David is Chair of the Board of Trustees at Southend YMCA. A Chartered Legal Executive Lawyer, he works for Castle Point Borough Council and brings extensive experience in law, local government, property, management, and governance.

David is proud to support Southend YMCA in its mission to provide children and young people with the stability, encouragement, and opportunities they need to fulfil their potential. As Chair, he is committed to promoting effective governance, supporting strong strategic leadership, and helping the organisation achieve its long-term ambitions.

Throughout her career, Emma has been passionate about helping organisations tell clearer, more human stories. Her experience as a journalist shaped a deep curiosity about people, culture and community, which still influences her work today. She is particularly interested in supporting young people to build confidence, communication skills and opportunities for the future.

Emma is involved with Southend YMCA because she really values its commitment to helping young people feel supported, empowered and part of a community that believes in their potential.

Edward enjoyed a distinguished career in banking and finance, with more than 35 years of experience and senior leadership roles, including Managing Director at UBS, where he led a global business across multiple international locations. Throughout his career, he developed expertise in strategic planning, operational risk management, and organisational leadership.

Before joining the Southend YMCA Board, Edward served for six years as a trustee of Romford YMCA. He is passionate about helping young people improve their lives and has supported this through mentoring, tutoring, and community involvement. Edward has also been an active fundraiser for a range of charitable causes, including support for refugees, clean water initiatives, and families of children with additional needs.

Edward is involved with Southend YMCA because he is committed to supporting the local community and helping expand opportunities and services for young people.

Laurence is a qualified Social Worker with 30 years of experience across both the statutory and voluntary sectors. Throughout his career, he has focused on safeguarding children and families, as well as supporting children in care and young people leaving care. He is passionate about helping children and young people overcome challenges, achieve their potential, and access the opportunities they need to thrive.

Laurence is involved with Southend YMCA because he values its commitment to supporting vulnerable young people and helping them build positive, independent futures. He is committed to using his professional experience to support the organisation's work and make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.

Outside of work, Laurence enjoys running, following football, and exploring his interests in history and politics through reading and podcasts.

Clyde is the Director and Owner of ShoNet, with offices in North London and New Delhi. Throughout his career, he has worked across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, helping organisations use technology to improve services, performance, and engagement. His clients have included charities, healthcare organisations, and community-focused initiatives.

Clyde is passionate about using innovation and collaboration to create positive social impact. He has supported projects that promote entrepreneurship, community development, and greater opportunities for young people, including the "Made in Tottenham" initiative following the Tottenham riots. More recently, he served as an Associate Non-Executive Director at Barts Health NHS Trust, focusing on community engagement and health inequalities.

Clyde is involved with Southend YMCA because he believes in the importance of creating opportunities for young people and strengthening local communities. He is committed to supporting the organisation's mission and helping it maximise its impact.

Abu has built a successful career in the transport sector and is currently Customer Experience Director at c2c, leading teams across customer services, stations, security, and communications.

Having fostered young people alongside his wife, a social worker, Abu has a strong understanding of the challenges many young people face and is passionate about helping create better opportunities for them. Living locally with his wife and two daughters, he is committed to supporting the community and helping young people thrive.

Abu is involved with Southend YMCA because he values its commitment to empowering young people and giving them the support, opportunities, and sense of belonging they need to reach their potential.

Georgi works as a Business Support Manager within the CEO Office and HR at the British Business Bank, providing strategic, operational, and executive support to senior leaders. With a background in risk management, she has developed strong expertise in governance, regulation, policy development, and organisational leadership.

Prior to this, Georgi supported the CEO and Board of Trustees at a pension master trust organisation, gaining valuable experience in board governance and operational management. She also completed the Trustee Development Programme with One YMCA, designed to encourage and support younger people into trustee roles.

Having lived at Southend YMCA at the age of 17, Georgi brings both professional expertise and valuable lived experience. She is passionate about empowering young people, championing inclusive leadership, and ensuring individuals have access to the support and opportunities they need to reach their potential.