Upstart Projects is the charity behind Voice magazine and Youth Voice Training.Our trustees bring a wealth of experience to support the staff to fulfil our mission and run a sustainable organisation.
Chair of Trustees Holly Howe
Deputy Chair of Trustees Phoebe Hill
Trustee Nikeria Tannis
Trustee Tom Edwards
Trustee Beth Troakes
Trustee Amy Clewlow
Trustee Michael Zdanowski
Trustee Charlie Rainer
Trustee Frances Perraudin
Frances Perraudin
Trustee
Frances Perraudin is a journalist at the Guardian. She has worked as a politics reporter and north of England correspondent and is now the deputy national editor in the organisation’s London newsroom.
Charlie Rainer
Trustee
Charlie works at Impetus, a grant-making and capacity-building organisation, funding and working directly with youth-focused charities and social enterprises. He also leads Impetus’ leadership development programme, the Impetus Leadership Academy, which seeks to address inequity in charity leadership by supporting high-potential leaders from ethnic minority backgrounds to progress in their careers.
Charlie previously spent 8 years working in financial services, most recently as a credit analyst for a specialist pensions investment manager.
Michael Zdanowski
Trustee
Michael is a consultant to the global energy, technology and IT sectors advising a range of international clients on their business strategies.
During his career he has led diverse, multicultural teams and developed strategic campaigns for leading organisations across the world.
Michael has a particular interest in renewable energy and has worked right across the global energy sector in hydrogen, nuclear, solar and other emerging energy technologies.
Michael specialises in devising business, government and public relations’ strategies aimed at delivering lasting positive change. He has worked across Europe and the Middle East.
Michael is educated to PhD. level in History and possesses Masters degrees from the College of Europe and the Jagellonian University in Krakow.
In his spare time, Michael is a karate instructor (Fourth Dan) with the Japan Karate Association and teaches and trains in London. He also supports social mobility initiatives and has been a judge to the UK Social Mobility Awards since its inception in 2017.
Amy Clewlow
Trustee
Amy is a former Voice Magazine Kickstarter and arts practitioner, having worked with Voice she can’t wait to have a bigger role in the development of young people, with a heavy focus on supporting them in the arts.
Beth Troakes
Trustee
Beth is a freelance curator and gallery director based in Brighton. She has curated exhibitions nationally and internationally and has worked with partners in Italy, South Korea and China. She has worked in development as both a freelancer and in arts organisations for many years and has also worked with many award-winning international theatre companies and performers as a producer and strives to support artists and musicians who are unsigned and unrepresented.
Tom Edwards
Trustee
Tom is a filmmaker and photographer. He is currently working as a Digital Marketing and Campaigns Officer at North West Bridge organisation Curious Minds who help connect young people to arts and culture. He has a degree in Film Production and has completed his Digital Marketing apprenticeship. He is currently finishing up his Gold Arts Award and has been working as part of the Wigan Local Cultural Education Partnership.
Nikeria Tannis
Trustee
Nikeria is a second-year Law with Criminology student in Nottingham. On her days off, she participates in community project work, focusing on addressing homelessness and promoting inclusion. During weekends, she enjoys engaging in art and editing. Creativity brings her peace and nostalgia, and she finds joy in both participating in creative activities and witnessing others enjoy them. This evokes her enthusiasm as a young trustee for Upstart. As a trustee, she aims to support Upstart’s Projects in any way she can to continue their work in assisting those pursuing careers in the arts. Additionally, she hopes to call attention to the Voice Magazine, which holds so much authentic and creative work.
Phoebe Hill
Deputy Chair of Trustees
Phoebe is our Deputy Chair and HR lead, having joined the board as a founding young trustee. Phoebe has worked across the arts and voluntary sector in London, with experience in community participation and events. Following a career change, she now manages the HR team at older people’s charity Independent Age.
Holly Howe
Chair of Trustees
Hollyis a freelance art journalist, writing for various publications including State/F22 magazine, The Art Newspaper, Highsnobiety, Complex, i-D, and Londnr. She leads guided art walks in London as well as giving talks and chairing panel discussions at places including Soho House, The Hospital Club, and the House of St Barnabas. She also works in corporate communications for an assortment of clients.