Core Team
Lisa Stepanovic MBE
CEO & Founder
Lisa is a true Eastender, of Polish and Irish descent. She cares deeply about the community and making East London safe and inclusive for everyone, having always lived and worked locally. She started her career as a market trader and from an early age was honing entrepreneurial skills. Lisa went on to support at-risk young people with legal issues and appeals.
Katakyie Zak Addae-Kodua
Admin & Operations Manager
Katakyie brings a wealth of experience to the team as a young person who came through our Step-Up programme as a participant and went on to be a project manager for our last Investment Ready programme. Katakyie is also the founder of Xconversation CIC where he utilises his lived experience to support young people at risk.
Cathy Nathaniel
Entrepreneur supporter
Cathy supports individuals in all aspects of personal life. As a support worker with over 20 years experience, she has in-depth knowledge of all support services, including benefits, judicial, social services, housing and probation. Cathy is a great listener who nurtures and warmly embraces everyone without judgement and with huge generosity.
Board Members
Jasmine Singh
Jasmine is the Chair of Social Ark, as a founding member, she brings a wealth of lived experience to our board. Going from participant to Trustee to Chairperson speaks to the Social Ark values. Jasmine provides a unique insight into the challenges faced by our young people. She is an East London local who loves working hands-on to support our start-up social entrepreneurs.
Manny Ebokosia
Manny is our newest Alumni board member, joining in March 2021! During his time with Social Ark, he founded True Cadence, a social enterprise that teaches young people about the music business. Manny stepped up to lead as our peer representative, ensuring our young people are supported at every level. Manny also contributes to Social Ark through co-designing programmes and peer-mentoring other members.
Jane Sterland
Jane is an independent third sector consultant, supporting voluntary groups and charities to develop their fundraising skills. With 7 years experience working for the National Lottery Communities Fund, Jane has led projects to promote volunteering and worked extensively in project and change management in the public and private sectors. Jane’s supported Social Ark since 2014, before we even had a name!
Jon Lloyd
Jon is a real estate solicitor with over 35 years’ experience in buying, selling, asset managing and developing real estate assets. He works with various stakeholders including institutional investors, property companies, individuals and family trusts. Jon has worked closely with us for more than five years providing mentoring support for entrepreneurs and also assisting on various ad hoc matters.
Emma Macklin
Emma has worked with us since 2019, with a background in working with charities including The National Lottery Fund, DCMS, and now Social Investment Business. Emma has worked with youth charities across the country to develop their impact measurement and funding models. Emma has much experience working with at risk young people and has always been passionate about supporting under-resourced communities ensuring young people flourish.
David McQueen
David McQueen is passionate about developing leaders. A family man first, he is the husband of one, father of two and friend of many. He has founded and cofounded a number of businesses including Q squared, Black Founders Hub and Evermoor. David has supported us since the beginning providing expert mentoring and bespoke leadership workshops for our young entrepreneurs. Our young people love him!
