Partnerships Team

Francisca Carnelos

Partnerships Officer (Insights)

Francisca was born in Australia, grew up in New York and Rome where she attended international schools. She was trained as a Peer Mentor during high school, where she was responsible for the well-being of students both academically, socially, and emotionally. She always had a strong interest in different cultures, traditions, and languages that have led her to deepen realities and countries other than the Western cultural environment, developing her sense of empathy and inclusion. She graduated in BA Middle Eastern Studies from SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) and MSc International Relations at the London School of Economics (LSE). 

James Dunbar

Partnerships Manager

Before joining WLZ, James worked for 8 years as Creative Producer for Chickenshed Theatre. In this role, he developed a programme of inclusive theatre projects for children and young people in West London, working in partnership with a range of organisations, schools and local community groups. James trained as a dancer at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance and has worked across the community arts sector as a performer, teacher, theatre maker and producer.   

 

  Kate Fabian

Literacy Delivery Officer

Kate is an Australian with a background in community planning and social research; having worked in government, private sector and NGO roles. Kate has BAs in Human Geography and Teaching, and a CELTA qualification, and has taught English and Geography in a range of settings, from adults to Nursery children. Kate is a safeguarding governor at her local primary school and is passionate about children having the opportunity to experience a safe and happy childhood, as well as to develop skills for later life.

Kate Walters 

Literacy Delivery Officer

Kate has completed a BA in Philosophy and Literature at the University of Warwick and an MSc in the Philosophy of Science at the LSE. She has previously worked in communications for organisations including the National Trust, and has also enjoyed spending time with young children as a trustee of a charity pre-school.

  Kate Welsh

Head of Partnerships

Kate joins West London Zone from an Arts and Education background, having worked for the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Into Film and various schools and PRUs. She has extensive leadership experience in mobilising cross-sectors partnerships to support young people and in designing outreach programmes. She is an advocate for early intervention and creating sustainable opportunities for young people.  

 Macalla Duffy

Academic Support Manager

Macalla joins West London Zone from SEO Scholars, where she worked on closing the opportunity gap for New York City high school students. At SEO she coordinated academic programming and led student and family engagement efforts. Prior to that, she taught English to primary school students in France.

Maria Benitez

Partnerships Officer (Community)

Maria studied French and Psychology at the University of Surrey and spent a year of her studies teaching extra-curricular English to children in Rennes, France. After graduating, she spent nearly 2 years working in a pupil referral unit supporting children and young people with behavioural and special educational needs. This is where her drive to support children and families began.