Our people

Michael Obasanya joined us in July 2026. Michael has an undergraduate degree in International Relations from the University of Birmingham and a Masters in Cultural Studies from Goldsmiths University. Michael has experience running creative workshops as well as digital fundraising.

Pasha Michaelsen is Vice-Chair of Trustees. She helps organisations design and deliver social justice strategies in the areas of migration and education. She was head of operations for Refugee Education UK, which supports refugee and asylum-seeking young people to build more hopeful futures through education and is vice-chair of Praxis, which provides holistic support to migrants across London. Previously, Pasha was a finance solicitor.

Penny Tysoe joined us in June 2025 and is our Chief Development Officer. Bringing over 19 years of leadership experience in fundraising, communications and strategic development within the charity sector, Penny leads the charity's fundraising and communications functions and is a member of the Senior Management Team, playing a key role to help lead the delivery of the charity's broader strategy and vision. Previously, Penny was Fundraising and Communications Director at EDT and Industrial Cadets. During her career Penny has held leadership roles in marketing, business development and programme delivery, including playing a key role in the national expansion of Industrial Cadets.

Phoebe Mumby joined us in September 2023. Phoebe has a degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Oxford. Previously, she volunteered at the charity ExVac, which began as a student-run charity at Exeter College.

Phoebe Spence joined us in July 2025. Phoebe has a degree in History from the University of Liverpool. She previously worked in charity fundrasing as a Trusts and Foundations Assistant and volunteered at IntoUniversity North Liverpool.

Piero Freestone joined us in September 2023. Piero has a degree in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Lincoln. Previously, he worked as a Sports and Summer Camp Coach at Premier Education.

Poppy Young joined us in July 2026. Poppy studied Nursing (Mental Health) at Northumbria University and has previously worked in children’s mental health services.

Professor Nishan Canagarajah is President & Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester. Born and educated in Sri Lanka, he is a double Cambridge graduate and former Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of Bristol. Nishan has been appointed to a number of national roles including being a member of the UUK advisory group to tackle racial harassment in higher education.

Rabiah Ali joined us in February 2026. Rabiah has a BA in History and an MA in History (Empires and Global History) from University College London. She has previously worked as an English Tutor and a UCL Transition Mentor.

Rachel Bailie joined us in July 2023. Rachel studied Law at the University of Bristol and completed a PGCE at the University of Durham. Rachel previously worked as a class teacher and House parent.

Dr Rachel Carr is the Chief Executive and co-founder of IntoUniversity. Rachel has over twenty years of experience working with children and young people in the voluntary sector. Rachel began devising the IntoUniversity programme in 2002 to address the barriers preventing young people facing disadvantage reaching their potential. Before setting up IntoUniversity, Rachel was a university lecturer and ran an English Literature Department for five years. She has a PhD in 19th Century English Literature.