We Need Change.
Not Campaigns.
So, who are TRIUMPH?
We are an independent Action Group of organisations and colleagues in the Voluntary Youth Sector that, since July 2020 have reviewed, surveyed and had much needed dialogue about the systemic inequities that still exist in our beloved sector – with a core focus on racial inequality.
The mission is simple
The journey may be less so...
Made up of colleagues from UK Youth, the Institute of Youth Work, Think Forward, Young Devon, the New Economics Foundation, 7PK and more, we are progressing the youth sector through Awareness Raising, Analysis and Active Facilitation to diversify leadership, develop a standard of anti-oppressive practise and ensure organisations are equipped to take ownership over their equalities practise.
The 3 A's:
Our approach to creating sustained change
Through conversations and planning amongst funders, decision-makers, infrastructure bodies and cross-sector organisations, we are going to embed equitable practise into youth sector culture.
AWARENESS
We are raising awareness of the ways in which current practise, service delivery and operations (within the youth sector) reinforce inequality; whilst making the sector aware of of new practise that will help to close the inequality gap, creating a model for others to learn from.
ANALYSIS
We will analyse programmes, interventions and data to establish where requirements for more focus on tackling inequalities and inequities are needed; whilst identifying opportunities for improvement in planned programmes or initiatives whose model could be made more equitable.
ACTIVE FACILITATION
As a critical and proactive sector body, we will co-create and implement effective solutions through advocacy and by developing of models of practise that organisations hold themselves accountable to; leading to sustained change across the sector.
We exist to...
Provide
Challenge, Guidance and Perspective for organisations and infrastructure bodies in the voluntary youth sector.
Promote
Evolving and Improving Practise that will better standards and culture within the voluntary youth sector.
Our Steering Group
All of the colleagues that are a part of TRIUMPH have made a commitment to contribute to this work voluntarily as we are currently unfunded. We balance this with our other professional commitments as we believe in the mission.
Louis Howell
Managing Director
7PK / Revolution Hive
Louis Howell co-runs Revolution Hive, a social enterprise equipping young people for life through personal development and social responsibility programmes. His other enterprise, 7PK, helps organisations improve their approaches to Youth and Community Development, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Social Mobility. He is also the chair of TRIUMPH and a Trustee for two charities and a proud member of the 100 Black Men of London.
Charlene Theophile
Director of Programmes
Think Forward
Charlene joined ThinkForward in 2012 as a progression coach in one of their London schools. In 2018, she became Programme Design Manager, driving ThinkForward’s programme design, through user experience and evaluation. She was appointed Director of Programmes in 2022. That same year, Charlene graduated from Impetus' Leadership Academy. Charlene has twenty years of experience working to bring social change for young people aged 13-19 within local authority, further education and third sector settings. Charlene is passionate about empowering young people to have the belief, education, skills and knowledge for a more equitable future.
Jaffer Ali Hussain
Chair of Council
Institute for Youth Work
Jaffer Ali Hussain is a highly motivated social entrepreneur, coach and trainer who has been involved in youth and community work since he was 15. Jaffer is deeply passionate about the racial equity and draws on his own lived experience to support colleagues and organisations locally, regionally, and nationally to be more racially equitable. These experiences have led him to developing a style in which he translates concepts and tools into plain speaking, easy to understand English and in a way that’s captivating and humorous.
Reyah Stephen
Operations Co-ordinator
7PK
Reyah is the Operations co-ordinator and Social Media Manager for 7PK. She was appointed this role in 2022 and has since gone on to manage and help facilitate many projects and sessions to bring social and equitable change for people in local authority, education and corporate spaces, whilst documenting this process. Reyah is also a social entrepreneur motivated by creating opportunities for young women of colour and helping them to break down mental, physical, and financial limitations to reach a sustainable change in their personal and professional lives.
Agnese Gaballo
Network Engagement Officer
UK Youth
Agnese has a background in Cultural and Ethno-Anthropology. She has conducted research projects in Ethiopia and Jerusalem which have nurtured her passion for uplifting marginalised voices. She is enthusiastic about ensuring youth participation best practices and inclusive methods when engaging and involving young people in social action projects. Agnese currently works at UK Youth where she co-ordinates a range of events and opportunities supporting youth organisations, cross sector partners and young people to develop more integrated relationships, share knowledge and embed learnings; with the goal of enabling sustainable collaboration, strategic thinking, and system change.
Nikita Vervelde
Managing Director
Concept of Lift / Local Champions
Nikita is a business leader and advisor to creative businesses, non-profits and early stage tech organisations. Through her consultancy and facilitation company, 'Concept of Lift', Nikita focuses on building forward thinking and inclusive leadership teams. She is also the director and cofounder of 'Local Champions CIC' which tackles social inequality by supporting voluntary grassroots organisations to transform into wage-paying social enterprises. Nikita is known for driving incubator and accelerator programmes addressing society's most pressing problems.
Cara Prince
Racial Equity Programme Lead
Clore Social
Managing a multi-year racial equity partnership programme called “Leadership Lighthouses
To support the development of social leaders from Black and ethnic minority communities.
Daniel Cox
UK Project Manager
Co-operative College
As UK Projects Manager for the Co-operative College, Daniel manages the national delivery and development of existing youth and community projects and establishes new initiatives. Coming from a background in mainstream education, as a former teacher of English, alternative provisions and children's residential care, he is passionate about helping to inspire, empower and uplift people in the community and effecting positive change in society. A leader, change maker and radical, Daniel strongly believes in holistic people building, creating opportunities for the disadvantaged and investing in the leaders of tomorrow.
Outside of work Daniel can be found in cinemas, restaurants, bookshops and the gym or preferably, walking in nature with good company.
Victoria Wright
Management Consultant
Vicki is an accomplished leader with extensive experience spanning strategic development, finance, fundraising, HR, EDI, governance, and programme management. Over the past two decades, she has honed her skills across senior roles in impactful organisations such as the New Economics Foundation, ThinkForward, and Mind. Known for her inclusive leadership, Vicki excels in fostering trust, driving strategy, and delivering transformative organisational change. Her dedication to wellbeing, equity, and innovative problem-solving has made a significant difference in every role she has undertaken. Vicki also brings a deep commitment to mental health, having served as Treasurer for MumsAid for eight years, where she played a pivotal role in securing over £1 million in funding to support mothers experiencing mental health challenges. She has an impressive track record, integrity, and a passion for making a difference.
