The Central Team
Heather Wilkinson, BA, MSc, MIED, The Founder and Managing Director
Email Heather at heather[at]stridingout.co.uk
Heather Wilkinson has fused and integrated her key skills and knowledge to generate this innovative social business, a true reflection of her passion for young entrepreneurship and social responsibility.
Heather has had extensive experience working in the economic development sector since 2000, specialising in the area of business support, social enterprise, community regeneration and corporate social responsibility. During her career she has worked for the private, third and public sector through her toles at Business in the Community, Hertfordshire TEC, Corporation of London, and Economic Development Consultancies EDAW and GHK.
In June 2005 she left her full-time consultancy position to set up Striding Out, and she continues to act as an freelance Consultant, with a recognised specialism in social and youth enterprise.
Heather reflects her passion for this new venture in her commitment to providing the tools and skills needed by young entrepreneurs. Since starting Striding Out she has won the David Nicholas Business Start Up Award from Kingston University, and the Edge Upstart Social Enterprise Mentor of the Year Award for 2006. Her work is recognised and endorsed by leading social entreprenuers. "Heather is an outstanding social entrepreneur and businesswoman. Passionate. Sharp. Highly professional. We need more like her!" Liam Black, Director of Fifteen
Heather comes from a family of entrepreneurs, and she started her first business at the age of 24, 'Just Blush'. As a trained makeup artist, she provides services for weddings, events, fashion shows and parties.
Heather is responsible for the Development of Striding Out and its Business Services. She has also trained as a Coach in Personal and Business Development.
Maria Fernanda Gonzalez, Marketing Manager and London and South East Network Manager
Email Maria at maria[at]stridingout.co.uk
Maria works full time for Striding Out as the Marketing Manager and London and South East Network Manager. She started with the company as Shell Step Intern and graduated with a 1st Degree in Marketing at Roehampton University.
Maria manages all areas of marketing in particular London partnerships and exhibitions and online marketing. Originally from Mexico, she has undertaken a number of marketing projects in her own country.
Andrew Drummond, National Partnership and Fundraising Manager
Email Andrew at andrew[at]stridingout.co.uk
Andrew brings a breadth of experience and creativity to the Striding Out Team and aims likewise to bring value and advantage to partner organisations.
Andrew has experience of the Third Sector and commercial business environments including start-ups, both in the UK and abroad. He spent 5 years in West Africa working in association with local churches. Here in the UK he has worked extensively with the voluntary sector promoting and facilitating engagement amongst young people, developing cross-sector partnerships involving local education, youth and public services.
Prior to joining Striding Out Andrew was Marketing and Partnerships Director with a leading ethical lifestyle magazine playing a strategic role in the critical start-up phase. He has also worked as a consultant to charities to define concerns and priorities for ethical investment.
Andrew has a BA in Fine Art and an MA in inter-cultural studies.
His vision is to work creatively to develop a diversity of partnerships within different sectors and so distinguish Striding Out as a champion for young enterprise talent whilst bring distinct added value to all partners.
Melynda Sillett, Personal Assistant
Email Melynda at melynda[at]stridingout.co.uk
A graduate of Kent University with a BA Hons in Politics and International Relations, Melynda has enjoyed a variety of PA and sales roles in the Medical, Law and Recruitment sectors. Her previous work experience has only worked to hone her flexible but determined work ethic, and her love of new challenges.
Her ambition and drive are inherent in the work she does, and Melynda is both excited and expectant about the future with Striding Out.
Vicky Hoad, Media and PR Relations
Email Vicky at vicky[at]bluerocketgroup.com
Vicky is responsible for PR and Media Relations. She is the account manager at Blue Rocket Group, an ethical media relations company.
