Hello from the Operation Reach team

Henry believes in the power of self-confidence and how it can bring limitless opportunities in life and at work. He is inspired by Operation Reach’s mission to help young people flourish through encouraging them to take part in new adventure. He has worked in the finance industry for over 12 years.

René is aspiring to work in cyber security, and loves to travel around the world and experience other cultures. He was excited to join the trustees having been one of the students that took part in the first trip to India and wants other students to have similar experiences. Being a trustee offers the opportunity to make this a reality.

Leila, following her time in India, aspires to be a diplomat. In October 2021 she started her first year at Oxford University, reading History and Politics; something she wouldn’t have had the confidence to aim for without Operation Reach. As an Inaugural Reacher, she jumped at the opportunity to be a trustee of Operation Reach as she is a strong believer in young people being exposed to unique and challenging experiences.

Having completed a 3-year stint as a geography teacher in West London as part of the Teach First graduate scheme, Flora is now a management consultant. A sense of adventure was instilled into Flora from a young age and she is lucky enough to have travelled around the world quenching her thirst for the next trip or challenge. Flora recognises the invaluable skills gained through adventures which cannot be taught — confidence, ambition, resilience, empathy — but, her time as a teacher starkly highlighted that adventure is an impossibility for many students — spurring on her passion to become involved in Operation Reach.

Kiki has worked as a Commodity Broker in the City for 18 years. Growing up abroad also gave her the chance to travel extensively and she recognises how fortunate she was, as these experiences have proved invaluable. She is inspired by Operation Reach’s mission to facilitate such life-changing adventures for young people and jumped at the chance to volunteer her time. With a focus on fundraising, she is excited to witness the impact Operation Reach is having on so many young people.

After she studied Modern Languages at university, Louise’s passion for communicating and connecting with people led her to a career in executive search/ recruitment. She is excited to get involved in Operation Reach as she really enjoys volunteering, giving back and contributing to worthwhile causes. She has also relished travelling and physical challenges, having completed the London Marathon, the 3 Peaks, a trek up Mt. Meru in Tanzania, the Inca trail, part of the Haute Route and the Tour du Mont Blanc. She sees huge value in the motivation, resilience and sense of achievement which physical challenges and exposure to new environments can bring. With her professional expertise, Louise will be focusing on the recruitment of new Reachers to the programme.

Claire is a qualified accountant and has been working in commercial finance for 10 years. Having been lucky enough to study abroad at university and to take time out of her career to travel, she understands the huge personal benefits of adventures and new experiences. She volunteers her financial skills at Operation Reach to enable more young people to explore and learn from the world around them.

Alice joined Operation Reach as she wants to address the inequality in access to adventure and overseas travel for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. She recognises the many benefits of undertaking physical challenges, having taken part in the 3 Peaks Challenge, the Thames Towpath 100km and various offshore sailing races. As a trustee, Alice brings financial expertise as a qualified chartered accountant and having spent 11 years working in the banking sector. In her spare time, Alice is on a mission to inspire more accountants into volunteering for non-profits through her charitable organisation Charterpath.

Having taken hundreds of students and adults up mountains, Charles has witnessed first-hand the immense positive impact of outdoor experiences on people — from all backgrounds. His Masters (MA) thesis explored the impact of high level challenges on participants and led him to pursue a full time career in the outdoor sector. Before guiding, Charles worked in finance, TV production and as a maths teacher (8 years). Having led 6 expeditions in the Amazon jungle — and further trips to Iceland, Nepal and Scotland — he’s learnt the magical ingredients for developing an ambitious, capable expedition team; with members thriving on a sense of belonging.