Bridges is a small charity with local roots and a big heart.
We provide support and opportunities to help refugees, asylum seekers and migrants find work in Scotland.
To create a supportive bridge between talented individuals and meaningful employment opportunities, fostering a more inclusive and diverse Scottish workforce.
For over 20 years, Bridges Programmes has helped thousands of people to rebuild their lives in Scotland.
This, in turn, has increased the diversity of the local workforce and made the national economy more resilient.
Our success for clients is a direct result of our dedicated team of experts, including staff, trustees, employers, partners, and volunteers.
Together, we are Bridges!
I have had a varied career that has included working as a student immigration adviser, as well as roles in the third sector focusing on international education issues and student support. I have also worked in English language teaching and in the tourism industry in Greece.
During my time as a manager of student support services at the University of Strathclyde, I established the University’s Asylum Scholarship in partnership with Strathclyde Students’ Union, the Carnegie Trust, and the Scottish Refugee Council. I am currently Head of Safeguarding at the University.
I have a long-standing interest in migrant and refugee rights, and I previously served as co-chair of the New Scots Education Sub-Group. I have also been a member of the Board of Bridges Programmes since 2016.
I strongly believe in lifelong education, and over the course of my career I have completed a Master’s degree in Refugee Studies, a Master’s by Research in Environmental History, and more recently, a PhD in History at the University of Strathclyde.
I was inspired to become a board member for Bridges because I believe deeply in the transformative power of meaningful employment to restore dignity, purpose, and hope to people’s lives. Refugees and migrants bring with them a wealth of skills, resilience, and experience, yet too often face barriers to work that prevent them from fully contributing to their new communities. Having seen firsthand how access to employment opportunities can help individuals rebuild their confidence and integrate more fully into society, I wanted to play an active role in an organisation that shares this vision.
Bridges’ commitment to supporting people to improve their employability and secure work in Scotland resonates strongly with my own values and professional background. I work in the college sector and play a strategic role in supporting ESOL delivery and the development of employability skills. My own family history is also peppered with stories of migration where members of my family left their homeland to find a better life and to flee persecution. As a board member, I am eager to help shape strategy, strengthen partnerships, and advocate for approaches that open doors for people who deserve the chance to thrive. Joining Bridges is, for me, an opportunity to contribute to a Scotland where everyone, regardless of their origin, can find meaningful work and build a better future.
I am an immigrant woman who arrived in 2004 with two young children to start a new chapter of the journey of my life here in Glasgow. Having changed my environment, staring a new life in a society that is completely different form the one I grew up in, the challenges were numerous. My first work opportunity at the Scottish Refugee Council, not only freed me economically, it made my integration process smoother as it introduced me to a wider world. Throughout my career here in Scotland, I have been involved in assisting asylum seekers and refugees to integrate. Empowering immigrants through building their confidence is one of my priorities. As a board member on the Bridges Programmes, this will allow me the chance to assist the New Scots achieve their career goals and ultimate dreams.
I am currently serving as Treasurer and a Board Member at Bridges Programmes in Glasgow, where I contribute to financial governance, budgeting, reporting, and ensuring strong financial controls and compliance. I joined the Board because I am passionate about supporting community-focused organisations that create meaningful social impact and improve opportunities for individuals in need. With over 10 years of experience in accounting and financial management, I bring strong expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, payroll, VAT, and team leadership, along with a solid understanding of financial systems and compliance requirements. My values strongly align with Bridges Programmes’ mission, particularly in relation to transparency, accountability, and empowering communities through practical support and inclusion. I am committed to using my financial skills and strategic insight to support the organisation’s sustainability and long-term impact.
I am a former client of the charity and have been serving as a board member for more than two years. I hold a degree in Business Administration and have 13 years of experience in banking. I currently work at one of the top five accountancy and business advisory firms.
I actively support clients by organising mock interview sessions and sharing my own story to motivate them. As a board member, I take part in meetings where I contribute to strategic decision-making, budget planning, and the review of organisational changes, always ensuring that everything aligns with the charity’s mission.
Our dedicated team of staff and trustees brings a wealth of diverse knowledge and expertise. Many team members have personal experience of arriving in the UK and using our services as New Scots. They are now committed to supporting and inspiring others!
Working at Bridges Programmes has been incredibly rewarding. Through initiatives like the Ukraine and Afghanistan schemes, I have had the privilege of helping people rebuild their lives and integrate into new communities. The most rewarding part of my role is seeing clients gain confidence, find employment and take meaningful steps towards independence. being able to support them, through these life-changing transitions is what I love most about working at Bridges.
