Our Operational Volunteer Team
Our outstanding team of volunteers, the Operational Team, are responsible for developing and delivering our core work. Normally working ‘out-of-hours’, these dedicated volunteers have helped us to expand what we do and accelerate our future ambitions.
To get in touch with one of our volunteers, email them using the format [firstname].[lastname]@2050.scot.
Our Leaders Network
Alex Stewart // Co-Chair of Leaders Network
Alex works as a Trainee Solicitor with Gilson Gray LLP, and before that was a student at the University of Aberdeen and the University of Dundee. He wrote his dissertation on environmental liabilities during the decommissioning process in the North Sea, and is looking to specialise in environmental law. When he's not working or volunteering with 2050 Climate Group, he loves climbing & hiking up the west coast of Scotland as a part of the Scottish Outdoor Young Team, and going to see live music.
Sofia Koukoura // Co-Chair of Leaders Network
Sofia works as an engineer and data scientist at ScottishPower Renewables. She has a PhD on wind turbine technology and collaborates closely with academia through her position as a visiting scholar at the University of Strathclyde. Sofia has a keen interest in interdisciplinary and intersectional approaches to tackling climate crisis. She hopes that by 2050 there will be more trees and stronger communities!
Alejandra Bustamante
Alejandra has a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Edinburgh where she currently works as an operations specialist. Previous experience includes supporting the Edinburgh Infrastructure and Investment Programme Board and financial and project management in the telecom and banking industry. She is particularly interested in sustainable finance and how to migrate from a profit system to a shared value system. Alejandra also loves to dance, hike, and learn other languages.
Ciaran Black
Ciaran works in Glasgow as a Project Manager at Statkraft, developing onshore wind farms across the UK, with particular interest in circular economy opportunities and community benefit potential. While studying geography & anthropology at the Universities of Glasgow and Bergen, he worked with environmental groups in Scotland and Norway to raise awareness and engagement in sustainability issues and the climate crisis. Outside of work, he is also a keen climber and cyclist.
Galina Sudiiarova
Galina is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Public Policy at the University of Strathclyde. With a background in sociology, she sought to transition to a field that would equip her with the skills to make sustainable decisions. With a focus on studying environmental problems, Galina is working on a dissertation related to the political discourse of climate change.
She has previously served as a committee member in a student community and has also participated in a business challenge aimed at creating sustainable business initiatives. In her free time, she enjoys playing squash and going for runs.
Georgios Neonakis
Currently working as a Supply Chain Analyst with Lifescan Scotland. Georgios has Masters in Logistics and Supply Chain Management and a Bachelor in Data Science from Heriot Watt University, where he analysed and researched possible ways to reduce carbon emissions and improve processes within the supply chain.
Jean Stafford
Jean is a postdoctoral research fellow working in the field of dementia epidemiology and the mental health of older people. Prior to this, she completed a PhD in psychiatric epidemiology and an MSc in child and adolescent mental health at UCL. Jean completed the Young Leaders Development Programme (2022-2023), and has a particular interest in the impact of climate change on health, including cognitive and mental health. As part of the YLDP, Jean co-organised several 'Postcards To Our Future' craftivism workshops, funded by the 2050x Fund, which brought together participants from around Scotland to craft their visions for the future of Scotland, with a focus on climate change. Outside of work, Jean enjoys going to see live music, playing piano, reading and yoga.
Jenny Scott
Jenny is currently a trainee solicitor with Thompson’s Solicitors. Her interest in climate change and environmental law follows her time in the waste industry as a business development manager with Changeworks Recycling. She will be volunteering in our Leaders Network.
Linda Azodi
Linda is currently working for an international non-governmental organisation providing humanitarian aid. She holds a Masters in Human Rights and has a strong interest in disaster risk reduction, green energy and urban sustainability. In her free time she enjoys being in nature and going for runs.
Manas Disoriya
Manus is currently working as a Paralegal at Cycle Law Scotland. He have a Master's degree in Energy and Environmental Law from the University of Aberdeen. Manus participated in the Young Leaders Development Program 2022-2023 and has been a member of the 2050 network since. Manus believes in finding what you would die for and then living for it. For me, that's saving our Mother Nature.
Scott Wilson
Scott works as a policy and public affairs manager at communications consultancy 3x1 Group, in Glasgow. He studied history at the University of Strathclyde, where he graduated at the top of his year, writing a dissertation on Scotland's anti-nuclear movement. He has a keen interest in all things political, but particularly enjoys work centred around net zero and transport. When he's out of the office, he loves to spend his spare time climbing hills across Scotland.
Victoria Tait
Victoria is a Lecturer Practitioner in the field of Education for Sustainability, with a particular interest in the role of environmental and sustainability education in Initial Teacher Training. She has worked in the sustainability and education sectors for over ten years, supporting teachers and academics to embed sustainability across their campus, curriculum and community, and empowering young people to take action for a sustainable future.
Our Climate Action Leadership Programme (CALP)
Nicola Smith // Co-Chair of CALP
Nicola works as a Programme Manager with youth mentoring charity MCR Pathway and is passionate about creating opportunities to empower young people. Nicola has a degree in Law from Glasgow University and has previously managed youth empowerment, education and sustainable development programmes in Scotland, El Salvador and Uganda. Nicola participated in the 2021/22 YLDP and jumped at the chance to join as an operational volunteer soon after. In her spare time Nicola enjoys travel, getting outdoors, wild swimming, live music and buying too many plants.
Jill Bunyan Co-Chair of CALP
Jill works as a Clyde Marine Planning Partnership Officer and is based at NatureScot. She is working to deliver the first Clyde Regional Marine Plan which aims to balance environmental protection, economic and social growth, and sustainable development in the Clyde region.. She has a degree in Law from Strathclyde and a Masters in International Environmental and Climate Change Law from Edinburgh. Outside of work, Jill enjoys reading, watching rugby, cooking, hiking, and going to the theatre.
Abi Gardner
Abi is an ecological scientist working in policy to bring together solutions to the duel crises of biodiversity loss and the climate emergency. She holds a degree in Geography, and masters in Ecosystem Services, with experience in public engagement on the importance of nature-based solutions to climate change, particularly leading on youth participation and empowerment. Abi completed the 2019/20 YLDP, joining as an Operational Volunteer since.
Bella Manning
Bella is a performance maker and creative. They have a degree in Drama and Creative Writing and are now pursuing their masters in Theatre and Performance Practices. In their theatre practice, they are currently exploring human relationships with nature. Bella is dedicated to developing the connections between the arts and environmental fields to address the climate crisis as she believes the arts can be an incredibly valuable tool for celebrating the natural world, evoking hope, and inspiring action. In her free time, she loves being in nature, horse riding, dancing, practising yoga, and learning.
Ella Venermo
Ella is a BSc Sociology and MSc Environment, Culture and Society graduate. She holds a particular interest in the relationships between people and environment, and the many ways in which we connect to the world around us, both practically and creatively. Having worked in many people-based roles, she is passionate about community engagement. In her free time, Ella enjoys being out in nature, gardening and yoga.
Emily Foster
Having completed her undergraduate degree in Geography, Emily is now working towards her masters in Science Communication and Public Engagement at the University of Edinburgh. She does a lot of research around Scotland’s Climate Change Plan and it’s impact on local communities. She also works part-time as a graduate hydraulic modeller. Outside of work, Emily is interested in sports, such as netball and enjoys painting.
Hannah Lane
Hannah works as a Senior Environmental Consultant for a small Landscaping and Environmental Consultancy in Glasgow specialising in renewable energy projects. She has a masters degree in Sustainability and Environmental Studies and has a particular interest in the circular economy and how we can best use waste materials. Hannah took part in the 2021/22 YLDP programme and joined as an operational volunteer in July 2022. Outside of work Hannah enjoys being outdoors and going on hikes with the dog, Mali, as well as wild swimming. She also enjoys vegan cooking/baking and trying out new recipes - often with limited success.
Kylie Kay
Kylie is a Communications Officer working for a Scottish regeneration non-profit. She has a Masters in Environment, Culture and Society, and loves working with communities to move towards a more climate resilient future.
Nick Hawkes
Nick works in campaigns and communications for one of the UK's largest nature coalitions. He has worked on actions related to land management, climate and nature policy, water pollution and species conservation and led RSPB Scotland's campaigns work at COP26. He joined the CALP team as a volunteer in 2024 after completing the Young Leaders Development Programme in 2023.
Scott Kirby
Scott works for the newly established Centre for Sustainable Solutions and the University of Glasgow, focusing on developing cross-cutting relationships between academia, government and policy makers. He completed the YLDP in 2018/19 and following a stint as the Student Union President at the University of Glasgow, has come back to volunteer.
Lottie van Grieken
Lottie is a Senior Campaigns Officer for SAMH, having previously worked for the RSPB in campaigns and project roles, including coordinating the RSPBs involvement in COP26. She also has experience working in a variety of other NGOs and is passionate about tackling the nature and climate crisis and contributing to a fairer world. Lottie completed the YLDP in 2023 and joined as a volunteer in 2024.
Rebecca Mackay
Rebecca spent the last three months of 2023 in Mexico, travelling around, eating some good food and learning about the plants. She graduated from college in June 2023 with a HND in Horticulture. Pre-pandemic Rebecca was a dog walker which was a great career but am now exploring the world of horticulture.
Ruth Oxborrow
Ruth works as a Communications Officer for Sustrans across their Infrastructure and Network Development teams. She completed the 2021/22 YLDP and joined as an operational volunteer shortly after. Her main interests lie in climate friendly and ethical food production, sustainable transport, and conservation. Outside of work and volunteering she likes to explore the outdoors, swim, and read.
Our Policy Team
Dan Yaxley // Co-Chair of Policy
Dan has a degree in Biology and currently manages a microbiology lab in Glasgow. His passion is food - cooking it, eating it, and exploring how it impacts the climate emergency. He completed the 2019/20 YLDP and also volunteers with the Scottish Food Coalition, helping to create a greener, fairer food system in Scotland.
Abi McLean // Co-Chair of Policy
Abi has a background in Marine Biology & Conservation from the University of Stirling and the University of Aberdeen. They are currently completing their master’s degree in Public Policy back at Stirling, and working towards a job within environmental, climate change or social policy areas once graduated. As Co-Chair of the Policy Sub-Group, and newly representing 2050 Climate Group within the Marine Litter Strategy Steering Group: they are keen to address marine-related policy aspects within the Policy Sub-Group whilst also helping with other targetted issues.
Angeliki Spyroudi
Angeliki is the Senior Innovation Analyst at SSEN Transmission supporting the delivery of an electricity network for Net Zero in the north of Scotland. She worked previously in analyst roles on offshore renewable energy and biogas research. She holds a degree in Economic and Regional Development and master degrees in Environmental Management and Renewable Energy Technology. She participated in the first YLDP in 2015/16 and her main interests are in green energy and the circular economy. She loves cooking, hiking and exploring new places.
Andrew MacNish Porter
Andrew works as a policy manager for Scottish Renewables focusing on the policy mechanisms that bring renewable energy to market. He has a bachelor's degree in economics and a masters in global energy management and has a keen interest in renewable energy's role in Scotland's transition to net zero. Outside of work, Andrew enjoys swimming, music and anything outdoors.
Bethany Tallis
Beth is currently a Graduate Environmental Advisor with BEAR Scotland where she produces environmental assessments for road and bridge maintenance projects across Scotland. She has a degree in Environmental Studies and International Relations from the University of Rochester in upstate New York and her main interests lie in green construction, marine environments and the SDGs
Chloe Munro
Chloe works for a Local Authority as Climate Change Project Officer, her role focuses on embedding climate change/sustainability policy into the organisation in order to reduce emissions and contribute towards local and national net zero targets. Additionally, Chloe works with local businesses and community groups to raise awareness of the impacts and solutions of climate change. Through this work, she hopes to empower local people to contribute towards mitigating climate change along with increase community resilience against the impacts.
Dzaui Jansen
Dzaui works as a Policy and Public Affairs Coordinator at the British Heart Foundation Scotland. Before that she studied International Relations and International Law at the University of Edinburgh. Dzaui is from a multicultural background and is both Dutch and Mexican. She wrote her dissertation on the implementation of the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) principle by the Mexican State on Indigenous Peoples' territory in mining cases. In her free time she enjoys salsa dancing, running and live music.
Emily Farquhar
After graduating from The University of Edinburgh with a degree in Sustainable Development, Emily joined Cycling UK as a Development Officer. She works on a range of projects across the Scottish Borders to promote active travel and encourage positive behaviour change. By supporting people to cycle more for everyday journeys, her aim is to make a contribution to reducing Scotland's transport-related emissions. In addition to her role in the 2050 Climate Group team, Emily is the COP26 Volunteer Ambassador for Scotland East and a Sustrans Bikeability Instructor. She is a keen cyclist and believes investing in active travel is a key action for transitioning to a zero carbon economy.
Elspeth Nicholson
Elspeth works in the public sector where she helps universities and colleges reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate change and act more sustainably. She completed the YLDP in 2022-23. Outside of work she likes walks in graveyards, baking sourdough and listening to Taylor Swift.
Eneyi Oshi
Eneyi is a MasterCard Foundation Scholar currently pursuing a Master's degree in Food Security at the University of Edinburgh. Dedicated to deepening her understanding of global food systems, she explores solutions to address the challenges of climate change and food insecurity. As the Co-founder of Agrisiti, Eneyi is passionate about empowering young people to embrace agriculture and drive sustainable food production in Nigeria. Eneyi also seeks to empower young people to become advocates for environmental protection and climate action, amplifying their voices in the climate change sector. She is committed to creating a brighter, more sustainable future.
Izi Robe
Izi works at the University of Edinburgh delivering operations and communications for climate research and partnerships. Prior to joining the University of Edinburgh, she worked as Sustainability Officer on an award winning waste reduction and climate change engagement project at Edinburgh College Students’ Association. She has worked in student representation in multiple higher education institutions, alongside volunteering with climate change organisations across Edinburgh, including completing the YLDP in 22/23. In her spare time she loves reading and finding joy in trying to learn gardening!
Gabriel Sanson Gomez
Gabriel is a researcher in the New Economy team of Generation Climate Europe (GCE), the largest coalition of youth-led climate initiatives at the European level. With his insights from this role, and empowered by the tools gained as YLDP graduate, he wants to bring discussions of rethinking economics beyond growth into Scottish political discourse, and draw stronger links between European climate movements and the Scottish climate space. He is entering his final year of his International Relations MA program at the University of Edinburgh, and joined the policy subgroup in 2024.
Katherine Annand
Katherine works in the Climate Change team at NatWest Bank, supporting and driving the transition to green finance for the bank and its customers. Katherine has also completed the Climate Change Transformation Programme at Edinburgh University and is currently completely a postgraduate microcredential at Glasgow Uni in Climate Change: Systems Thinking and Decision Making. When not at work, studying or volunteering, Katherine is a keen hillwalker who is trying to bag all the munros in Scotland! She is an avid birdwatcher and can often be found at the pond or in the woods with her binoculars. She also loves music and plays the bagpipes and tuba, with the Capital Concert Band in Edinburgh.
Kirsty Mills
Kirsty currently works as an regulations analyst at SSEN Transmission. After completing her chemistry degree at the University of Edinburgh, she spent ten years working in pharmaceuticals and medical devices. She is excited to be playing a role in helping towards the transition to Net Zero and hopes to be able to put her skills to good use in the policy subgroup!
Laura Gordon
Laura works in youth engagement with science and is currently working on a project to get disadvantaged young people into STEM research placements. She has over ten years of experience in engaging young people with environmental issues, having previously worked to coordinate and deliver public engagement events at Dynamic Earth. She has a research master's in Ecology and Environmental Biology and is particularly passionate about nature-based solutions to the climate crisis. She joined the Policy subgroup in 2022 after completing the 2021-22 Young Leaders Development Programme.
Libby Smith
Libby works as project manager for the Scientific Robotics Academy at the Scottish Association for Marine Science. She has a bachelor’s degree in earth science and a master’s degree in international marine science. Libby completed the 2022/23 Young Leaders Development Programme and has since joined the 2050 Climate Groups Policy team.
Meredith Adams
Meredith works for Penguin as a Social Impact Manager - trying to make publishing a more inclusive and equal place for under-represented writers and readers. She is also a board member at the Royal Scottish Geographical Society. Meredith holds a degree in Geography and has a varied background in labour rights and corporate social responsibility roles. She was part of the pilot YLDP in 2015-2016 before becoming an Operational Team Member.
Molly Coyle
Molly is a PhD student at the University of Glasgow. Her research takes an intersectional approach to improving working-class diversity and inclusion in environmentalism in the UK. Prior to this she completed her MRes in Public Policy Research with a focus on Community-Led Climate Action in Scotland. Molly completed the Young Leaders Development Programme (2022-2023) and carried out a collage-making activity to encourage people to talk about climate change in a more open and accessible space.
Sarah Barnard
Sarah works in the University of Edinburgh's Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability, supporting operations and governance arrangements. Her background is in the book industry and she's not lost the reading habit, though it's more committee papers than bestsellers these days. She is particularly interested in public transport and active travel policy. In her spare time she likes to plan long distance walking routes which are accessible by train or bus.
Richard Spowart
Richard works in biodiversity policy, supporting the development and delivery of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy. He completed the YLDP in 21/22 and has a background in sociology, as well as a Master's degree in Sustainability and Environmental Studies from the University of Strathclyde. He is interested in hill walking and encouraging people to get outside and connect with nature wherever they may find it.
Tara Sallis
Tara first got involved in climate activism through the YLDP last year and is now a member of the 2050 Policy Group. She works as an investment analyst at a Scottish asset management firm. She is particularly passionate about climate finance and helping young people get informed about their consumer choices and how they relate to environmental issues. In her free time, Tara loves hiking in nature and playing sports.
Thembi Chihambakwe
Thembi is an Offshore Development Graduate for ScottishPower Renewables where she works on consenting for Offshore wind energy projects in Scotland, England and mainland Europe. She has a degree in Environment and Development from the London School of Economics and also studied Environmental Science, Policy and Management at UC Berkeley in California with a focus on energy policy and economics. Thembi is particularly interested in environmental philosophy, international environmental politics and political ecology. She loves cooking, rock climbing and producing electronic music in her spare time.
Events Delivery Team
Andriani Chrysanthou
Andriani is a credit risk consultant at a financial consulting firm, with a background in Statistics and Finance. She holds a master's degree in Banking and Risk, and has engaged in a Climate Change Risk in Finance course, sparking her interest in sustainable finance and climate-related financial risks. Her exposure to climate risk at work has fuelled her passion for this field.
Claire McMahon
Claire is a civil engineer currently working for Transport Planning and Engineering. She is passionate about the benefits of active travel for people and the environment and is involved in the design and construction of infrastructure for walking, wheeling and cycling. She completed the YLDP and is now a volunteer with the events delivery team.
Heather McLarty
Heather has an academic background in both Renewable Energy Systems and Aero-Mechanical Engineering. She currently works as a Senior Project Manager at the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult in Glasgow, where she helps companies to develop research and innovation technologies in the renewables sector.