experts in engagement and policy analysis
Core collective
Talat Yaqoob
Talat has led projects, research, and campaigns in the third sector and beyond across the UK. She works on a range of equalities and anti-poverty issues, and is focused on meaningful lived experience research, campaigns and influencing strategies, and political participation. Learn more about Talat
Email Talat on info@thecollectivescotland.co.uk
Ellie Hutchinson
Ellie’s specialisms include violence against women and girls, children and young people, participatory research and wellbeing . She takes a trauma informed approach to all her work, and is particularly interested in feminist justice and creative practice. Learn more about Ellie
Email Ellie on info@thecollectivescotland.co.uk
Mansi Panjwani
Mansi Panjwani is an international peace educator and facilitator who partners with mission-driven organisations and educators to nurture feminist leadership, wellbeing, and compassionate, trauma-informed cultures grounded in trust, equity, and community care. Learn more about Mansi.
Email Mansi on info@thecollectivescotland.co.uk
Megan McHaney
Megan has a background in policy, advocacy, lifelong & community education and organisational development. Megan has worked in the UK and internationally on education policy, citizenship education, developing organisations’ capacities to achieve their strategic and project goals, training, facilitation and online learning. For more info visit her website
Kate Nevens is also a co-founder of the collective, and launched the group in 2020 with Ellie and Talat, she is now an elected member of the Scottish Parliament so is no longer an active member, however we wanted to acknowledge her important contribution in building our success.
Collaborators
Iffat Shahnaz
As lifelong campaigner committed to social justice justice and equality Iffat works with progressive organisations committed to social change and tackling social exclusion and discrimination, Specialising in gender based violence, community education, facilitation, service development and change management. For more on Iffat go to her website
Zemeta Chefeke
Zem is a skilled educator, facilitator, trainer, and researcher. She has local and international experience in education, community development, and culturally responsive practices. Zem specialises in equity-focused training and combines research expertise with participatory approaches. Multilingual and culturally competent, Zem has collaborated with diverse stakeholders globally and locally to drive meaningful change.
Rhianna Mallia
Rhianna is a skilled social researcher, evaluator and facilitator, who has worked across the private and voluntary sectors in research and policy. An intersectional feminist, she champions the meaningful inclusion and participation of those whose voices are often unheard. You can learn more about Rhianna’s career and interests on LinkedIn.