Heather Wilkinson, BA, MSc, MIED, The Founder and Managing Director
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.
Email Heather at heather[at]stridingout.co.uk
Maria Fernanda Gonzalez, Marketing Manager and London and South East Network Manager
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 maria[at]stridingout.co.uk
Judit Jakab, PR and Communications Executive and North West Network Manager
Judit has previously worked in agency PR, having worked for Cirkle and Salt Communications. Accounts undertaken: Camden Park Wines, Persil, Unilever, Snuggle, Ricola and Ice Green Credit Cards. Judit is also a member of the Chartered Institute of PR.
She was involved in establishing one of the first CSR consultancies in Hungary, Budapest. During university years Judit was selected to do her internship with the Prince of Wales International Business Leaders Forum where she was working closely with the European Affiliate Director in order to develop a communications platform for the European affiliates. She has a particular interest in business and has developed several business plans. She won the best marketing plan award of the year in 2005 at the University of Bedfordshire and she also progressed to the final of the East Anglian Business Plan competition 2006/07 and received a special award.
Judit has particular interest in Live PR, Experimental Marketing, New Media, Guerrilla and CSR. She is now responsible for our North West Division and is planning to create an impact in the lives of young entrepreneurs in Manchester and Liverpool.
Email Judit at judit[at]stridingout.co.uk
Andrew Drummond, National Partnership and Fundraising Manager
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.
Email Andrew at andrew[at]stridingout.co.uk
Melynda Sillett, Personal Assistant
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 melynda[at]stridingout.co.uk
Vicky Hoad, Media and PR Relations
Vicky is responsible for PR and Media Relations. She is the account manager at Blue Rocket Group, an ethical media relations company.
Email Vicky at vicky[at]bluerocketgroup.com
Striding Out is looking for Regional Area Managers, Business Coaches and Student Interns throughout the year.
We are keen to attract students who are interested in event management, marketing, research to business development.
If you consider yourself to be entrepreneurial, motivated and skilled in your area and you are interested in being involved, then please send a covering letter and CV to [email protected]
