Director of Community and Culture - she/her Lisa Zaranyika (lee-s-uh)

Lisa's values and experience

What skills and experience do you bring to your role?

My 15 years’ experience as a children and families social worker provided a solid foundational understanding of the importance of safeguarding when working with children and young people. My systemic training and transition into the voluntary sector has strengthened my appreciation for the individual as the expert in their own experience and my understanding of the importance of advocating for young people to have a say over decisions that impact their lives.

I am committed to the principles of social justice, human rights, and a respect for diversity that lie at the heart of the social work professional values. I am an impassioned believer in the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion as the vehicle through which positive, long-lasting and sustainable change can be achieved. I bring the experience of my work as an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Director at Frontline, England's largest social work charity, to leading the development of our culture and community at YoungMinds.

Which of our values do you relate to most, and why do you think it’s an important value for us?

The value I relate the most to is 'we’re not afraid to speak up for what's right'.

My work has and will continue to be dedicated to seeking out and amplifying the voices of children, families and communities that so often fight to be heard due to systemic and institutional oppression.

What do you do to switch off and take care of your mental health?

I cherish time spent with my three children, talking and laughing with them is the best stress release. I also enjoy running – it really helps me to clear my mind. Some of my best ides come to me whilst running.
Lisa

We celebrate what makes you, you. What three words describe you best?

  • Compassionate
  • Determined
  • Creative

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