Meet our People
Our Team
At KORI Youth Charity, our dedicated staff team is committed to empowering young individuals to reach their full potential. With a range of backgrounds and expertise, we work tirelessly to provide guidance and support that fosters growth and success in every young person we serve.
For over three decades Odiri Ighamre has worked both nationally and internationally as an educator and storyteller
in schools, prisons, museums, mental health hospitals and a range of organisations. Her background in Social
Pedagogy, youth and community development has led to her training youth workers across the UK and Africa. She has led the development of KORI since 2002.
Odiri Ighamre
Co-Founder & Counsel
Sagan first joined KORI after his time at drama school, where he was trained in the dramatic arts, theatre, film, radio, writing and directing. Sagan joined England Rugby through Saracens for over 15 years before returning to KORI. Sagan is also the founder of the Rugby Blacklist - an initiative that seeks to amplify the contribution of Black people in Rugby.
Sagan Daniels
CEO
Laurie has first-hand experience of the life changing personal and professional development that KORI offers young people, being involved with KORI since joining the charity at 9 years old. She now oversees our team of Youth Workers to deliver KORI's activities across all three programmes. The same workshops, training and camping trips she went to as a child, she now manages for the next generation of young people.
Laurie Fitzgerald
Programmes Manager
Inspired by their time in KORI as a child, they took on their first youth work role at an inclusion unit at 17 years old. A few years later they came full circle and returned to KORI as a member of staff, helping with the launch of KORI’s first physical space back in 2011. As Lead Youth Worker for KORI, they are focused on continuing KORI’s legacy helping facilitate the realisation of young people’s potential.
Ebru Edgeworth
Delivery Manager
Lydia has been involved with KORI for over 7 years, beginning her journey with us as a volunteer fundraiser and running the weekly homework club. She became a trustee in 2017, supporting fundraising and organisational strategy. Outside of her work and volunteer work for charities, Lydia is a proud Londoner with interests in the arts, travel and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Lydia Rose Scott
Fundraiser
Natasha has worked in the charity sector for over twenty years. Starting as an Event Organiser Natasha often found herself doubling as the technician. She officially stepped into IT fifteen years ago and hasn't looked back since. As a self-confessed nerd Natasha will dabble in anything IT and she has a desire to see young people thrive and loves to share her skills.
Natasha Din-Gabisi
Website and CRM Manager
For the past 15 years Roman
Rosso has worked within the
social sector, in the UK and
across Europe. His focus has
been facilitating intercultural,
intergenerational, and
inter-ability education through
international training and
youth exchanges. At KORI he is
working across a number of
operational areas as part of
KORI’s goal to increase
capacity while ensuring
sustainability.
Roman Rosso
Head of Resources
Andrea has volunteered with KORI for over a year, supporting young people through wellbeing sessions and workshops. With training in Psychology, Neuroscience and a Master’s in Mental Health, she combines expertise and empathy. Beyond KORI, she’s a dedicated dancer who loves theatre, creative projects and staying active through movement and sport in her daily life
Andrea Saw
Wellbeing Practitioner
At KORI Youth Charity, our trustees bring a unique blend of experience and passion, including individuals who were once young participants themselves. With a shared commitment to our mission, they provide invaluable guidance and strategic leadership, ensuring that every decision reflects our dedication to empowering the next generation.
Natalie Mitchell is trustee of Kori. She has spent 15 years in the private sector, private equity and investment banking, and also a year in the third sector where she was on the senior management team of a UK-wide social mobility charity. She has a passion for supporting young people, particularly around connecting them with opportunities in the world of work.
Natalie Mitchell
Chair of the Board
Keith is a change analyst at Grayce with professional qualifications in project management. Keith is a passionate believer that true Pan Africanism can be achieved by creating links between the diaspora and the continent. This has led to Keith being the Kori trustee responsible for the 'Vessel UK' program, and the self-sustaining projects delivered within Africa by young adults within the UK.
Keith Asante
Samuel is a entrepreneurial leader with a track record of spearheading high growth start-ups. Samuel was
instrumental in the growth of UNILAD from a bedroom start-up to senior leadership of the most engaged social publisher in the world within 4 years. Known for fostering innovation, he possesses the operational and commercial acumen combined with the creativity needed to bring a vision to life.
Samuel Asante Regan
I am an analyst in the Workforce Information Analysis team at the Department of Health and Social Care, focusing on interpreting and presenting workforce data to support decision-making.
My role involves exploring trends and patterns to provide insights that help improve workforce planning and service delivery.
I enjoy using data to solve complex problems and contribute to meaningful outcomes in the health sector.
Kudakwashe Zinatsa
I’ve been a PA and project specialist for over 20 years across youth services, the creative arts, education, housing and now healthcare. My corporate experience equips me to support creative and charitable organisations. From a large, lively South Asian family, I’m proud of my heritage and the resilience of previous generations. I love sharing my culture—its food, music, fashion and traditions—while learning from others.
Alya Din
I’m a seasoned communications professional who has led multi‑disciplinary teams across the public and private sectors and worked as an independent consultant. My experience spans smart energy, digital infrastructure, major development, adult learning, corporate reputation, net zero, community safety and public engagement. Now retired in Muswell Hill, I enjoy London’s culture and believe everyone deserves the chance to lead meaningful lives—and I hope to help remove barriers that prevent it.
Seth Brook
By way of background, I’m a Web Strategist and Digital Growth Leader (currently SEO & GEO Lead at Sky). I can support the board with
Strategy & measurement: helping translate goals into clear plans, KPIs, and reporting that supports strong decision-making
Digital presence & fundraising enablement: improving messaging and digital journeys to support engagement with donors and corporate partners
Robert Meyners
I look forward to contributing my professional skills and experience to KORI’s strategic direction and long-term sustainability. I am eager to collaborate with the board to ensure young people continue to have the tools they need to thrive.
Sylvester Mbeah
Treasurer
I’m building an AI coaching platform, drawing on my experience as a Non‑Exec Chair, mentor, CEO and Chief Strategy Officer. I previously led an award‑winning international STEM recruitment company. I was named Business Person of the Year at the 2015 Black British Business Awards and received an OBE for my contribution to Diversity in Business.
Gary Elden
Advisor
