Our board

Smart Works is governed by our Board of Trustees, who bring with them a wealth and depth of experience across a diverse range of industries.

We’re grateful for all the hard work and dedication of the members of our board. The work we do would not be possible without their guidance.

Chair

Alison Armstrong

Alison became the Chair Woman of Smart Works Birmingham in February 2024 after being a Trustee since December 2021. She brings a lifetime of experience having recently retired as a Director/Owner of ADP Architecture Ltd after 33 years as a Chartered Architect. She has a keen interest in education particularly for girls and is VC of the Governing Body for King Edwards VI Handsworth School for Girls and a Trustee on the Board of the King Edwards Academy Trust in Birmingham. Alison is a Trustee of Marudyan UK a small charity that provides basic education for BPL (below poverty line) children in India.Alison is also a Director/Owner of the newly established craft brewery, Moonwake Beer Co in Edinburgh.

“Being involved with a charity that can genuinely transform women’s lives through the simplicity of it’s service is inspirational. The enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by everyone I have met is amazing.”

Vice Chair

Raynee De Zoysa

Raynee became the Vice-Chair of Smart Works Birmingham in February 2024. Her professional journey has encompassed diverse roles in operations delivery, sales, and strategic growth across major contractors, including Galliford Try and Willmott Dixon and currently at Balfour Beatty.Beyond the corporate landscape, Raynee is a board member for the Infrastructure Leadership Board of the Centre for the New Midlands not-for-profit, actively contributing to cross-sector collaboration. Their collective skills play a vital role in generating innovative ideas, fostering connections, and enhancing the overall well-being of the West Midlands region.As an Alumni Nottingham University Campus Advisory Member, she offers valuable insights to shape the strategic development of the higher educational landscape.

‘If I could capture the sheer joy experienced upon hearing a woman declare, ‘I got the job,’ it would be a potion worth sharing with the world. The ability to give someone the tools to transform their lives through employment is a catalyst for positive change.’

Honorary Treasurer

Ewa Kerin

Ewa is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Certified Accountants and has held a number of senior positions within the Financial Services industry for over 25 years at JP Morgan, Credit Suisse, Willis Towers Watson and HSBC.

“I wanted to work with a team that all shared the same passion for helping women be successful and feel good about themselves, so am incredibly fortunate to have joined the committed and talented team that is Smart Works.”

Holly Rankin

Holly is HR Director at Barclays UK, based in the Midlands, with previous experience including Lloyds Banking Group, Santander UK, Serco and Marconi. Holly graduated Holly graduated from De Montfort University in Strategic HRM, has specialised in outsourcing and Employee Relations and is a Fellow member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (FCIPD). She is an advocate for Women in Business having previously spent time with the Women’s Business Council supporting older women back into the workplace and bringing menopause to life within the workplace showcasing challenges and bringing awareness.”

“I am delighted to have joined the Smart Works team; I am dedicated to supporting women with their journey towards employment and empowerment”

Bernadette Coughlan

Bernie has worked within the retail sector for over 10 years, currently working as a clothing buyer within the industry (Sainsburys). She is passionate about empowering women to feel confident and comfortable in their own style as well as an advocate for equal opportunities for women from all backgrounds. Bernie also has an interest in sustainable fashion and how pre-loved clothes can help support new opportunities for our clients.

Having worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years, I was inspired by Smartworks' driving goal to use fashion as a force for good. Fashion is often viewed as materialistic, however I have seen firsthand the confidence it instills in our clients to go after their own goals and secure employment. Smartworks is not only helping women but it is also contributing to the circularity of fashion which is why I am proud to be a part of this charity."

Fay Ashwell

Fay is Executive Director, COO and Compliance Officer at Oxford University Endowment Management. She joined OUem in November 2007 and, prior to this, spent eight years at the Wellcome Trust. She is also a Trustee at CABA. Fay is a Chartered Accountant with a passion for fashion and recently qualified as a fashion stylist with London College of Style in her spare time. She is a member of SW Fashion Club and a dressing volunteer.

“It is a privilege to be part of a team dedicated to supporting women rebuild their confidence through the power of clothes and coaching.”

Schnel Hanson

Schnel is a fully qualified Chartered HR Practitioner (MCIPD) and has a PGCE in post compulsory education. She worked as a freelance Consultant before founding her own business in 2015 ‘Developing the Inner You’, with the aim of facilitating training, coaching and positive transformation for further education, corporate and individual clients. Schnel was an Adult Learning and Governance Board Trustee for The Spires Centre from 2019-2022. In her early career she held training positions at Barnet Council and Notting Hill Housing.

“I am proud to join the board as a trustee. My strategic role is to support and drive the charity focus on the responsibilities of safeguarding adults and to network with the local community”

Danielle Owens

Danielle Owens is the Director of Meliora Talent Acquisition and joined Smart Works as a Trustee in April 2023. With extensive experience in talent acquisition and strategic people leadership, Danielle supports legal and professional services firms with tailored hiring solutions, focusing on both strategic projects and sourcing exceptional talent. In addition to her Board role, Danielle actively volunteers at Smart Works events and provides interview coaching to clients, helping them unlock their potential.

“I’m inspired by the transformative impact we have at Smart Works, giving women the clothes, coaching, and confidence they need to thrive."

Who we are > Our board

Our board

Smart Works is governed by our Board of Trustees, who bring with them a wealth and depth of experience across a diverse range of industries.

Chair

Vice Chair

Honorary Treasurer

Support our mission

Who we are > Our board

Our board

Smart Works is governed by our Board of Trustees, who bring with them a wealth and depth of experience across a diverse range of industries.

Chair

Vice Chair

Honorary Treasurer

Support our mission

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