On a mission to shape an impact-driven, nature-positive economy with first-rate operations and program management
After three+ years on the board of Henna Asian Women's Group, it’s time to move on from this vivacious #grassroots women’s organisation – supporting 180 Asian women in my old stomping ground of North London with life skills, companionship, #empowerment, and advocacy in a multilingual social setting. Being a trustee of a tiny charity is immensely rewarding. It also presents distinct challenges. Here’s what I’ve learned: 1. Your contribution in all forms is genuinely important. With my background I expected to be involved with #fundraising – using experience to recruit the fantastic DONNA DUFFY and offer guidance to achieve sustainable funding and growth. Unexpectedly, I tackled hands-on IT support in a crisis and continued. With William Chalmers and Project and Operations Manager Momota, we enhanced systems and security, the website, and overcame access issues and knowledge gaps. 2. The significance of communcation styles and preferences cannot be overstated – a calm, fun, and empathetic approach go a long way. 3. A critical responsibility is to – respectfully – question accepted practices, such as changing policy to bring in freelancers to meet distinct staffing needs and respond to sector-wide recruitment challenges. 4. The right board skills mix (fiduciary, strategic, generative) and retention are especially hard to come by for small organisations. Accessing advice and training is the most valuable path away from problem-solving alone. 5. Most of all, serving Henna’s members has been way to make a difference for women in parallel to advancing #genderequality in professional roles. A special shoutout – not least for most hours spent together, often late at night – to gracious leader Nilufar Verjee and steadfast Momota. Under their leadership and together with the superb board and team, Henna is set to continue its positive trajectory. #trustee #boardmember #governance #charity #ngo
