The Core Team

Heather Wilkinson, BA, MSc, MIED

Heather 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.

She 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 provide national and local level consultancy specialising in entrepreneurship and social enterprise.  She is also a qualified business coach and NLP practitioner.

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.

Email Heather at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Maria Fernanda Gonzalez

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.

Email Maria at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Melynda Sillett

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.

Email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it