Our Patron and Trustees

Victoria Rae brings over 25 years’ experience in the voluntary sector with a specialism in communications, strategy and partner engagement.  She has held a number of trusteeships and advisory roles as well as senior leadership positions in a range of charities including UNICEF UK. She first became involved with the Centre at the start of 2020, offering pro-bono mentoring and advice on communications and fundraising, helping to develop a strong presentation of the vital work of the Centre in the face of the challenges of Covid19.

Charlotte is an in-house lawyer in a research and consulting profit-for-purpose working in the international development space, having worked in the charity sector for 4 years, including roles with Save the Children and Plan International. Her professional life started at an international law firm, training in London and Hong Kong, and then working as a Corporate lawyer for 6 years. She took a sabbatical and volunteered with Street Child in Uganda, working with local partners helping to integrate Congolese and South Sudanese refugees into the community. Time spent at a displacement camp, together with being an Islington resident, formed Charlotte’s motivation for joining the Centre. She is looking forward to undertaking her first trustee role. 

Imran came to the UK in the mid 70s when his family migrated from Pakistan and his mother became a refugee as a result of the India / Pakistan partition in 1947.  He has lived and worked in a number of developing countries including Pakistan and Egypt. He now lives locally in lslington and is passionate about contributing to the local community.  Previously Imran has supported funding education for girls in deprived areas of Pakistan and raised funds for CARE Egypt to support water sanitation and education projects.  He is a Chemical Engineer by degree and a chartered accountant. 

Gladys has been involved with the Centre since the very early days and has supported refugees through various roles including the Sierra Leone’s Women’s Forum, the Islington Refugees Forum and most recently WAND UK. Gladys brings much to the board of trustees through her experience in the Charity sector and the field of fundraising.

Kathy Margerison has over a decade of experience in the charity and social innovation sectors in the UK, including roles at Oxfam and Caritas. She currently leads all programme work in an NGO hub and community space in Brent.  Kathy also has extensive volunteer experience including work with Samaritans, Refugee Council and Creative Support.

Gabrielle Samuels is a solicitor (non-practising), with a specialism in finance matters. She worked for over 30 years at global law firms, in London and Hong Kong but now spends her time on community volunteering and public service legal work.  Gabrielle is a former Chair of Governors of a local primary school and a current volunteer adviser with Citizens Advice.  She became a Centre trustee in 2023. Gabrielle is the daughter of a Windrush migrant..

Ghadeer arrived in the UK in 2012, a mother of two who had to navigate challenges of securing housing, benefits, and schools, which gave her firsthand insight into the struggles of newcomers. Today, she is actively involved in guiding and supporting her community, primarily composed of refugees, in accessing the necessary resources and settling in the UK.

She also brings experience in assisting marginalised communities in Yemen including Oxfam and Somali refugees. She possesses 15 years of valuable experience in project management and strategy as well as in Equity Diversity and Inclusion, across international corporations and the charity sector.

I have had substantial management and governance experience as a senior manager and trustee of various organisations. This includes working at the British Refugee Council where I was had overall responsibility for the management of client facing services and, also, for advocating on behalf of seekers of sanctuary. I also worked at the British Red Cross where I had overall responsibility for developing our work with asylum seekers and tracing & message service. I am an Islington resident and volunteer locally.

Syd works in technology and operations leadership within financial services. He has a long-standing interest in immigration and refugee issues, shaped by both personal and professional experiences. He is keen to support the Centre’s work by contributing his skills in technology governance and strategy to help strengthen its future for the people it serves.

I first started using the centre in 2001 after arriving in the UK as a refugee in 1999 with my husband and child whilst also being 7 months pregnant. With over 15 years experience as a qualified teaching assistant, I have supported children and families with various backgrounds, circumstances and difficulties. I’ve also been actively involved with Shpresa Programme, volunteering and fundraising to support the Albanian refugees.