Our people

Michael Spierin joined us in August 2019 and is our Head of Operations (Impact and Strategy, Maternity Cover). He has a degree in Sports Education and Psychology from Nottingham Trent University and has previously worked as an IntoUniversity Centre Leader in Nottingham and Newcastle as well as a Fundraiser for the Canal and River Trust.

Millie Radley joined us in August 2019 and is our Trust and Foundations Manager. Millie has a degree in English Literature and Italian from the University of Exeter and has worked as an Travel Coordinator for Discovery Summer, a summer school for international students, and as an English teacher in Vietnam.

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.

Raechel Kuik joined us in October 2023. Raechel has a degree in Criminology from the University of Bristol. Previously, she worked as a freelance tutor for Primary school children and A Level students.

Rose Farley joined us in August 2022. Rose has a degree in Psychology from the University of Nottingham. Previously, she worked as a Care Assistant as well as volunteering at a local Primary school.

Rosie Dunford Wood joined us in March 2023. Rosie studied History of Art at the University of Edinburgh and previously worked as a Nanny and Tutor.

Sharif is our Senior Corporate Partnerships officer and joined us in January 2022. He has over 8 years’ experience working in charities for children & young people having worked at ELHAP, an adventure playground for children & young people with disabilities, and The Kids Network, a mentoring charity for primary school aged children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Sharif has a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Birmingham.

Vicky Beard joined us in March 2018 and is our Senior Communications Manager. She has a degree in Politics and International Relations from the University of Hull and previously volunteered for a campaign group in Bedford.

Xuan Pollard joined us in January 2024. Xuan is a practising solicitor having qualified as a company commercial lawyer almost 30 years ago. Xuan has worked in private practice, in industry as well as in the charity sector in a variety of roles including voluntary positions. As a result, Xuan has gained extensive experience in legal and compliance issues arising in the voluntary sector.

Zaynab Ahmed joined us in March 2024. Zaynab has a degree in Classics from Newnham College, Cambridge and previously spent two years as an elected Sabbatical Officer at Cambridge Students' Union.