Ladies. I gained my first England cap when I was 16 against Iceland, the greatest moment.
I went to Millwall Lionesses when I was 17, still involved with the England squad and got my second cap against Italy out in Napoli. I also went out to Sweden to play semi-pro with Betsele IF for a season, a brilliant experience, when I returned home I got my coaching badge (prelim) and went to the USA for the summer coaching soccer in the mid - west.
Another great moment of my footballing career was joining the fabulous Doncaster Belles, a true honour playing alongside the greatest players in the country and a recall back to the England squad.
I ended my career at Leeds United where I spent 7 great years with great people, we gained promotion to the national league and some fantastic times.
I'm currently working with Julie Fletcher another former England Lioness, heading up the women's division at Rebirth Soccer. We create scholarship pathways into Canada, providing fabulous tours, and we also work in Talent ID and Talent Management. It's a fabulous team, and provides a wonderful opportunity for myself to get back involved in the game.
I went to Millwall Lionesses when I was 17, still involved with the England squad and got my second cap against Italy out in Napoli. I also went out to Sweden to play semi-pro with Betsele IF for a season, a brilliant experience, when I returned home I got my coaching badge (prelim) and went to the USA for the summer coaching soccer in the mid - west.
Another great moment of my footballing career was joining the fabulous Doncaster Belles, a true honour playing alongside the greatest players in the country and a recall back to the England squad.
I ended my career at Leeds United where I spent 7 great years with great people, we gained promotion to the national league and some fantastic times.
I'm currently working with Julie Fletcher another former England Lioness, heading up the women's division at Rebirth Soccer. We create scholarship pathways into Canada, providing fabulous tours, and we also work in Talent ID and Talent Management. It's a fabulous team, and provides a wonderful opportunity for myself to get back involved in the game.
Megan Mackey
Megan Mackey is a professional footballer currently showcasing her talent in the Danish first division with Aalborg Women. Having previously honed her skills as a member of the Harvard University Crimson, she emerged as a key player at the NCAA Division One level.
During her tenure with the Crimson women's soccer team, Megan left an indelible mark, notably scoring the winning goal against Dartmouth in her junior year, propelling Harvard into the NCAA national tournament. In her final season, she made 15 appearances, including a pivotal goal against Yale, contributing to Harvard's Ivy League Tournament Championship victory.
Beyond her collegiate achievements, Megan has been a decorated member of the Republic of Ireland youth setup since 2015, representing the U16, U17, and U19 teams and captaining all age groups. Notably, she competed in the U17 UEFA Championship tournament in the Czech Republic, showcasing her talent on the international stage.
Before her Harvard journey, Megan showcased her talent at Chelsea Girls Center of Excellence, progressing from U7s to U21s, before concluding her youth career at Brighton, training and competing with their first team in her final year.
Now a Harvard University graduate with a degree in Government and Global Health and Public Policy, Megan aspires to inspire the next generation by demonstrating a pathway that combines football at the highest level with the importance of education. Eager to serve as an ambassador, she aims to empower others to pursue their passions while prioritizing academic excellence.
During her tenure with the Crimson women's soccer team, Megan left an indelible mark, notably scoring the winning goal against Dartmouth in her junior year, propelling Harvard into the NCAA national tournament. In her final season, she made 15 appearances, including a pivotal goal against Yale, contributing to Harvard's Ivy League Tournament Championship victory.
Beyond her collegiate achievements, Megan has been a decorated member of the Republic of Ireland youth setup since 2015, representing the U16, U17, and U19 teams and captaining all age groups. Notably, she competed in the U17 UEFA Championship tournament in the Czech Republic, showcasing her talent on the international stage.
Before her Harvard journey, Megan showcased her talent at Chelsea Girls Center of Excellence, progressing from U7s to U21s, before concluding her youth career at Brighton, training and competing with their first team in her final year.
Now a Harvard University graduate with a degree in Government and Global Health and Public Policy, Megan aspires to inspire the next generation by demonstrating a pathway that combines football at the highest level with the importance of education. Eager to serve as an ambassador, she aims to empower others to pursue their passions while prioritizing academic excellence.
Aafreen Zamaan
My name is Aafreen Zamaan, I am currently a postgraduate student at Oxford Brookes University currently pursuing a masters in research. This research will examine the culture of British South Asians and its impact on sport. I have a BSc (Hons) degree in Sports Coaching and Physical Education. I currently work as a sport coach in both secondary and primary schools, alongside coaching football sessions on the weekends.
In addition to that I manage an U9 team for Berkshire Elite who in train twice week and play matches on Saturday. I am also a head coach for Little Kickers, I train new coaches whilst monitoring and assessing the development of the venues. I also provide support to current coaches and enhance their practice.
Furthermore, I work at University assisting the undergraduate students on the sport, coaching and physical education degree. My role is to enhance class discussion, engage with the students and provide them with any advice or guidance.
My pathway to sport was not an easy one, I faced discrimination from an early age from my community, coaches and teammates. Such negative experiences fuelled my aspirations to become a role model for others.
Growing up, due to the lack representation in sports through players, coaches and teachers, sport felt difficult to align to. Aspects such as stereotypes and South Asian culture are one of the main factors inhibiting sports participation. As a British South Asian I thoroughly enjoyed sports, I played at grassroots level for five years. However, I felt like an outsider and decided to pursue coaching and teaching. Through this I have ensured all students are receiving equal opportunities and access to sport.
My aspirations are to enable sport to be an inclusive environment in which all are provided an equal opportunity to. I hope to inspire the future generations and enable British South Asians to become represented in sport in all areas from coaches and teachers to professional players.
In addition to that I manage an U9 team for Berkshire Elite who in train twice week and play matches on Saturday. I am also a head coach for Little Kickers, I train new coaches whilst monitoring and assessing the development of the venues. I also provide support to current coaches and enhance their practice.
Furthermore, I work at University assisting the undergraduate students on the sport, coaching and physical education degree. My role is to enhance class discussion, engage with the students and provide them with any advice or guidance.
My pathway to sport was not an easy one, I faced discrimination from an early age from my community, coaches and teammates. Such negative experiences fuelled my aspirations to become a role model for others.
Growing up, due to the lack representation in sports through players, coaches and teachers, sport felt difficult to align to. Aspects such as stereotypes and South Asian culture are one of the main factors inhibiting sports participation. As a British South Asian I thoroughly enjoyed sports, I played at grassroots level for five years. However, I felt like an outsider and decided to pursue coaching and teaching. Through this I have ensured all students are receiving equal opportunities and access to sport.
My aspirations are to enable sport to be an inclusive environment in which all are provided an equal opportunity to. I hope to inspire the future generations and enable British South Asians to become represented in sport in all areas from coaches and teachers to professional players.
Leia Ransley
My name is Leia, I'm 20 years old and currently in her final year studying an undergraduate degree in English Language and Literature at the University of Oxford (currently applying for a Master’s degree!).
I’d known for a while before applying that Oxford was where I wanted to be, but that wasn’t always the case! In my younger years, following the passing of my dad, I was extremely shy and quiet – not ready to go out into the world in any way, and I certainly didn’t have the confidence in myself to believe that I could end up anywhere close to where I find myself today!
Getting into charity work was a turning point for me, as it meant I was challenging myself and pushing beyond my comfort zone whilst helping other people in the process – it was off the back of this work that I met Shaun for the first time, becoming an ambassador for U Can Shine - and here we are many years later, working together again!
It was the charity work that pushed me forward into public speaking, and if this had never happened, I am sure I would not be in the same place that I am now. I had managed to push through my fears and anxieties (with some extremely important support behind me!) and as my confidence grew, I was beginning to seek out opportunities to push myself out into the world that little bit more.
If I didn’t have those moments that pushed me forward and bolstered my confidence, I would be nowhere close to where I am now. Therefore, the opportunity to help others go through that process is something I didn’t hesitate to agree to when asked and I can’t wait to see how we can inspire others on their journey.
I’d known for a while before applying that Oxford was where I wanted to be, but that wasn’t always the case! In my younger years, following the passing of my dad, I was extremely shy and quiet – not ready to go out into the world in any way, and I certainly didn’t have the confidence in myself to believe that I could end up anywhere close to where I find myself today!
Getting into charity work was a turning point for me, as it meant I was challenging myself and pushing beyond my comfort zone whilst helping other people in the process – it was off the back of this work that I met Shaun for the first time, becoming an ambassador for U Can Shine - and here we are many years later, working together again!
It was the charity work that pushed me forward into public speaking, and if this had never happened, I am sure I would not be in the same place that I am now. I had managed to push through my fears and anxieties (with some extremely important support behind me!) and as my confidence grew, I was beginning to seek out opportunities to push myself out into the world that little bit more.
If I didn’t have those moments that pushed me forward and bolstered my confidence, I would be nowhere close to where I am now. Therefore, the opportunity to help others go through that process is something I didn’t hesitate to agree to when asked and I can’t wait to see how we can inspire others on their journey.
Tracey Hawley
I live in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire. I enjoy walking, eating out and socialising but my real life passion is painting. I'm self-taught and enjoy painting on both slate and tiles.
Last year my art reached another level with my first 3 week solo exhibition in Holmfirth,also exhibiting at the Penistone and Holmfirth Art week, and then successfully being accepted on Sky Arts Landscape Artist Of The Year as a Wildcard, with work and interview from Blackpool aired in the 2023 series.
Throughout my life I believe in giving back wherever I can and have helped raise funds for various charities and wish to continue doing so through my work, contributing from sales to different local charities.
Last year my art reached another level with my first 3 week solo exhibition in Holmfirth,also exhibiting at the Penistone and Holmfirth Art week, and then successfully being accepted on Sky Arts Landscape Artist Of The Year as a Wildcard, with work and interview from Blackpool aired in the 2023 series.
Throughout my life I believe in giving back wherever I can and have helped raise funds for various charities and wish to continue doing so through my work, contributing from sales to different local charities.