EY Foundation appointments highlight growing ambition

Pioneering young people’s charity, the EY Foundation, has appointed media owner, Nafisa Bakker as a trustee and investment consultant, Dawid Konotey-Ahulu as a patron. Operating an innovative corporate foundation model, the two new appointments demonstrate the charity’s commitment to growing its impact by working with the brightest talent.
Nafisa Bakkar CEO of amaliah.com, a media company that amplifies the voice of Muslim women said: ‘The younger me would have greatly appreciated the work that the EY Foundation do. I am passionate about helping to mobilise young people and unlock their potential, regardless of their socio-economic background. It is a great honour to be a part of a charity that truly impacts the lives of thousands of young people.’
On becoming a patron, Dawid Konotey-Ahulu, co-founder of two investment consultancies, Redington and mallowstreet, said: ‘Someone has said, “Every child needs, in their life, at least one adult who is irrationally crazy about them”.  I really believe that. Ensuring young people from all backgrounds can achieve their potential and succeed in the workplace is a subject close to my heart. I can’t wait to get started as a patron for the EY foundation and use my business experience to help them show young people what they are really capable of achieving.’
EY Foundation Chair, Patrick Dunne said: ‘I am delighted to welcome Nafisa and Dawid to the EY Foundation. They join an already diverse group of trustees and patrons and their range of experience and skills, spanning communication, cultural change and business will be provide a further boost as we move into our next exciting phase of growth.’
The EY Foundation’s unique model includes a majority independent board and a pioneering approach to delivery, which has helped nearly 3000 young people to unlock their potential and thrive in the workplace. Growing the charity’s impact year on year has been achieved by working in partnership with over 200 employers and 5000 volunteers.
Through the delivery of a range of bespoke programmes, the EY Foundation gives young people the skills, experiences and support to overcome barriers to employment, connecting employers to talented young people across the UK.
Feedback from previous EY Foundation students:

• Mohammed – ‘The EY Foundation showed me what I could aim for. It gave me an idea of the outside world and that there are opportunities if you’re willing to work for them. It was this pivotal point in my life where I was given a reason to aspire higher.’
• Romaysa – ‘For someone who had no idea what they wanted to do in the future, the EY Foundation opened a lot of options. When I have interviews now I don’t just use the first thing that comes to my mind, I dig a bit deeper into it. Within two weeks my outlook had completely changed.’