Our Team
Rebecca Deegan
Founder / Director & policy geek
I've worked in policy and public affairs for almost a decade, working on campaigns at the local, national and global-level across major policy challenges such as climate change and our ageing population. I set-up ‘I have a voice’ (IHAV) after reflecting on my own experience of leaving further education knowing nothing about politics and feeling unequipped to confidently articulate my views, especially if they were challenged.
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I stumbled across a profession that showed me there are lots of parliamentary mechanisms that enable citizens to push for change. In a time where political discourse can be divisive, I want to show young people how they can use existing democratic processes to raise their voices in a way that promotes open-mindedness and compassion, and leads to effective action.
Elisha Holt
Community development and engagement officer & believer in political accessibility
I am a proud northerner with experience working in communities to engage and remove barriers that are preventing people from taking part in social and cultural experiences.
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Having grown up and worked in communities across Hull, I’ve seen first-hand some of the effects of political apathy and low engagement with political systems and I’m keen to change that. My experiences have given me an understanding of the barriers people face when trying to engage politically and what can be done to eliminate them.
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Working with IHAV I want to make politics accessible to everyone, improve political literacy and engagement by working with young people to help them understand and feel empowered to engage with the issues that matter to them!
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In my spare time I enjoy reading, playing with my dog and watching the West Wing!
Amelia Christie
Deputy CEO & passionate about the power of grassroots advocacy in creating systems change
I have worked in social change advocacy for over 15 years both domestically and internationally across topics like affordable housing, accessible transport, pensions, social care and international development.
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I am a strong believer in the power of everyday people engaging in politics to make society more equitable and to create the change they want to see, whether it is changing laws, government policies or how money is allocated.
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I was previously the Head of International Policy and Advocacy at UNICEF UK and before that I ran an advocacy organisation, RESULTS International (Australia), which builds the political will to end extreme poverty by engaging parliamentarians through grassroots advocacy.
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In my spare time I like being out in nature, reading and I am a Trustee of Birthrights, a human rights charity.
Our Board
We're also supported by a fantastic Board:
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Co-chairs: Peter Abbott (COO, AiStream) and Cassie Howe (Healthcare Consultant, Royal Free Hospital)
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Members: Radhika Madlani (Public Policy Manager, Amazon), Alisha Iyer (Policy Manager, UCL Lab), Rachael Clamp (Founder, Ardesey Ltd), Charlotte Burchill (Campaigner), Eric Hempel (CFO, Tribe Technology Group), Serena Kelly (Student and Campaigner).
Ben Maher (2024)
Ben volunteered with IHAV pretty much from day one. He helped me to make sure our culture is inclusive and kind. I will never forget Ben's contribution to IHAV, and the kindness and support he showed towards me and our community.