Meet our Patron and Trustees
Monica Ali- Patron
Monica is an award-winning writer, whose novels include the Booker-shortlisted Brick Lane, In the Kitchen and Untold Story. She has been a visiting Professor on the MFA course at Columbia University, New York, and from 2015-18 was Distinguished Writer in Residence at the University of Surrey. Her writing has appeared in numerous publications including The Guardian, The Times, The New Yorker, and the New York Times. She has judged a number of literary prizes, including as the Chair of the Asian Man Booker, and previously served as a Trustee of the St Giles Trust, which helps some of the most disadvantaged people in our society.
Simran Chawla, Chair of Trustees
Simran has a background in Public Health and has worked in sexual health and gender-based violence for over 15 years. She grew up in India, and is fortunate to call two countries her home. She loves most animals more than most humans and is committed to smashing the patriarchy on all days of the week that end in Y.
Bharvi Hadani, Treasurer
Bharvi saw first-hand the difficulties her own mother faced when she moved to the UK in the 70s. 40 years on some problems and challenges are still very much the same. Bharvi is so proud to be part of Hopscotch, the team’s commitment and passion to supporting and empowering women to feel safe and to reach their full potential is truly inspiring.
Olivia Spruce, Trustee for Homecare
Olivia has 21 years of public sector Recruitment experience, 10 of which have been spent within a leadership capacity in the Health and Social Care sector. She is currently CEO of a specialist Healthcare Recruitment consultancy based in the City and is delighted to be part of a team of such positive people who strive so passionately to empower.
Vidhu Sood-Nicholls, Trustee for Fundraising
Vidhu was drawn to Hopscotch because she believes all women should be able to make choices for themselves, not have decisions forced upon them. Educating and empowering women is one of the best things we can do to make the world a better place and this is her way of helping to make that happen.
Wupya Nandap, Trustee for Legal
Wupya is a woman who strives to lift as she climbs, she is honoured to assist Hopscotch in its worthy efforts to lift and empower women from all walks of life.
Ria Brookes, Trustee for Programmes
Ria believes advocating for, supporting and empowering women is in her DNA and at the very least, serves her soul. She was ignited by the CEO's belief in what Hopscotch does, and her care and compassion for the welfare of its service users - which made becoming a trustee an easy decision. Ria is driven by her passion and enthusiasm for ending Violence Against Women and Girls, and helping them navigate their road to recovery.