With a background in community advocacy and philanthropy, Fezzan Ahmed founded Jigsaw House Society to catalyse impactful collaborations and champion community-led action. Drawing on extensive experience in building alliances and fostering social change, Fezzan leads JHS with an entrepreneurial spirit, empowering diverse voices to address complex social issues. Committed to creating sustainable, community-driven solutions, Fezzan’s work at JHS shifts power dynamics, fosters resilience, and amplifies collective impact.

Aylla Khani is a dedicated EA at Jigsaw House Society, bringing over seven years of experience in executive support and project coordination across various sectors. With a background in Environmental and Energy Law, she is driven by a strong passion for addressing injustice and supporting organisations committed to meaningful change. Known for her proactive approach and attention to detail, Aylla excels in managing complex projects and fostering effective stakeholder relationships.

I have a passion for supporting the empowerment of my community. My two Windrush parents, raised me with a village of encouragement, supplement education and emotional support systems all grounded in my culture and heritage. I've watched this become eroded in the past 3 decades by racist & discriminatory policies, institutional attitudes & actions. My aim to rebuild the strength of my community so the next generation can do more than survive, they can prosper together.

Kulsum manages social media and digital operations at Jigsaw House Society, and she finds it genuinely inspiring to witness the impact of the organisation’s work. She first joined the team as an intern, gaining firsthand experience of the support Jigsaw House Society provides to young people.

With a degree in Business and Marketing and experience across both marketing and operations, she loves being creative and coming up with ideas. This passion has helped her produce engaging content and grow the organisation’s social media presence, reaching and connecting with more people

Patrick McGurk is Associate Dean for Education for the School of Business and Management at Queen Mary University of London. Patrick is a specialist in non-profit management with an orientation towards social change, holding a PhD from the London School of Economics and with many years of experience as an educator, educational leader, trainer and trustee. Patrick is passionate about involving students in knowledge exchange projects with community partners, leading to immersive, authentic and socially purposeful learning experiences for all stakeholders

Kaitlin is a seasoned finance professional with extensive experience in banking, investment, and youth engagement. Currently serving as a Senior Analyst in Corporate and Institutional Banking at Lloyds Banking Group, she began her career on their Finance Graduate Scheme, rotating through various divisions including Fintech Investment and Retail Finance. Kaitlin's ability to navigate complex financial environments while maintaining a people-centric approach makes her an invaluable asset to JHS.

Kaitlin holds an MSc in International Financial Management from Queen Mary, University of London, and a BSc in Economics and Political Science from the University of Birmingham. She is also a newly qualified accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

As Chair of the Finance Committee at JHS, Kaitlin leverages her analytical rigor, creativity, and grounded values to shape a financially resilient and community-focused future for the organisation.

Sally has worked in voluntary sector advice agencies in London since 1983, mainly in a management capacity.

Sally is experienced in people management, fund raising and managing legal aid contracts. She is currently carrying out part time freelance consultancy helping to develop legal and community support services, including a new law centre in Newham.

Before working at the Law Centre Sally was the development manager for Citizens Advice Southwark and helped to set up the Forum for Equalities and Human Rights in Southwark.

Nan Jiang is an academic leader committed to inclusive education and organisational development. She holds a PhD in Strategy and Leadership from the University of Westminster and has held roles across Westminster, Coventry, Aston, the Royal Agricultural University and Brunel, where she collaborated on knowledge-exchange and community-driven projects. Her work focuses on community engagement, organisational development, and collaborative learning. Nan’s experiences across the UK, Asia and Europe continue to shape her commitment to widening access to opportunity through which individuals and communities grow with confidence and connection.