Partnerships Team Eugenia Lai Academic Delivery Officer Eugenia joined WLZ soon after her graduation in MSc Environment, Politics and Society at UCL. Having previous experience in teaching SEN students in a school setting, she started her career as an Academic Delivery Officer at WLZ and is dedicated to helping children and young people who struggle in learning mathematics. 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 in International Relations from the London School of Economics (LSE). Georgia Fox Community Engagement Manager Fascinated by people, cultures and communities, Georgia studied Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies, which led her to study and teach abroad in Brazil and Argentina. Once back in the UK, Georgia worked for numerous refugee charities, working with families and young people to build communities and improve people's mental health. Using this experience, she now joins us to develop our community engagement initiatives with our schools, alumni and the wider community. 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. Kayleigh Benoit Academic Delivery Officer Kayleigh is a former Head of English and Head of Assessment in a secondary SEN school in West London. Her qualifications include a BA Hons English and Drama degree, PGCE in secondary English, MA in English Education and NPQLT in Middle Leadership. During lockdown Kayleigh freelanced as a consultant to aid young people and families who were struggling over the pandemic. Kayleigh began her time at WLZ as a Literacy Consultant for a year before becoming a Literacy Delivery Officer. Kayleigh works part time in education and spends the remaining time in business. Kate Fabian Academic 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 Academic 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 Manager 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. Mythiraye Kothandaraman Contract and Compliance Manager Mythiraye has recently completed her Masters in Law specialising in Corporate governance from University of Law, London and has a Bachelor's degree in law from India. To this role, she brings relevant experience in the areas of law, data protection and compliance. She is a big advocate for creating positive change and knowledge sharing. Outside of work, you can find her enjoying a good book with a cup of coffee.