“The inspiring communities I have grown up in and the stories of ‘miraculous turnarounds’ of young people, that are really down to an effective support system and opportunities. As someone who was suspended in secondary school, I know first-hand what it feels like to be in a setting that wasn’t designed for you. I believe there have been great steps made, but I want to change whole systems so that the next generation, especially those from underserved communities, never have to face such challenges. From narrative shift to public involvement, I believe change is possible and will happen with passionate people behind it.”

“What drives me to make change is knowing how different my life could have been, had a handful of people not believed in my potential. After being excluded from secondary school and spending time at a Pupil Referral Unit, I went on to become a first-generation university student. That journey taught me, first-hand, what it means to face barriers that routinely limit young people’s opportunities,  educational exclusion, socioeconomic hardship, and later, navigating university as a neurodivergent student. I know what it feels like to be overlooked, or to sense that certain spaces were simply not built for people like you. Those experiences shaped a belief I carry with me: talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. They also taught me that lived experience is not a weakness – it is a strength.That is what motivates me. Whether through supporting young people in my community, advocating for mental health awareness, or contributing to conversations on social mobility and inequality, I am driven by a simple purpose: to open pathways for others that did not exist for me”.

Jason is CEO of Mission 44. After starting his career as a teacher in East London, he has held leadership roles in the non-profit sector, including at Teach First, the #iwill campaign and Youth Futures Foundation. Jason also served as a senior local councillor in London. He holds a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Oxford and a Masters in Education from the University of Cambridge.

Matthew Otubu is Head of Strategic Communications for International Projects in the Government Communication Service at the Cabinet Office. He leads on delivery of the UK Government’s security, defence, development and foreign policy priorities as a technical adviser overseas. Matthew also sits on the Advisory Board of the British Foreign Policy Group.

His career spans both public service and private-sector consulting at the intersection of geopolitics, information disorder and crisis communications. He is a regular guest lecturer and speaker on these themes.

Beyond international affairs, Matthew is committed to strengthening representation, leadership and opportunity in public life. He is Founder of Black Politicos, a private members’ network for professionals in policy and public affairs, and he sits on the Policy Forum of the Black Equity Organisation. Matthew also serves on the Global Board of Mission 44, the charitable foundation established by Sir Lewis Hamilton.

“It is my own lived experience that motivates me. I was displaced from Yemen at the age of 9 due to war and I saw first hand how decisions made by governments and institutions can completely shape a young person’s life and those experiences are what continue to motivate my work today. I am passionate about making sure young people, particularly from refugee, migrant and other under-represented backgrounds, are heard, valued and included in decisions that affect them!”

“My love for social action is what drives me to create change. Growing up in an abusive  household, I did not think that there was a future for me outside of adversity. Now, I am driven to create change so that another young person knows that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and that anything is possible when you put your mind to it!”