MEET THE TEAM
All our staff have completed safeguarding training and had a DBS check. Find out more about BGF safeguarding here.
Roy Kareem
Programme Director
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Roy (he/him) has been the Director of Bright Green Future since it began in 2016, and is based at the Centre for Sustainable Energy in Bristol. He is an alumni of the Black and Green Ambassadors for Bristol programme and the creator of ParkLives podcast series.
Roy is a qualified teacher and Forest School Leader. He currently serves as a Trustee for the Bristol and Bath Park Foundation and is on the board of Bristol City Council's One City Environment Board. Roy is also a trained coach, with a focus on mentoring young environmental activists from around the world.
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Roy has a Masters in Environment, Science and Society from University College London.
Grace Rawlinson
Alumni Mentor and Alumni Facilitator
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Grace (she/her) completed BGF in 2024 is currently studying for a degree in English Literature and History. In her free time, she also enjoys volunteering, building her sustainable small business and working on creative writing and video projects.
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Grace says, "BGF has been one of the most unique experiences I’ve taken part in and I feel very privileged to support the current students as a mentor and facilitator."
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Hdayet Otaky
Alumni Mentor
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Hdayet (he/him) completed BGF in 2024 and he is currently undertaking an accounting apprenticeship. Hdayet loves getting involved in local democracy and decision-making, and is now part of the Environmental, Social and Governance committee at his firm as well as being
a trustee for Young Camden Foundation.
Hdayet says, "I'm looking forward to creating an atmosphere where all the students are able to express themselves and their ideas."
Kate Elliott-Rudder
BGF staff
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Kate (she/her) runs workshops in the webinars and at Residential and is a group mentor. She's often behind-the-scenes organising events, managing recruitment and social media, and generally making sure everyone gets to the right place.
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Kate has previously worked in youth work and as a campaign organiser with the Australian Youth Climate Coalition. Before joining BGF, Kate was a researcher on an Australian governmental review into mental health.
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She has a Level 2 qualification in Youth Work Practice and a degree in Politics and International Relations from the University of Wollongong, Australia. Kate also holds a Level 3 Paediatric First Aid qualification.
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Lydia Havill
BGF staff
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Lydia (she/her) joined the BGF team in 2023 and works with students during webinars and at the Residential. She loves seeing young leaders grow and thrive while helping everything run smoothly in the background.
Before joining BGF, Lydia taught in primary schools in Bristol and London. Lydia has a BA in English Literature from King’s College London and a Teach First PGCE from Canterbury Christ Church University.
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