Our Trustee Board

Danny Payne C.M.G. MSc(Oxon) MBA CEng FIET FRICS
Managing Director Tetra Tech Europe
As an experienced CEO and executive leader, Danny plays a crucial role in providing us with vital direction on strategy and governance, contributing to the safe growth and impactful delivery of our services.

Jane Burton
Head at Old Palace of John Whitgift School
With a background in performance and education, Jane brings extensive experience and understanding of beneficiary needs and services. Jane is our Director Trustee with responsibility for the oversight of our safeguarding policies and procedures.

Jon Parry
Supply Chain Director at B&M Retail
Jon brings his vast experience and understanding of business growth and supply chains to support the charity with the strategic direction, governance and oversight to support our ambitious plans to deliver a world-wide service.


Michelle Coomber
Engineering Manager at Superdry
Michelle is a vibrant and passionate leader, passionate about driving our digital strategy to enable our support to be delivered globally, anytime, anywhere. Providing governance and oversight as a whole, Michelle also supports us with our data privacy and management.

Nicola Kerr-Shaw
MD, Global Co-Manager of LEGAL Digital & IP Platform at BNP Paribas
As a talented global leader passionate about equity and inclusion, Nicola brings essential skills and experience to act as the ‘critical friend’ to the charity, from a governance, risk and legal perspective.

Unette Spencer
Vice President, Customer Solutions, Mastercard
As a proven commercial leader with a passion for diversity and inclusion, bringing a wealth of strategic direction and oversight to the ILF.

Victoria Cope MBA FRAeS FCIPS
Commercial Director – Defence Digital, UK Ministry of Defence
As strategic and commercial leader with a multi-disciplinary background, Victoria brings a wealth of experience to act as the ‘critical friend’ and ensure high standards for the governance of the ILF as the Chair of our Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee.
Our Core Team

Leigh Bowman-Perks
Leigh has made it her mission in life to develop more inspiring leaders globally and change the landscape so that women and girls can thrive. Leigh always shares that where she is now is not where she started! Understanding from her own personal experiences, as well as her research for her book and life’s work into inspiring leadership, gender, and equality, Leigh was compelled to set up the Inspiring Leadership Foundation. The foundation aims to break down barriers to personal empowerment, financial inclusion, and equality for disadvantaged, vulnerable, and at-risk women and girls. She established a center of excellence in the UK and is now embarking on her ambition to create a global inspiring leadership movement with a local footprint, where our services create change in every community. As a businesswoman, mother, and grandmother, she understands her role in rising to the now critical challenge and importance of inspiring leaders leaving legacies.

Javina Golding
As a beneficiary of the IFA herself, Javina is passionate about developing our services for some of the most disadvantaged, vulnerable or at risk women in our communities. She is working with Leigh and the team to create ‘safe spaces’ for women to learn new skills, develop their networks and access the resources they need to thrive at work and in life.

Dawn Lovejoy
Dawn joined the Trust in 2022 as Executive Assistant to the CEO after a varied career as a PA, business owner and, most importantly, mum to 2 young adults. She supports Leigh and the team in an administration role and looks forward to taking on more responsibilities during her time with the charity.

Kelly Tamplin
As a talented and inspiring facilitator, Kelly designs, delivers and sources speakers for our Inspiring Futures Academy workshops. Kelly also oversees the management of our IFA Certification and accreditation process, enabling trainers from around the world to deliver our world class programmes in their communities.

Kirsten Warrender
Kirsten is actively involved in developing and implementing plans and strategies to enhance our service offerings and position the charity as a prominent leader within the sector.
Within the realm of communication, Kirsten takes charge of managing social media platforms, curating website content, coordinating impactful events, handling internal communications, and nurturing relationships with both beneficiaries and donors.
Furthermore, Kirsten assumes a crucial role in establishing partnerships, fostering connections with potential and existing collaborators. She represents the charity at diverse events and forums, forming valuable relationships and expanding our networks.

Kristen Parker
Kirsten brings her love of teaching to craft a world-class curriculum and engaging online learning platform, helping to ensure that women can access sources of inspiration at their fingertips, anytime, anywhere. Kirsten provides oversight and advisory support for all learning pathways, ensuring the highest quality standards.
Our Delivery Partners

Sarah Harvey
Owner at Students in Mind and coach in education