Co-Chair

Sarbjit was introduced to ecoACTIVE through a friend and colleague Monica Strauss; a founder and trustee of the charity at the time. After attending the 2017 AGM, Sarbjit became a member of the committee having been so impressed by the passion and commitment of the team and the amazing projects they ran. Later she became a trustee and volunteer.

Sarbjit has an interest in outdoor learning in urban areas which has led to her gaining the following qualifications; FSLI Forest School Leader Level 3 in 2016, Garden Design BTech Level 1 in 2018 and Maintenance Gardener Level 1 in 2019. She currently works part time as a Nursery teacher in an early childhood centre in Westminster.

Co-Chair

Catherine became a trustee after being a volunteer and being wowed by the positive contribution that ecoACTIVE makes to both people’s lives and Hackney’s green landscapes. Catherine has over 25 years of experience of collaboratively working with schools, charities and community groups in her professional work as an architect, (RIBA registered Architect / Client Adviser) where she specialises in sustainable development. Based in Hackney, Catherine also is a practising artist and community gardener.

Catherine is a keen supporter of ecoACTIVE’s community-based approach - of strengthening connections in local communities - and of improving our environment with hands-on learning and fun-based, creative activities.

Treasurer

Conor has six years of mentoring experience through work-based initiatives and Ivy Executive and two years as a sustainability associate with ISSP. He is a banking risk professional by training and has spent the last twelve years involved in the area of transportation. Currently he is a Director in the Aviation Finance unit of MUFG Bank.

He believes ecoACTIVE is crucial in engaging the young to think more critically and strengthen their knowledge of the human impact on the world around them. We also get the opportunity to share and celebrate the things that are great about us and this planet - community, nature, food and art.

As a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) with an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in accounting obtained from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Her previous experience in finance and 8yrs work for a Big 4 professional services company has contributed to the role as Treasurer.

“The ethos of ecoACTIVE is what caught my attention to apply for a Trustee role and has resonated with me ever since joining. The incredible impact from the work that the staff do and the motivation behind each person here at ecoACTIVE is what keeps me engaged to continue to build this amazing cause.”

Simon has over 30 years experience working in schools with children with special educational needs, most recently as Headteacher of Spa School Bermondsey and Executive Headteacher of Spa Education Trust. He is a founder of the Park College in Kennington, and has supported a number of organisations in improving autism provision and inclusion.

A long time Hackney resident, Simon is enthusiastic about improving sustainability and biodiversity. He was drawn to ecoACTIVE after seeing the wonderful work they are doing in the community and with local groups.

Michelle has worked in corporate business for over 20 years across multiple consumer categories for both big UK FMCG brands and smaller, independent brands, predominantly in Strategic Brand Marketing. It is important to her now, to support a non-profit organisation that has a meaningful purpose and mission to drive a positive movement.

As a big advocate for respecting and celebrating the environment and the world around us, Michelle feels that now more than ever, the work ecoACTIVE does in educating and empowering our younger generation to affect positive change, is crucial. 

Peter is an experienced sustainability professional working in sustainability strategy, green skills and climate action for more than 20 years. Peter is a Fellow of the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (FIEMA), a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (FRSA) and a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv)

The most important thing we need to do as humans is to better understand our connection to the natural world – and realise that protecting nature means protecting ourselves, our future and our wellbeing.  Peter has seen first-hand how sustainability education and community projects delivered through organisations like ecoACTIVE can inspire and change people’s lives for the better.