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17 / 03 / 21
The Faith & Belief Forum is delighted to introduce our first cohort of Kickstarters who will be working across the organisation to support our efforts to build understanding and lasting relationships between people of all faiths and beliefs!
As an organisation with deep roots in supporting the next generation via our various projects in schools, universities and communities, it felt natural to apply for the government’s Kickstart Scheme. Fully funded by the government, we have been able to offer job placements for 16 – 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment.
Our new Kickstarters began this week, housed within specific teams that will give support and guidance as they gain skills and experience for the next 6 months. We wish them all the best in this new endeavour!
Nevena Atanasova – Education & Learning
Nevena is a Bulgarian based in North-West London. Recent Royal College of Music graduate, she enjoys playing the flutes (yes, all kinds of different ones!) and collaborating with fellow artists. Having been part of the RCM Sparks school and community programmes team, Nevena developed her passion for education, which she took further working as a visiting teacher for Hounslow music service. She likes to think that everyone and everything is a work of art and draws inspiration from every person she meets.
In her spare time, Nevena likes exploring contemporary music, art or simply hanging out with friends.
Nadia Iriowen – HR & Operations
I have recently graduated with a Politics degree from Loughborough University and completed a 12 month placement at a recruitment company. I enjoy all things politics and people – particularly engaging in dialogues surrounding religion, mental health and culture. Over the last five years, I have developed a deeper connection to my Christian faith and identity which is what attracted me most to F&BF. I have also recently discovered the beauty of long walks, listening to podcasts and self-care which now fills most of my spare time.
Kimberley Bourke – Personal Assistant
I’m originally from a place called the Wirral (a small peninsula in between
Liverpool and Chester). I moved to London in 2015 to start a degree in International Business at Middlesex University. As well as my studies, I started working part time in the hospitality sector, eventually moving full time, gaining a junior manager role. Unfortunately due to Covid that career ended and a new one is about to begin; I am excited to join the Faith and Belief Forum as a Personal Assistant Kickstarter!
In my spare time I love to travel, especially to Europe. I’ve visited France, Italy, Spain, Malta, Greece, Hungary, Germany and Portugal… can you tell I like travelling? During the various lockdowns I have become an avid walker, recently walking 32km. Due to this I am currently preparing to undertake a marathon ‘walk’ in the near future! Additionally, I have been a vegetarian for almost five years and like trying new foods when I can.
Samatar Aweys – Political Leadership
Samatar was part of the Parliamentors programme for 2019/2020 and is very
much excited to be back and part of Faith & Belief Forum once again. Throughout his time at university he has been part of several community organising schemes and so is hoping to implement both what he learnt as a recipient of the Parliamentors programme & throughout his time at university and in his local community. He cannot wait to be part of the Faith & Belief Forum team and dive into all the diverse social action projects.
Samatar went to Queen Mary, University of London and studied BSc Economics. He is also passionate about development economics and is hoping to do a Masters in it after this placement.
Josephine Davidoff – Community Engagement
Josephine will be joining the team as the Community Engagement Kickstarter, working to build understanding and lasting relationships between
people of all faiths and beliefs whilst gaining hands-on experience within our Community Team.
She is a British Progressive Jew, with a background in interfaith, social action and community cohesion. After graduating as a CCJ Student Leader, she worked for the largest faith-led social action charity, Mitzvah Day. In April 2020, she has since helped co-found the Faiths United Youth Network, a platform for young people of all faiths and none to unite to discuss and tackle the effects of Covid-19 in our communities.
She is a big ‘foodie’ and enjoys learning about different cultures and traditions through cooking, travel and learning new languages. She is currently studying Korean (Hangul) and can’t get enough of home Korean cooking! In her free time, she enjoys the great outdoors, including taking Milly, her neighbour’s dog, for hikes in the countryside.
Jamison Thompson – Media & Communications
Jamison studied International Business & Chinese at University and as a part of that degree, went on to study in China for a year.
In his spare time he enjoys travelling, playing sports and learning new things. As part of his new year’s resolution, he has decided to teach himself at least one new skill every month -so this month’s new skill is learning to moonwalk! He am very excited to start my journey at the Faith & Belief Forum, and looks forward to working with you all.
Tom Manning – Fundraising
Tom graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2018 reading Biological Sciences. After starting his graduate career in Recruitment, Tom has since become more and more involved in non profit work and is now passionate about raising money and awareness for important causes.
In addition too volunteering for a number of other charities, Tom spends the majority of his spare time in the gym or playing a number of sports both recreationally and competitively.
