Our Trustees

Clare is an experienced FMCG professional, having spent more than 17 years working in world-class FMCG companies, predominantly within Foods, before embarking on a journey as a freelance consultant. Passionate about supporting purpose-driven brands, her focus is on helping them build strong, insight-driven business strategies, innovation, marketing and communication plans that meet the needs of consumers and customers whilst supporting sustainable business growth. Also leveraging her skillset as a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). Clare’s love of food and belief in the power of plants to support health and wellbeing has been woven throughout her career and drew her to take up the role of Chair of Trustees in supporting Made In Hackney’s mission.

Sarah, a governance expert, specialises in central banking and financial services. Initially in analytical chemistry and pharmaceutical research, she transitioned to financial regulation, focusing on financial crime and governance. With the Bank of England for 16 years, she also served as an external governance expert for the International Monetary Fund. Now Sarah owns a cookery school, as a trained chef and cookery teacher who combines her love of chemistry and food.

IIrina is a real estate investment professional specialising in acquisition, execution, bank financing and overall asset management. She has been with Queensway Group for over 12 years and grew strong relationships with the JV partners Wellcome Trust, developing and operating 11 hotels under the Point A Hotel brand; and Clearbell in the Sloane Club Private Members club venture. Previously Irina focused on real estate structured finance at Banca Imi investment bank after completing SDA Bocconi MBA. She started her career at Hilton Hotels Corporation with a strong foundation in excel financial modelling after graduating Cum Laude in economics and accounting from UCLA. A California native, Irina prioritises food and health, enjoying yoga, travel, photography, and preparing nutritious meals for her family outside of work.

Pranay, an insurance technologist, primarily focuses on technology strategy for corporates in the City while actively engaging in socially impactful projects. As the CTO of Best for Britain, he spearheaded the digital pro-EU campaign and founded RefugeeMaps to aid volunteers during the European refugee crisis. Notably, he contributed to reimagining Dharavi, a renowned slum in Mumbai, through an urban planning competition. His activism also resulted in Operation Safe Homecoming, rescuing thousands of Indians from Libya. Pranay holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Delhi University and an MBA from Bayes Business School, London.

Ned, a lifelong Hackney resident, is deeply involved in digital progressive causes. In 2016, he established his agency, Clash Digital, leading a team that orchestrates campaigns for global clients and agencies such as Led By Donkeys, GSCC, Labour Party, Fossil Free Politics and others. His work extends across various sectors, including technology, arts, and social justice. Passionate about driving positive change, Ned's efforts resonate through his diverse portfolio of clients and partnerships, underscoring his commitment to advancing progressive values in the digital sphere.

Originally from California, Jenny has over 20 years of experience as a climate change specialist.

She previously spent close to 8 years working in Beijing as a Principal consultant, and managed projects including advising major clothing brands and their textile suppliers on energy efficiency and conducting greenhouse gas assessments for major international corporations.

A resident of London since 2014, Jenny worked at the Climate Group as Head of Energy Productivity Initiatives for 7 years, directing global campaigns that inspired companies to accelerate their zero carbon journeys. Most recently she served as Director, Strategic Partnerships for Energy Foundation China, a grant-making organisation dedicated to China's sustainable energy development.

Jenny has a passion for plant-based cooking, trying out London's newest restaurants, and exploring how to use food as medicine. She also enjoys travel photography and dancing.

Jenny is excited to be a Made In Hackney trustee and hopes to help the organisation make the critical links between food, climate, and racial equality for a just and sustainable London.

Carla is a proud Hackney resident and has worked in the voluntary and public sector for over 20 years on social justice, equality and human rights issues. She currently works for the Greater London Authority where she heads up the Civil Society and Volunteering team, supporting and strengthening the voluntary and community sector in London. She previously worked at the Equality and Human Rights Commission where she developed and implemented organisational strategy, and led a team monitoring progress on the UK government’s international human rights obligations. Carla worked for a number of years on children’s human rights issues, including criminal justice, mental health and has extensive experience in supporting young people’s participation in policy development and decision-making.Carla is also a trustee of Gulan, a UK-based charity supporting Kurdish arts and culture. She is particularly interested in the power of food and cooking in bringing people together and creating connections.

Bianca, a solicitor in England and Wales since 2014, embarked on her legal career at Slaughter and May, then Covington and Burling. Transitioning in-house, she now heads up legal affairs at Motorway, a VC-backed startup. Beyond her legal role, Bianca co-leads the Education team at Urban Lawyers, delivering legal education to at-risk groups.

Introduced to Made In Hackney during a cooking class, she was captivated by its transformation of traditional Jamaican dishes into plant-based delights, resonating with her Caribbean and Iranian heritage. Eager to contribute to community health, Bianca is thrilled to join a charity fostering well-being among minority cultural groups in London.