Catherine Bavage
Chief Executive
Catherine established Volunteer Centre Tower Hamlets as an independent charity in 2008. She has worked in Tower Hamlets for more than 20 years. Her Chief Executive remit includes staff and project management, HR, finance, fundraising and supporting our Board. Catherine has volunteered in a wide variety of roles; as an appropriate adult supporting young offenders in custody, as a trustee, as a food bank volunteer and, more recently during the COVID-19 pandemic, as a Vaccination Site Marshal.
- Cath@vcth.org.uk
- 07521 182474
Evelyn Rodrigues
Training and Best Practice Manager
Evelyn joined VCTH in 2014, delivering training sessions and bespoke 1-1 advice to local organisations, supporting them to involve volunteers effectively and safely. Evelyn is a Learning & Performance Institute (LPI) Certified Trainer, meaning that the training she delivers is learner-focused, engaging and practical. Previously she worked at VSO in several volunteering related roles, including managing a training and advice programme for small diaspora organisations. She volunteered until 2020 in an older people’s group, leading cooking activities.
- Evelyn@vcth.org.uk
- 07517 518 763
Alex Nelson
Voluntary Sector Children and Youth Forum Coordinator
Alex supports voluntary sector organisations that work with children, young people and their families. She joined VCTH in 2009 and brings experience of teaching, working with schools, refugees and family support in Tower Hamlets and Newham to her role. Alex has previously volunteered in Bangladesh for 9 months and now volunteers with a homeless organisation.
- Alex@vcth.org.uk
- 07517 518640
Peppe Rella
Communications and Marketing Consultant
Peppe has worked with the Volunteer Centre since August 2008. He is a Digital Marketing and Communication specialist. He was an intern with the Institute for Public Policy Research and has an MA in Communications Policy and Telecom Regulation. He volunteers with the Italian community in London and for environmental programmes. He volunteered at the Rugby World Cup in 2015.
- Peppe@vcth.org.uk
- 07595 219603
Zahanar Begum
Administrator and Brokerage Advisor
Zahanar helps local residents find suitable placements. She helps organise training sessions and Networking events for Volunteer Managers. She also works with Volunteer-Involving organisations in promoting their opportunities to people. Zahanar has worked with children and young people with behavioural problems and learning difficulties. She studied A Level in Law and Business Studies at College.
- Info@vcth.org.uk
- 07595 219603
Karin Maschler
Chair
Karin joined the Board in January 2019. She has volunteered in many different roles over time including helping to recruit the London Ambassadors for the 2012 Olympics. Karin also worked on student-led projects benefitting the community in Tower Hamlets while part of the organisation Enactus at university. Karin works as an investment professional.
Leo Zawadzki
Treasurer
Leo joined the VCTH Board in July 2021. Having moved to London in September 2015 from Scotland following graduation. He has volunteered since high school, and specifically has volunteered in Tower Hamlets tutoring local students 1-1 in order to help students from all backgrounds attain access to further education in both College and University. Leo works as a finance professional in Tower Hamlets.
Sabiha Khanam
Trustee
Sabiha joined VCTH Board in October 2020. Sabiha completed her post graduate diploma in Management and currently works for a housing association, coordinating their volunteer services. Sabiha has volunteered in various roles supporting local community projects in Tower Hamlets.
Ioana Popovici
Trustee
Ioana joined the Board in August 2022, after completing the METs training programme offered by VCTH. She moved to the UK in 2012 to study Law at university. She trained and qualified as a solicitor, and has experience in both private practice and the charity sector. In the past, she volunteered as a Legal Advisor with Community Links and as a Telephone Befriender with Age UK, in addition to undertaking various pro bono projects at work. She lives in Tower Hamlets.
Megan Cowley
Trustee
Megan joined the Board in May 2021. Having volunteered in various student and professional programs, she was first introduced to VCTH through a trustee training and introduction program and became a trustee shortly after. Megan has previously lived in Tower Hamlets and works in finance.
Louise Theophile
Trustee
Louise was born in London and has lived in Tower Hamlets since 2021. She has previously volunteered at the YMCA Youth Matters Awards and has mentored young people looking for their first professional role out of education. Louise works as an HR Professional and is passionate about diversity and inclusion in both the workplace and society.