Our core staff
Paola leads the staff team, oversees all our activities and operations and supports the Board of Trustees in fulfilling its role, particularly in the development and delivery of our organisational strategy.
Paola has extensive strategic leadership experienced, gained in human rights organisations across the third and public sectors, including at the Children’s Rights Alliance for England, Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants and the Equality and Human Rights Commission. She is deeply committed to securing the rights of young refugees and improving their outcomes.
“It’s such an honour to lead the brilliant team at Young Roots and to work with the young people who drive everything we do. Our advice and activities support young refugees to navigate a hostile system and offer them opportunities, hope and community. Above all, we show young people humanity and kindness. In the brutal context created by the ‘Illegal’ Migration Act this work is more important than ever, and the need for our newly created policy and campaigning function is absolutely clear. I am so committed to working alongside young refugees to ensure policy-makers, whose decisions shape their lives so fundamentally, hear young refugees’ voices and act on them.”
Paola Uccellari - Chief Executive
Hayley Cohen - Head of Programmes & Quality
Hayley (she/her) leads on the ongoing development of our established Casework service and Youth Development Programme and the expansion of our Youth Welfare Project supporting young asylum seekers in contingency accommodation. She is our Safeguarding Lead and is focused on ensuring the impact and quality of Young Roots’ work with young refugees.
Previously Hayley was managing the South region of Barnardos Independent Child Trafficking Guardianship service supporting children who have been trafficked.
Hayley worked at Young Roots previously as Service Manager and was delighted to return to the organisation in this new role.
“I always knew I would come back to Young Roots if the opportunity arose. Working with such a dedicated and passionate team is what really motivates me and I’m proud to say I work at Young Roots. I am excited to use the experience I have gained from other organisations to ensure we are continually reflecting and improving on the ways in which we support young people.”
Lisa Matthews - Policy & Campaigns Manger
Lisa (she/her) is Young Roots’ first ever Policy and Campaigns Manager, and will be helping Young Roots to use our nearly 20 years of frontline work and deep understanding of the challenges faced by young refugees and asylum seekers to bring about positive change.
Lisa has worked in the area of migrants’ rights for over 15 years, working across casework, psychosocial support, legal representation, campaigning and legal education. Prior to joining Young Roots, she was Coordinator of Right to Remain from 2011 to 2022, where she worked extensively on immigration detention campaigning, including with people with lived experience.
She is looking forward to guiding Young Roots through this new area of work, building on the charity’s strong reputation and experience.
“I am excited about tapping into the wealth of knowledge, expertise and passion that exists at Young Roots to bring about positive change for young refugees. The external environment is extremely challenging and it’s so important that different voices, experiences and approaches are harnessed to ensure people can access and enjoy their rights. Young Roots is such a young person-centred organisation, and their human and caring ethos is a great place to start from to influence policy and practice.”
Mohammed Alaila - Administration Officer
Mohammed (he/him) joined Young Roots in March 2024 as an Administration Officer.
Mohammed began his career at an NGO firm in Gaza, Palestine, working as a receptionist and handling data entry. He graduated with first class honours in Accounting and Finance from Bradford University.
“After 1 year of being asylum seeker and 6 months of being a refugee, I know for sure the importance that Young Roots’ services are giving for refugees and young adults. Our mission is to give refugees and asylum seekers a place to call home, where they can join our youth clubs to learn English, to achieve new skills, and to make new friends. I am truly honoured to be part of this mission”.
Finance & HR
Emma (she/her) joined Young Roots in November 2023. Emma has an extensive background working in HR management roles in the public, charitable and education sectors including working for a large sixth form college in Brighton, the NHS and Greenpeace. She is CIPD level 7 qualified.
Her role as the HR Manager is to lead and manage our HR function to meet the Young Roots’ strategic objectives by providing a high-quality service for managers and staff, ensuring legislative compliance, developing policies, and promoting best practice.
She chose to work at Young Roots so that she could draw on own experience of working with young people to help change one of the greatest inequalities of society – the treatment of young refugees, as she feels this has never been more urgent and needed.
“Having worked previously with young people (aged 16 and above) I am committed to ensuring that all young people including young refugees can live safe and fulfilling lives.
Within my role I hope to ensure that as an organisation we provide an inclusive and welcoming work environment for all our staff one where were they can learn and develop in an environment where staff wellbeing is prioritised.”
Emma Rich - HR Manager
Abdul Baba - Finance & Administrative Assistant
Abdul (he/him) joined Young Roots in December 2019 as a Finance Assistant and in March 2021 was promoted to the position of Finance and Administrative Assistant.
Abdul started his career as trainee Accountant with an Accounting firm after gaining his accounting certificate. Before then he also used to volunteer with his local Mosque. He holds an Advance diplomat in Accounting and Business (ACCA) and currently studying for his ACCA qualification.
“I felt at home from the very first day I joined, I got the support I needed to settle in, and have since developed professionally. In addition, Young Roots takes the welfare of its employees as top-most priority. This demonstrates one of the core values of Young Roots. Having experienced the immigration and the asylum system of this country, I am privileged and honoured to be part of an organisation that supports young refugees and asylum seekers.”
Fundraising & Development
Tamsin MacDonald - Head of Fundraising & Development
Tamsin (she/her) joined Young Roots in April 2019, initially as a sole fundraiser, working collaboratively with the CEO, with an emphasis predominantly on securing income from Trusts & Foundations. She now leads a strong team focused on diversifying our income through Individual Giving, Corporate partnerships and Community & Events fundraising, and oversees our Marketing & Communications and Monitoring & Evaluation work.
Tamsin has an extensive background working in leadership roles in the public, charitable and education sectors, always with and for children and young people. She is passionate about the rights of young refugees and was drawn to Young Roots by their strong youth participation and asset based approach and the value placed on building effective partnerships.
“Young Roots is a dynamic organisation, with a passionate and highly skilled staff team, dedicated to empowering young refugees to reach their full potential. I look forward to continuing to support Young Roots to grow its services, increase its impact and extend its reach so that many more young refugees can benefit from high-quality, empathic and vital support at the time they need it most.”
Tazmin Mirza - Communications & Impact Manager
Tazmin (she/her) began her role as Communications & Impact Manager in November 2022. She works to develop our strategic communications and online presence, and within this to amplify the voices of young people. Through Monitoring & Evaluation, she informs our understanding of our impact.
Before joining Young Roots, Tazmin held a number of roles in migration and youth support organisations. In 2019, she completed an MSc in Global Migration at UCL, deepening her understanding of the sector.
“I feel privileged to be part of a truly committed team providing such valuable, compassionate support to young people. When I joined Young Roots, I was particularly interested in the charity’s holistic and youth-led approach, and it is inspiring to see the impact this has in practice.”
Helen (she/her) joined Young Roots in November 2023. She works to secure income from Trusts & Foundations, alongside building strong partnerships with corporate clients.
Helen has had an extensive career in the charity sector, having worked in welfare to work, community centre management, grant management and fundraising. Helen has a post-graduate certificate in Philanthropy, and an extensive background in Trust fundraising working across a range of issues, including those that combat homelessness and domestic abuse – often focusing in on their impact on children and young people.
Helen was drawn to Young Roots by its holistic approach to working alongside young refugees- including them in the decision-making processes on issues that affect their lives.
“It is a real joy to work with such an energetic and responsive team committed to supporting young people to gain more control over their lives. I am really looking forward to assisting in the sustained development of such an innovative and forwarding thinking organisation”.
Helen Forde - Senior Philanthropy & Partnerships Manager
Molly Smith - Community & Events Fundraiser
Molly (she/her) has been a member of the Fundraising and Development team at Young Roots since September 2023. She is involved with the organisation and running of Young Roots’ fundraising and community events, helping to nurture the relationships with donors, fundraisers, schools, and corporate clients.
After completing an International Development degree at UEA, Molly joined Young Roots as part of a graduate scheme with Charity Works. She was drawn to Young Roots by their effective project delivery in Croydon, Brent, and Kings Cross, and their outspoken advocacy for the rights of refugees in the UK. Molly’s passion for supporting the rights of refugees was shaped by her experiences growing up in Hong Kong and her studies at a university in Mexico from 2021 to 2022.
“Young Roots stands strong against the difficult conditions faced by refugees in the UK, and it’s a cause we can all support. Their approach is inspiring, offering comprehensive support to young refugees by listening to their needs and implementing projects driven by their voices. I’m excited to spread awareness about Young Roots’ valuable services and raise funds for their diverse projects in Croydon, Brent, and Kings Cross.”
Tiam Mohammadzade Miraki - Communication and Engagement Officer
Tiam, in her role as Communication and Engagement Officer at Young Roots since 2024, is tasked with spearheading the coordination, creation, and dissemination of multi-channel communications. However, her journey with Young Roots began earlier as a volunteer, where she first immersed herself in the organisation's mission and values. Now, as a Communication Officer, her primary focus lies in amplifying the voices of young people.
Tiam's journey to her current role at Young Roots is enriched by over three years of dedicated service within the NGO sector. Her academic pursuit culminated in the completion of an MA in Migration & Diaspora Studies from SOAS University of London, equipping her with a comprehensive understanding of refugee issues.
Tiam's decision to join Young Roots was a culmination of various factors, rooted in her passion for advocating for the rights of young refugees. Initially drawn to the organisation as a volunteer, Tiam was captivated by Young Roots' collaborative approach and commitment to amplifying youth voices.
It's truly an honor to be part of the Young Roots team. For me, Young Roots embodies its name perfectly - it's a nurturing environment where young people receive the care and attention they deserve, much like a root needs to bloom. One particular aspect that resonates deeply with me is Young Roots' commitment to not only improving the lives of young refugees but also advocating for fundamental changes that contribute to a better world.