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Meet the IYS team
Get to know the people behind the work
Meet the team who make it all happen! Our staff are passionate about supporting young people, tackling inequality, and creating real change. Each brings their own skills and experience, but together they’re here to listen, guide, and empower you.
We were once young people too!
Meet Our Staff Team
Sadia
Acting Director
My background is in Education, with a strong focus on anti-racist work. Much of what I do is shaped by my own experiences as a South Asian, Muslim woman born and raised in Scotland. I’m passionate about challenging inequality and uplifting young people’s voices. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me camping in the west of Scotland, getting lost in a good book, or spending time with family and friends.
Sarah
Finance Manager
I enjoy walking my dog, spending time with loved ones, and indulging in coffee and cake. I have a deep love for classical music - Ludovico Einaudi is my favourite, and Experience is my favourite piece. If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be - only worry about things when they happen!
Shazia
Office Admin
I’m passionate about promoting equality and inclusion for everyone, and I’m proud to be part of work that brings people and cultures together. I believe in creating welcoming spaces where differences are respected and celebrated. When I’m not working, I’m busy raising and spending time with my family, especially my two young children, who inspire me every day.
Felicity
Mental Health Manager
I feel passionate about equality and mental health. We all deserve appropriate and responsive mental health care. My background is working with refugees and people seeking asylum. This really inspired me in creating a bilingual and culturally responsive mental health intervention for Intercultural Youth Scotland. I'm really excited about this new opportunity I have. I also like dogs and synthesizers. And I visit my mum once a week! Mum's are important!
Grace
Education Coordinator
I am a mixed-race Black woman of Jamaican, English and Irish descent. I have lived in Scotland since I was 14. I've worked in many roles supporting young people, including as an outdoor activity instructor in climbing, abseiling, bush craft and hillwalking. I am passionate about challenging misconceptions and creating transformative experiences for growth. I love travelling, swimming in the sea, and I’m in a band.
Chiraz
Education Officer
With a background in psychology, education and community-based work, I’m passionate about creating inclusive spaces where young people feel supported, valued and confident in who they are. I’m particularly interested in wellbeing and am always down a rabbit hole of books, podcasts and articles on the topic! Outside of work, I love spending time with family and friends, exploring nature and experimenting with herbal remedies.
Sidra
Youth Work Officer
I studied criminology and went on to work in youth work and whole family support. I am a trauma responsive practitioner focussed on inclusivity anti-racism. I love hearing people's stories, understanding them and getting alongside them. I hold young people at the centre of all I do and always question what more can we do to get it right. In my spare time, I connect with loved ones, exploring new places. I need a tea in the morning and coffee in the afternoon to keep me functioning! My knees may be weak, but if I hear a good beat, I'll be the first on the dance floor!
Arran
Youth Work Officer
Originally from the Highlands, I’m passionate about youth work and participation, shaped by supporting care-experienced young people in Edinburgh and engaging with asylum seekers and refugees. I create spaces where young people feel heard, valued, and empowered. Before youth work, I studied Business Management and worked as a chef, which still shapes how I connect with people today. Whether through conversation, cooking, or sports, I enjoy bringing people together, building trust, and creating community.
Danny
Youth Work Officer
I am Daniel, or go by Danny. I am passionate about music, sports and understanding people’s mind, wants and needs. I take pride in wanting to always learn new things and broaden my knowledge. I have been working with IYS for eight years, and have been very inspired by the change and development of young people from a youth worker’s perspective over the last seven years.
Avril
Fundraising Coordinator
I’m Avril, and I’m passionate about bringing people together to support meaningful causes. I enjoy being involved in fundraising that makes a real difference in local communities and for young people. I’m motivated by creating positive change, whether that’s helping organise events, supporting others to get involved, or simply doing what I can to make an impact. I value teamwork, energy, and making sure everyone feels included in the process.
Meet our Trustees
Meet The Team
Jon Doe
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Jane Doe
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James Doe
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Meet Our Trustees
Ez Tabra
Ez joined the IYS Board of Trustees in April 2026. He has extensive knowledge and experience in finance, budgeting, financial reporting, accounting, governance and project management.
As a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Project Management Professional (PMP), and Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) with a Master’s degree in Finance, Ez brings over 30 years of diverse experience, primarily in the non-profit sector, including higher education, research, and healthcare.
Ez has held several leadership and senior positions, worked closely with Boards of Directors, and provided financial reports and analysis to support informed decision-making.
Ez is a former President of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Qatar Chapter and a former Global Director of the IMA Governance Committee (USA).
Omer Hamid
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Jamie Wells
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Odunayo Ogunsanwo
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Murrin Huarachi
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Aisha Abbas
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Daniela Onyewuenyi
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Ahmed Aisha
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