Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation

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Inspiring Voices – Youth Testimonials

Inspiring Voices - Youth Testimonials

At the SLDF, we believe in the power of young voices to inspire change. Through our various initiatives, scholarships and bursaries, young people from diverse backgrounds have embraced opportunities to grow, learn, and lead.

Here, they share a variety of testimonials, demonstrating the profound impact of the Foundation’s support and how that has equipped them on their journey. These testimonials reflect our ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders.

DAN HORNER

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Grace Carter

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JASON MBUKU

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Robert Gomez

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Stephen Appiah Kubi

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THOMAS AQUILINA

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Tyron Denton

Tyron Denton

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JAM LEVERIDGE

FUNMI ADEBIYI

adrian moussaid

NEOLA CHARLEMAGNE

GLORIANE LEPAYA

MADISON GIRLING

GULCAN KARA

Mageswar P.V,​

DAN HORNER

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Grace Carter

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JASON MBUKU

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Robert Gomez

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Stephen Appiah Kubi

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THOMAS AQUILINA

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Tyron Denton

Tyron Denton

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JAM LEVERIDGE

FUNMI ADEBIYI

adrian moussaid

NEOLA CHARLEMAGNE

GLORIANE LEPAYA

MADISON GIRLING

GULCAN KARA

Mageswar P.V,​

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DAN HORNER

STEPHEN LAWRENCE BURSARY STUDENT

‘The accommodation bursary granted to me was the biggest anxiety relief, moving down to London and pursuing a placement opportunity was daunting enough without the added pressure of finding accommodation. The bursary has allowed me to enjoy what London has to offer as well as learning new skills on my placement that can enhance my career prospects in the industry I love.

The accommodation is perfect for my needs, safe and well located with transport links, I am forever indebted to the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation for allowing me to have this opportunity with minimum worry.

Thank you again for all the support.’

Grace Carter

STEPHEN LAWRENCE BURSARY STUDENT

‘Growing up with a single parent as a mixed raced girl, I have seen how hard life can be. My mum brought me up to work hard and to believe in myself so I applied for an internship in London, knowing I would struggle to find and pay for accommodation. It seemed like an impossible task to afford to live in London and pursue my career however thanks to the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation I have been able to flourish in London. I have been able to access my current workplace without any hassle due to the support the Foundation has given me. I’m eternally grateful for this generosity and still can’t believe I’m able to stay in such nice accommodation that is so close to my workplace without worrying about finances.

JASON MBUKU

Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholar

To say I was grateful to be named as a Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholar would be an understatement. The application process was tough but enjoyable and I’m very proud of myself for having been successful. I can’t wait to get started and learn the invaluable skills Freshfields have in store for us, [and] meeting some amazing people in the process.

Robert Gomez

STEPHEN LAWRENCE BURSARY STUDENT

Different people have different backgrounds and people’s financial situations are not the same. I needed the financial help of a bursary or it would have been a case of me not going to university.

“The bursary has completely changed my time at DMU. It means I can spend more of the day focussing on the course rather than having to worry about other stuff.

“If this bursary was not in place it would have been incredibly difficult to manage university life.

“I am enjoying the course. When you are given a brief in the first year of study you can go wild with it. You are allowed to go crazy. You can create a building and then turn it on its head. You have the freedom of creativity. I think it’s a different story from the second year onwards!
“Architecture was the dream for me since secondary school. The bursary has solidified that dream and is turning it into reality.

“Hopefully in a few years’ time I will be running my own practice. It is a long journey but it’s got to be done when it comes to having ambitions in your life.”

Stephen Appiah Kubi

As a Scholar, one of the ways I take advantage of the power of learning is that I am encouraged to develop a commercially aware outlook that follows current socioeconomic, political, legal, and technological issues. In analyzing how these issues affect businesses, we develop a more entrepreneurial mindset.

The power of learning extends far beyond tackling business challenges. It equips us with the knowledge and understanding needed to address inequality and drive positive change for a more inclusive society. Embracing an attitude of learning forces us to let go of lazy assumptions and ignorant generalisations, ones that divide our society.”

THOMAS AQUILINA

STEPHEN LAWRENCE DAY FELLOW, LONDN SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

The London School of Architecture has appointed Thomas Aquilina as its inaugural Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation Fellow through the generous donation of the Foundation in September 2021 under the instigation of founding LSA Vice-Chair Elsie Owusu OBE and the RIBA, marking another significant step in the LSA’s commitment to widening access and participation in architectural education.

Through this Fellowship, Thomas is committed to researching means of tackling of historic and current underrepresentation of black and other racialised groups in the architecture profession. A tutor in Critical Practice and Design History at the LSA, Thomas is a registered architect and educator dedicated to building communities of radical thought and progressive practice. He is a co-director of the New Architecture Writers programme and a co-founder of the publishing collective Afterparti. Thomas is also investigating local understandings of spatial justice in London as a Design Researcher in Residence at the Design Museum. As a past recipient of the Stephen Lawrence Architecture bursary, Thomas’ trajectory in architecture is one indebted to Stephen’s legacy. Under the fellowship, Thomas looks to:
  • Lead conversations at the LSA around curriculum reform, in particular in relation to decoloniality, decarbonisation and destandardisation.
  • Work on delivering on the strategic priorities contained in the LSA’s ambitious Access and Participation Plan, which seeks to increase the number of Black and Asian students in its cohorts, and students from low-income and low-participation backgrounds.
  • Cultivate and nurture relationships with local schools, devising an ambitious ‘Part 0’ outreach programme.
  • Serve as a visible role model and mentor within to the school to underrepresented racialised groups.

The LSA once again wishes to express its gratitude to the RIBA, Elsie Owusu and the vision of Baroness Lawrence for enabling such pioneering research and action at the LSA and subsequently the wider architectural community.

LSA Stephen Lawrence Foundation Fellow, Thomas Aquilina, said:
“At this exciting time of new directorship for The LSA, I want to support the work of building an architecture school that is attune to the value of equitable and radical perspectives.”

Baroness Doreen Lawrence said:
“I am pleased to see that the LSA has appointed Thomas Aquilina to lead on this ambitious plan in researching decoloniality in architecture. For too long access to the profession of architecture was limited and challenging for those from underrepresented groups, this will be a great asset in widening participation for all.”

London School of Architecture Head of School and CEO, Dr Neal Shasore, said:
“It is fantastic that, thanks to this donation, we have been able to offer this new Fellowship. In an intensely competitive field, Thomas’s vision of what we could achieve was truly inspiring. I am looking forward to working closely with him over the coming year, ensuring the LSA leads the conversation around decoloniality and architectural education.”

Tyron Denton

FRESHFIELDS STEPHEN LAWRENCE SCHOLAR

Why did you decide to apply for the Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholarship?
After receiving an email from Mrs Gillow and shortly after having a meeting with her, I did some more research on Freshfields and more importantly the Stephen Lawrence Scheme. Aside from knowing that it would be a great opportunity regardless of whether I received a scholarship, the aims of addressing the underrepresentation of black male students within City careers in the name of Stephen Lawrence was truly compelling.

How did you feel when you heard you were selected for the scholarship?
I was extremely grateful. As a man of faith I couldn’t stop giving thanks to God as it would not have been possible without his favour. I was also extremely grateful to be part of an empowering scheme that will undoubtedly leave a legacy to inspire black men in the future.

What does the scholarship offer and what do you feel you have gained from the opportunity?
The scholarship has a lot to offer, far more than just monetary contribution towards studies. It’s a 15-month development programme tailored to each scholar including career advice, work experience, an alternative route to an interview for a training contract at Freshfields mentoring amongst much more. I am still in the very early stages of this journey, however from the insight day and assessment centres alone I have gained an incredible amount. I have been able to meet and converse with accomplished professionals who work within the City, and fellow students, all of which has given me a better perspective to careers and life in general.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of applying?
If you are thinking of applying, I would highly recommend speaking with the university contact for the Scheme. I’d say enter the process with an open mind and willingness to learn more about yourself, others, and careers. It sounds very cliché, but be yourself. Freshfields genuinely want to get to know you as a person, from the application to the assessment centres, so showcase the best version of yourself. In doing so you’ll also find that you gain a lot more from the experience, whether that be mentors, friends, or gaining a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses.

Georgina Lawrence

Trustee

Stephen’s only sister and youngest sibling of three, she plays an essential role in ensuring the organisation’s work stays true to Stephen’s legacy and to the values he embodied.

Georgina brings a deeply personal perspective, safeguarding the family’s vision for the Foundation and helping guide its growth with authenticity and care. Through her advocacy and commitment, she represents the voice of the family in the Foundation’s work, ensuring Stephen’s story continues to inspire hope, resilience, and positive change in communities across the UK.

Narissa Williams

Project Manager

Narissa Williams brings a unique blend of creativity, leadership, and community-rooted experience to her role as Project Manager at the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation. She began her career in law at just 17, later working across education and the non-profit sector, which gave her a broad skill set in management, strategy, and community engagement.

Her passion for serving young people is deeply personal due to lived experience and working directly with the need within underrepresented communities.

Fun fact: While at secondary school, Narissa was taught graphic design by Stuart Lawrence, Stephen’s brother.

This personal connection to the Lawrence family underpins her deep passion and commitment to creating opportunities for underrepresented communities and ensuring that Stephen’s story continues to inspire change.

At the Foundation, Narissa leads on programme design and delivery, strategic planning, and day-to-day operations. She is especially passionate about developing initiatives that open doors for young people who may not otherwise have access to opportunity, ensuring the Foundation’s work remains impactful, relevant, and true to Stephen’s legacy.

 

Dr Clive Driscoll

Trustee

Clive is best known for his role as senior investigating officer in the Stephen Lawrence case, through his leadership, perseverance, and commitment to justice, two men were finally convicted in 2012, almost 19 years after Stephen’s death. As a trustee, he ensures the Foundation maintains its roots in integrity and reform, anchored in his deep experience in law enforcement.

Clive’s approach to policing has always been grounded in compassion, fairness, and truth. His dedication to justice has been recognised through numerous honours, including an Honorary Doctorate from De Montfort University. He is also the author of the memoir In Pursuit of the Truth, which reflects on his career and the importance of integrity in public service.

As a Trustee of the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation, Clive continues his lifelong commitment to ensuring Stephen’s legacy drives lasting reform and positive change in society.

Laila Fryd

Administrator

Laila Fryd is at the heart of the Foundation’s daily operations, ensuring that diary engagements are met, communications flow effectively, and administrative processes run smoothly. With a strong background in administration and reception work, she brings organisation, reliability, and care to everything she does – so the team can focus on lasting impact.

As a working mum of two, Laila balances professional expertise with lived experience. She understands first-hand the impact of racism and inequality, which fuels her commitment to the Foundation’s mission. Her role as part of the hub and glue of the Foundation is vital; supporting the team, partners, and stakeholders so that the Foundation can deliver meaningful change in classrooms, careers, and communities.

 

Huey Hutch Digital Agency

External Contractor (Socials & Website)

Huey Hutch is a creative digital agency led by Founder and Digital Director Samuel Panda and currently serves as the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation’s external agency for social media, website management and digital strategy. Known for its culturally aware storytelling and impactful design, Huey Hutch ensures the Foundation’s digital presence reflects its mission, amplifies Stephen’s legacy and connects meaningfully with diverse audiences across the UK and beyond.

Under Samuel’s leadership, the agency delivers strategic campaign development, content creation, social media management and website optimisation, combining data-driven insights with creativity to expand reach, engagement and real-world impact. Their approach is grounded in accessibility, emotional resonance and relevance to young people and families alike.

As an external partner, Huey Hutch plays a key role in helping the Foundation engage schools, communities and supporters, ensuring that Stephen’s legacy continues to inspire change through powerful digital storytelling.

 

Baroness Doreen Lawrence of Clarendon OBE

Chair of Trustees

Baroness Lawrence has been a tireless advocate for social justice since her son Stephen’s murder in 1993. Her tireless campaign exposed institutional racism within the police and led to one of the most significant public inquiries in British history, resulting in reforms that continue to shape policing and equality legislation today.

In 2019, she established the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation to honour Stephen’s legacy and create a positive, lasting impact in his name. For Baroness Lawrence, the Foundation is deeply personal: it represents a way to turn tragedy into hope, injustice into change, and her son’s story into a force for good. Through its focus on classrooms, careers, and communities, the Foundation works to inspire young people to live their best lives, breaking down barriers and building a fairer society.

Elevated to the House of Lords in 2013, Baroness Lawrence continues to champion racial and social justice at the highest levels. As Chair of Trustees, she remains at the heart of the Foundation, ensuring its work stays true to Stephen’s memory and to her vision of a society where every young person, regardless of background, can thrive.

Elvin Oduro

Trustee

Elvin and Stephen were childhood best friends, attending school together from around age seven. He brings a deeply personal perspective to the Foundation’s board as a protector of Stephen’s legacy and honour. His intimate connection to Stephen’s life and memory strengthens his commitment to guiding the Foundation’s mission.

With an extensive career in business development and client engagement, having held various senior positions across the design and creative industries, Elvin’s business acumen and deep understanding of the design space provide invaluable guidance to the Foundation’s operations and strategic growth. His unique blend of professional experience and personal insight ensures that the Foundation remains both impactful and sustainable, while staying true to Stephen’s legacy.

 

Adrian Sykes

Trustee

Adrian brings decades of experience in the creative and music industries. He is co-founder of Decisive Management and was involved in the podcast series Did Ya Know? spotlighting pioneering Black leaders in UK music.

Alongside his professional expertise, Adrian is also a long-standing friend of Baroness Lawrence. This personal connection gives him a deep understanding of the Foundation’s vision and the family’s wishes, ensuring that Stephen’s legacy is honoured with authenticity and care. Adrian’s blend of industry insight and personal commitment strengthens the Foundation’s ability to build meaningful partnerships and create opportunities for young people to thrive.

 

Sonia Meggie

Trustee

Sonia Meggie brings a powerful blend of strategic leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and community dedication to her role as Trustee at the Foundation. Currently serving as EMEA Diversity & Inclusion Manager at Bloomberg, she leads inclusive policy and practice across the organisation’s News & Media teams.

She is also the visionary founder behind FunkyNChunky, a Ghana-inspired accessories brand, and Inspirational YOU, a social enterprise empowering women, young people, and entrepreneurs through masterclasses and workshops. Her work has earned accolades such as being named among the Top 30 Inspirational Women in the City (Diversity Champion) by Brummell, the BE Mogul Award, and the Positive Role Model and Inspirational YOU awards.

Sonia is a Fellow of the RSA and a RSA Diaspora ChangeMaker, recognised for her leadership among emerging African-origin professionals in the UK and beyond. In her consulting capacity, she has supported high-profile clientsincluding Sky, Deloitte, Pearson, and Tatewith D&I training, gender pay audits, inclusive recruitment, mentorship programmes, and award strategies.

Her volunteer roles include serving as a Board Advisor for Police Now, a Trustee at the Jason Roberts Foundation, and a committed supporter of the Black Cultural Archives. Sonia’s broad expertise, advocacy, and lived experience make her a vital force in guiding the Foundation’s inclusive programming and vision for positive change.